Tyler Higbee is the hero in the Rams’ victory over the Jets in their first game back

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Tyler Higbee is not prone to tears.

“I’m not a big crier,” he said.

But the Rams’ veteran tight end found himself in trouble this weekend after his wife put together a montage of video clips showing the ninth-year pro going through his comeback from injuries.

Higbee watched the video once on Saturday night and several times before Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, Higbee’s first in 11 months after knee and shoulder surgeries.

“I got a little emotional,” Higbee said.

Emotions — among Higbee, his teammates and the Rams’ coaches and staff — exploded after Higbee caught a pass and leaped across the goal line in the fourth quarter to give the go-ahead score of a 19-9 win at MetLife Stadium.

“I almost fainted just because I was so hyped,” Higbee said.

Higbee’s play was the strongest in a game that included another 100-yard rush attempt by Kyren Williams, a fumble forced by safety Kam Curl and a defense that mostly kept Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers at bay as the Rams snapped their winning streak extended to four games.

Rams linebacker Jared Verse (8) celebrates his fumble recovery against the Jets with his teammates. The turnover forced by Kam Curl set up the game-winning touchdown.

(Seth Wenig/Associated Press)

The Rams are now 9-6 and remain atop the NFC West heading into Saturday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium.

The Cardinals (7-8), who lost to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, are out of playoff contention but can play the role of spoiler against a Rams team that has rebounded from a 1-4 start and is on the verge of a breakthrough He reached the playoffs for the sixth time in coach Sean McVay’s eight seasons.

“We’re starting to reach the goal of being able to play a complete game,” edge rusher Jared Verse said. “Like offense, defense, across the board.”

The Rams stayed hot on a day where the warmup temperature was 17 degrees.

Outside linebacker Michael Hoecht came out shirtless.

“I’m Canadian,” he said, “so that’s nothing.”

About 15 minutes later, the rest of his position group did the same.

They sent the message that nothing, be it freezing temperatures or future Hall of Famer Rodgers, could stop the Rams from continuing their winning streak and heading to the playoffs.

It was so cold that even McVay donned a hat that covered his signature gelled spike.

Before the game, a cozy fireplace was visible on the stadium’s giant video boards. All that was missing were hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Still, it was Higbee’s return from an injury suffered in an NFC Wild Card loss at Detroit last January that warmed the Rams’ hearts.

“It’s great to have him back on the team because he just brings an energy that everyone can harness and enjoy,” Williams said.

Higbee came into the game on the fifth play of the game. He was a leading blocker for Williams on a touchdown run in the second quarter.

“You can feel Higs,” Williams said.

Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (89) dives into the end zone past the Jets defenders for the decisive touchdown catch.

(Seth Wenig/Associated Press)

The score was 9-9 in the fourth quarter when Curl sacked Rodgers and forced a fumble, giving the Rams the ball at the 21-yard line.

Two plays later, McVay called a play called “Lizard.” Stafford keeps the ball and rolls to his right as Higbee blocks one end, hesitates and then goes into the flat.

“It’s a game he was really good in,” McVay said.

Higbee said, “There’s always a chance when he calls like that.”

Higbee caught the ball, turned toward the goal line and was met by Jets players at the pylon, but he jumped and crossed the goal line.

“I felt a little bit like the ‘Space Jam’ Michael Jordan with his arm and was able to just come in,” said Higbee, who scored his 23rd career touchdown, his first since November 2023 against the Cardinals.

“Just a tone setter for us,” Stafford said of Higbee. “It was great.”

Higbee fired the ball into the end zone and then ran toward the sideline while pumping his fist. He didn’t get far as his teammates pressured him.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever stood on a sideline more excited,” receiver Cooper Kupp said, “and I mean, that’s a testament to Higbee.”

McVay agreed.

“The most excited I’ve ever seen a team get a guy to do what he did,” McVay said. “It was a really long journey back. … He embodies everything that is right about this team: mentally strong, physically strong, resilient, can respond to different types of things.”

Higbee, who turns 32 on Jan. 1, said he was humbled by the love and support but looked forward to moving on to Saturday, when the focus will be on the team and not him.

“We have a special team that cares about each other,” Higbee said, “and when you have a unit like that that can play together, it’s special.”

“Find a way to win no matter what the conditions are. We did it last week, we did it this week and it’s time to do it again.”

With Higbee firmly under control again.