Mike White played through an epic, pro wrestling-style hit and fans were in awe

Mike White did not have a fun day in western New York Sunday. Not only did he have to face the Buffalo Bills’ top five defense as a 9.5-point underdog, but he had to do so with a depleted offensive line.

That quickly became a problem in a low-scoring battle. White was battered behind the line of scrimmage, standing tall in the pocket to make throws downfield but absorbing a ton of punishment in the process. The elevated backup missed a pair of snaps in the first quarter after taking a big shot. But that was nothing compared to the simulated car crash Matt Milano had waiting for him after halftime.

prayers up for Mike White's ribcage, or whatever remains of it pic.twitter.com/TgWYAwkKeB

— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) December 11, 2022

White stayed down for a minute before walking to the sideline and eventually back to the locker room to be examined by team doctors. Joe Flacco played in his stead, suffering a strip sack in his first snap of the second half that led to a Bills field goal. But one drive later, White returned to the sideline with his helmet on. Minutes after taking a hit that briefly turned his body into a misplaced accordion:

White was back in the pocket, zipping passes downfield and taking damage behind the line of scrimmage despite what the CBS broadcast described as a “rib injury.” Fans, predictably, were in awe of his toughness. That is, of course, in the midst of making jokes about the picture perfect, Goldberg-style (or Edge, or Ricky Starks, your pick) pro wrestling spear the Jets’ quarterback took Sunday afternoon.