Celebrating too soon? NFL players have been dropping the ball for some time now, and New York Jets receiver Malachi Corley’s recent experience has reignited discussions around premature celebrations on the field.
Malachi Corley, WR, New York Jets (2024)
During a game against the Houston Texans, Corley found himself at the 19-yard line early in the second quarter. After receiving a flip from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, he sprinted down the right sideline. As he approached the end zone, he let his excitement get the better of him and dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line. The video review confirmed the fumble, resulting in an 18-yard run for Corley but a devastating turnover for the Jets as the ball rolled out of the end zone for a touchback.
This incident can be seen as a near miss of a mess. In another game, Kyle Pitts was about to complete a 49-yard touchdown catch against Tampa Bay when he eased up, allowing safety Antoine Winfield Jr. to knock the ball from his grasp just before he crossed the goal line. Fortunately for Pitts, an official ruled that he had indeed broken the plane before losing possession.
Such mishaps are not uncommon in college football either. Pitts’ Atlanta Falcons teammate, Ray-Ray McCloud, experienced a similar fate eight years ago during a game against Troy. After a remarkable 75-yard punt return, he celebrated prematurely by tossing the ball behind him at the 1-yard line. Reflecting on that moment after the Tigers’ 30-24 win, McCloud remarked, “You’re going to leave this game thinking about my mistake.”
Rookie player Jalen Jackson also learned this lesson the hard way when he celebrated an apparent touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys by flipping the ball behind him—only to realize he was still at the 1-yard line, nullifying the score.
Perhaps the most infamous celebration blunder occurred with Smith, who was on track for a 50-yard touchdown catch against the Kansas City Chiefs. As he celebrated with his arms raised at the 5-yard line, the ball slipped from his grasp, rolling through the end zone—a moment that was broadcast nationwide on Monday Night Football.
One of the most memorable chase-down moments in NFL history took place during Super Bowl XXVII on January 31, 1993. Speedy Buffalo receiver Don Beebe managed to catch up with Dallas Cowboys lineman Leon Lett, who was celebrating a potential defensive touchdown by holding the ball out in triumph. Despite the Cowboys leading 52-17 at the time, Lett’s error became a lasting reminder of the importance of securing the ball until the play is officially over.
