People are raving about how New York Jets receiver Malachi Corley missed a touchdown for the first time when he dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line.

How is that possible? Well, that happens more often than you can imagine, as the Jets' rookie is just the last person to want to celebrate too soon.

New York Jets WR Malachi Corley, 2024

With the Jets at the Texans' 19 early in the second quarter, Corley took a flip from Aaron Rodgers and raced down the right sideline. Corley raced into the end zone, but just before crossing the goal lineTo celebrate, he let the ball fall from his right hand. A video review showed what happened, so Corley was credited with an 18-yard run and a fumble. Worse for the Jets was that the ball rolled out of the end zone to allow a touchback and a turnover.

Atlanta TE Kyle Pitts, 2024

Let's call it a near miss. Pitts was completing a 49-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter against Tampa Bay when he accelerated and was caught by safety Antoine Winfield Jr. just outside the end zone. Winfield knocked the ball out as Pitts dangled it at his side. But an official ruled that Pitts broke the goal-line plane first.

Clemson WR Ray Ray McCloud, 2016

Sometimes it happens in college. That was the case with Pitts' current Atlanta teammate, receiver Ray Ray McCloud, who just had a 75-yard punt return score against Troy eight years ago when he threw the ball behind him on 1st down. “You’re going to go “I’m thinking about this game,” McCloud said after the Tigers’ 30-24 win.

Philadelphia WR DeSean Jackson, 2008

Jackson was a freshman who celebrated his apparent touchdown against Dallas by throwing the ball behind him. When he did, he was only at the 1-yard line, wiping out the score.

Pittsburgh TE Dave Smith, 1971

Considered the forefather of such party gaffes was that of Smith, who was on his way to a 50-yard TD catch against Kansas City, when he pumped his arms over his head – with the ball in his left hand – at the 5 as the ball slipped out and through the end rolled zone. The play was seen across the country on Monday Night Football.

Dallas DL Leon Lett, 1993

Perhaps the most famous chase and celebration error in NFL history came on January 31, 1993 in Super Bowl XXVII when speedy Buffalo receiver Don Beebe caught the 290-pound Cowboys lineman holding up the football with his right hand to celebrate what was supposed to be his defensive score should. Dallas led 52-17 at the time, so Lett's mistake didn't stop the Cowboys from celebrating a title.

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