A-P Falcon Catches First Pro Pass

Aplington-Parkersburg High School alumnus Brad Meester did something Sunday he’s never done in his 14-year NFL career -- catch a pass. The Jacksonville Jaguars center and former University of Northern Iowa star recorded the first career reception during the final home game of his professional career.

Meester announced last week he’s retiring from the NFL following the season. After reporting as an eligible receiver, Meester caught a nine-yard screen pass from quarterback Chad Henne that resulted in a Jacksonville first down as the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

The catch occurred on a first-quarter scoring drive in Jacksonville’s 20-16 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Meester -- a second-round pick of the Jaguars in the 2000 draft -- has played all 208 games of his NFL career for Jacksonville and is the only player to have played for all five of the franchise’s head coaches.