Nothing frustrates NFL fans or coaches more than seeing a player make a blunder by celebrating too early. Yes, we’re discussing dropping the ball before crossing the goal line! Anyone would think professionals know better, but it happens more often than anyone can imagine.
Malachi Corley of the New York Jets recently became the latest victim of this embarrassing blunder, joining a long list of players from the NFL and beyond.
Malachi Corley’s Costly Drop
New York Jets rookie receiver Malachi Corley had his big moment turn sour against the Houston Texans in 2024. Early in the second quarter, with the Jets at the Texans’ 19-yard line, Corley took a flip pass from Aaron Rodgers and sped down the right sideline. He looked unstoppable as he dashed into the end zone, but right before crossing the goal line, Corley dropped the ball from his right hand in a premature celebration.
The video review exposed the mistake: the ball never made it over the goal line. Corley received credit for an 18-yard run and a fumble. To make matters worse, the ball rolled out of the end zone for a touchback, resulting in a turnover for the Jets. What could have been a feel-good touchdown became a nightmare scenario, but the Jets managed to win 21-13.
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Kyle Pitts’ Near Disaster
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts nearly found himself in a similar situation in 2024. During a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pitts hauled in a 49-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. As he approached the end zone, he slowed down, dangling the ball loosely at his side. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. managed to knock the ball out of Pitts’ hand right at the goal line. Fortunately for Pitts, the officials ruled he had broken the plane just in time, saving him from the embarrassment of a nullified score.
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Ray-Ray McCloud’s College Blunder
Celebration mistakes aren’t exclusive to the pros. Back in 2016, Ray-Ray McCloud, now an Atlanta Falcon, made a costly error while playing for Clemson. Facing Troy, McCloud completed a dazzling 75-yard punt return, only to drop the ball at the 1-yard line as he celebrated prematurely. “You’re going to leave this game thinking about my mistake,” McCloud admitted after Clemson barely pulled out a 30-24 victory.
DeSean Jackson’s Rookie Mistake
DeSean Jackson is one of the most electrifying receivers in NFL history, but he wasn’t immune to the rookie curse. In 2008, Jackson was a Philadelphia Eagles rookie when he pulled off a memorable mistake against the Dallas Cowboys. After what appeared to be a touchdown, Jackson flipped the ball behind him to celebrate. The problem? He released it at the 1-yard line, and the score was nullified. Even the great ones learn the hard way.
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Dave Smith’s Monday Night Football Mishap
The trend dates back even further, to 1971. Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Dave Smith pulled off the granddaddy of premature celebrations. In a Monday Night Football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Smith caught a 50-yard pass and began celebrating early. He raised his arms in triumph with the ball in his left hand at the 5-yard line, only for it to slip out and roll through the end zone. The entire nation saw his blunder on live TV, which became an instant example of how to not celebrate.
Leon Lett’s Super Bowl Slip-Up
Perhaps the most infamous early celebration in NFL history belongs to Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Leon Lett. During Super Bowl XXVII in 1993, Lett recovered a fumble and had a clear path to the end zone. With the Cowboys up 52-17 over the Buffalo Bills, Lett held the ball out in his right hand to show off. But Buffalo’s Don Beebe, sprinting with blazing speed, caught up and knocked the ball out of Lett’s hand just before he crossed the goal line. While the Cowboys still won the title, Lett’s error became a cautionary tale for future players.
Why Do Players Keep Making This Mistake?
It combines adrenaline, excitement, and the desire to show off. Scoring in the NFL is a big deal; for some players, that end zone celebration is too tempting to wait for. Yet, repeatedly, they learn the hard way that getting over the goal line is priority number one. So, next time you watch a game and a player takes off toward the end zone, keep your eyes peeled. The ball just might come loose a little too soon!
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