The crazy rule that made Jet’s Malachi Corley’s into a touchback and not a touchdown explained
In the game between the New York Jets and the Houston Texans, Jets’ wide receiver Malachi Corley made a crucial mistake that turned a potential touchdown into a touchback.
During the second quarter, Corley caught a pass and sprinted towards the end zone, seemingly securing a touchdown for his team. However, in a moment of premature celebration, he dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line.
This mistake turned what should have been a touchdown into a touchback, giving possession to the Texans at their 20-yard line.
What is the touchback rule and how does it work?
The touchback rule in the NFL is clear: if a player fumbles the ball before crossing the goal line and it goes out of bounds in the end zone, the opposing team gains possession.
This rule is designed to ensure that players maintain control of the ball until they have fully crossed the goal line, preventing premature celebrations from impacting the game. For Corley, this meant that his moment of triumph quickly turned into a costly error.
Despite this setback, the Jets managed to secure a 21-13 victory over the Texans. However, the incident serves as a reminder to all players about the importance of focus and control. Corley’s mistake, while unfortunate, is a valuable learning experience for him and his teammates.