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In his first game in the NFL in 1989, Don Beebe had only one shot, but he amassed 63 yards and a touchdown.
In his debut, Beebe's son, Chad, did not enter the end zone, but he had three catches in the 24 to 9 victory of the Vikings against Detroit on Sunday at the US Stadium.
"I guess I have the right to boast," Beebe said laughing.
After raising Chad Beebe from the training squad on Saturday, the Vikings lost no time in putting him to work. In the fifth half of the game, the unprepared rookie from Northern Illinois caught a 2-yard pass from Kirk Cousins. In the next game, in the fourth and second half, he caught a 13-yard pass to the 24 Lions, which led to a 1-yard touchdown by Latavius Murray.
"Getting this first take certainly helped," Beebe said. "Obviously, at first, there was a little nervousness. It's all new for me again. I have a lot to learn. I had a good day.
Beebe also had a 6-yard reception in the second quarter, giving him 31 yards on three catches. Cousins said Beebe has the ability to "create a separation" with its speed.
When it became clear that the Viking star receiver, Stefon Diggs, would not play Lions with a rib injury, the Vikings raised Beebe from the training squad to the 53-man squad. This sent many family members rushing to get to Minnesota for his first game.
Don Beebe, who played in the NFL from 1989 to 1997 and competed in four Super Bowls, said after Sunday's game that 21 members of his family made the trip to the Twin Cities, most of them from Chicago. Family members met Beebe after the match, hugging her and taking pictures.
"I'm so proud of him," said Beebe's mother, Diana. "It's a bit surreal."
Family members were scattered in the stadium because they had received their tickets so late. Don Beebe said that they had received more than 50 text messages during the match.
"Normally, I'm pretty nervous before the games, because when I played, I could control it, but as a father, I can not," Don Beebe said. "But this game, I just felt calm. I knew he was ready and I knew that they had pieces designed for him at the third try. He waited a long time for it.
Beebe has done well in the training team this season and his coach Mike Zimmer said the Vikings were looking for an opportunity to call him back.
"I knew Beebe was good," Zimmer said. "We have been trying to activate it for about three weeks now. … It's like that everyday in practice.
Beebe said that he remained patient, but that he had a "hint" he could be called.
"I'm super excited for him," said receiver Adam Thielen. "The hard work he does and the pieces he plays regularly every week is what you want. You applaud the guys who are going to break their lines. "
Thielen was released in 2013 from Minnesota State Mankato and became a Pro Bowl receiver. Beebe does not deny that he wants to follow his path.
"Being able to see this with Adam and his story definitely gives me hope," Beebe said. "I hope to do what he does one day. Obviously, being a competitor is the end goal. You want to try to be the best you can.
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