Jevon Holland made for quite the highlight reel during the season opener of his second year in the NFL.
The Coquitlam product aided the Miami Dolphins on defense in more ways than one en route to a 20-7 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday (Sept. 11).
Holland recorded his third career interception five minutes into the contest.
The 22-year-old safety caught the ball after quarterback Mac Jones' throw to the end zone was tipped by Miami's Xavien Howard and flipped in Holland's direction.
He proceeded to carry the pigskin nearly 30 yards downfield to put the fins in a favourable position.
By the final whistle, Holland had three tackles against the Patriots' offense and sealed the 1-0 record to start the year.
Holland, who was named co-captain of the Dolphins' secondary with Howard prior to Sunday's tilt, also made an impression heading into Hard Rock Stadium.
Living up to his "Hollywood Von" Twitter handle, the Canadian arrived in a checkered suit and bolo tie while sporting a cowboy hat in anticipation of the showdown.
Holland was selected 36th overall by Miami in the 2021 NFL Draft after he opted out of his junior year at the University of Oregon.
The six-foot, 207-pounder played in 16 games in his rookie season, recording 48 solo tackles, 21 assisted takedowns and 2.5 sacks. He also had two interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
Holland is the son of former CFLer Robert Holland, who played seven season with Edmonton, Saskatchewan and the BC Lions, where he continued to do some coaching after he retired in 1997.
Jevon Holland spent eight years in Coquitlam. He also played soccer with North Coquitlam United.
The Holland family then moved to Oakland where Jevon became a star at Bishop O’Dowd High School, rising to the 13th ranked safety in America in his senior year.
He joined Oregon in 2017, amassing 72 solo tackles, nine interceptions and 19 pass deflections in his two seasons.
He elected to sit out the 2020 season to protect his health at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- with files from Mario Bartel, Tri-City News
