Cody White, a Seattle Seahawks wide receiver, scored the first touchdown of his NFL career during a 38-14 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 2, 2025. The 60-yard play was part of a dominant offensive showcase by quarterback Sam Darnold.
The touchdown occurred in the first half of the game at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, where White, elevated from the practice squad, caught a deep pass from Darnold, broke a tackle, and sprinted 60 yards into the end zone. This milestone marked a significant moment in his professional journey, as it was only his ninth reception in the NFL after years of grinding on practice squads. The score extended the Seahawks’ lead to 28-0, emphasizing the team’s offensive prowess and depth. White’s perseverance paid off in a highlight-reel play that captivated fans and teammates alike.
Sam Darnold delivered an exceptional performance, completing his first 16 passes for 282 yards and four touchdowns before halftime, and finishing 21 of 24 for 330 yards. His near-perfect start placed him among elite quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Tom Brady, who have achieved similar feats since 1991. Darnold’s accuracy and command allowed him to spread the ball effectively, targeting multiple receivers and keeping the Commanders’ defense off balance. Coach Mike Macdonald praised Darnold’s consistency and leadership, noting the team’s determination in chasing success.
Beyond White’s breakthrough, other Seahawks players made significant contributions. Rookie Tory Horton caught two touchdown passes, while Elijah Arroyo also scored his first NFL touchdown. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had eight receptions for 129 yards, tying Steve Largent’s franchise record for his sixth 100-yard receiving game of the season. The balanced offensive attack, despite missing injured receiver Cooper Kupp, overwhelmed Washington and helped Seattle improve to a 6-2 record, tying them for first place in the NFC West.
The Commanders struggled throughout the game, losing their fourth straight and falling to a 3-6 record. Quarterback Jayden Daniels was injured in the fourth quarter with a serious left elbow injury, adding to Washington’s challenges, as they were already without standout wide receiver Terry McLaurin and suffered additional injuries during the game. Coach Dan Quinn called the performance “unacceptable” and emphasized the need for improvement, highlighting the team’s defensive lapses and inability to contain Seattle’s offense.
Cody White’s journey to this moment underscores the resilience often required in professional sports. After a college career at Michigan State, he entered the NFL in 2021 and has navigated practice squad roles before seizing this opportunity with the Seahawks. His touchdown not only celebrates a personal achievement but also highlights the potential for less-heralded players to impact games. This could lead to increased playing time and inspire others in similar positions to persevere through adversity.
Looking ahead, the Seahawks will host the Arizona Cardinals in their next game, aiming to build on their momentum in the playoff race. The Commanders, dealing with injuries and a losing streak, face the Detroit Lions in a rematch of last season’s playoffs. White’s breakthrough adds depth to Seattle’s receiving corps, while the team focuses on maintaining its competitive edge. The game served as a reminder of football’s unpredictability and the thrilling moments that define careers and seasons.