DeMario 'Pop' Douglas had the game of his life in the New England Patriots' win over the Atlanta Falcons, but it was later revealed that he was playing with a heavy heart
22:38 ET, 02 Nov 2025Updated 22:38 ET, 02 Nov 2025
DeMario Douglas #3 of the New England Patriots grabs a touchdown pass
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DeMario 'Pop' Douglas showed out for the New England Patriots despite learning of devastating news(Image: Icon Sportswire, Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DeMario 'Pop' Douglas delivered an emotional performance in the New England Patriots' victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, playing just hours after learning of a family tragedy.
In the Patriots' 24-23 triumph, Douglas produced arguably the finest showing of his young career, hauling in four receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. His previous season-best had been three catches for 71 yards against the New Orleans Saints.
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Following the game, Douglas disclosed he was honoring a relative who had been killed the night before.
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"Yesterday my uncle got shot, and well killed, last night," Douglas told NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. "This whole morning man, my mood was just different. I can't hold my tears I can't hold nothing. Every time somebody said 'Keep your head up,' my eyes kept watering up and I just know he was here with me today.
"First day in Heaven, he was working and I'm blessed."
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 02: DeMario Douglas #3 of the New England Patriots celebrates a touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter in the game at Gillette Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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(Image: Maddie Meyer, Getty Images)
After finding the end zone against the Falcons, Douglas expressed his desire to honor his uncle for supporting him in spirit, despite the heartbreaking loss occurring just before New England's clash with Atlanta. The Patriots' triumph over the Falcons marked their sixth consecutive win, and Douglas felt certain his uncle would have been proud of his performance as a wide receiver.
"I know he's up there right now. It's a blessing man. I just know he's up there, excited for sure," he shared.
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Postgame, Terrell Jennings chimed in: "He's like an uncle to us. Me and 'Pop' actually, he took take care of us when we was out with him back. And last night, he tragically got killed late last night and that was big on my heart this morning. I just wanted to ball for him."
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel also had words of praise for Douglas's performance for New England, expressing his admiration for the 24 year old's resilience amidst personal turmoil. Vrabel hinted at plans to involve Douglas more in future games.
"We got to keep finding Pop, you know what I mean?" Vrabel told reporters post-victory.
"But you always look, and when Pop doesn't have the ball and somebody else does, he's turning the block and doing all the things that we ask him to do to protect our identity. And so, you know, we have to continue to find him on some of these runaways or some of these slot plays that are really good for him.
"And I love having him on the team. He's fun to coach. I mean, he sits right up front, and, you know, he's always into it. Great teammate, so always happy for his success."
Star wide receiver Stefon Diggs expressed his pride in Douglas' stellar performance. "Obviously, 'Pop' is a baller," Diggs shared with reporters in the locker room.
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"He comes into work, he does everything right and he does it with a smile and even when things don't go his way, where he might not get the rock, he's always smiling. ... but 'Pop' got that smile that will light up a room and I'm just so proud of him - his first 100-yard game."