With the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants taking the field for Monday Night Football, there was not going to be a shortage of star power. But when all was said and done, the fans were not talking about Dak Prescott, Saquon Barkley, Daniel Jones, or Ezekiel Elliot. They were talking about the MetLife MNF Black Cat that scampered across the field during the second quarter.
Kevin Harlan’s play-by-play call of the cat’s adventure was as entertaining as anything that had happened in the game up to that point:
Everybody please immediately stop what you’re doing and listen to @KevinHarlan do play by play of the cat at Giants Stadium. 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/0hnJJDJT45
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) November 5, 2019
Of course, if you are superstitious, then the last thing you want is for a black cat to cross your path (maybe that is what happened to Sam Darnold). But since it crossed the path of both teams (sort of), did that mean bad luck for both sides? As it turns out, it was just for the home team:
Before #MNF was suspended due to the presence of a black cat on the field, the Giants were winning 9-3 and Dak Prescott had 84 yards, 0 TDs and 1 INT.
After #BlackCat exited and play resumed, Dallas outscored New York 34-9 and Prescott had 173 yards, 3 TDs and 0 INTs.
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) November 5, 2019
Dallas went on to win the game 37-18, improving to 5-3 on the year while the Giants fell to 2-7. But fans were not too worried about the fate of either team during or after the game. They wanted to know about the MNF Black Cat.
The Story of the MNF Black Cat
As it turns, the cat is a resident of MetLife Stadium along with a few other strays under the bleachers that the grounds crew takes care of. He (or she) was an immediate hit online with fans cracking jokes but also expressing concern for the cat.
But they don’t need to worry; stadium officials have said that the cat will be looked after.
For those wondering about the status of our furry friend 😺 at tonight’s @Giants game👇
The black cat ran off the field and disappeared under a seating section. Once we locate and safely capture the cat, we will take it to a veterinarian for examination. #BlackCat | #DALvsNYG
— MetLife Stadium (@MetLifeStadium) November 5, 2019
Insta-Celebrity
When something like this happens, fans go nuts online with the jokes, and they did just that during the broadcast Monday night. Some were about what you would expect, while others were genius:
BREAKING: The black cat was released by Eli Manning to sabotage Daniel Jones in last night's loss to the @dallascowboys. Spoiler alert, it worked. #blackcat #MNF #mnfcat pic.twitter.com/DD8x93GR3B
— Mac&Cheese Season Gonzo (@SalsaGonzo) November 5, 2019
They said I'd never make it to the NFL, they were wrong. #blackcat https://t.co/KtyDQ7IULK
— SchindlersCat (@FelisDave) November 5, 2019
7 more years of bad QBs for the @Giants #NYGvsDAL #MNF #blackcat pic.twitter.com/9blwK9QwET
— Brittany Kregs (@KregsList) November 5, 2019
It appears as if the Giants have already lost their chance to sign him:
There are literally no words for how happy this makes me 😹 @Eagles #Eagles #NFL #NFLcat #MNF #MNFblackCat #BlackCat #MetLifeCat pic.twitter.com/zgS1j1SZwZ
— Megs (@I_Am_TheCatLady) November 5, 2019
It looks like he (or she) already has a few groupies:
This is what it's like when you want to be your idols.#BlackCat pic.twitter.com/Zh2xv41s31
— Eric Reese (@EricReesePSN) November 5, 2019
But fans were not the only ones that got involved in the fun online:
BREAKING: Black cat signs with Miami Dolphins #MNF pic.twitter.com/TJQmdWsNDf
— XFL News (@XFLNewsCom) November 5, 2019
The black cat’s jersey will be available for sale starting tomorrow at 9am EST #MNF
— Fanatics (@Fanatics) November 5, 2019
Oh – and he (or she) already has a documentary
The MNF cat already has a mini-documentary 😹
(via @thecheckdown)pic.twitter.com/rPuelIuX52
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 5, 2019
To any and all streakers that think people will love you just as much for interrupting a game – they will not.