New York Jets star denies himself first NFL touchdown with embarrassing gaffe

New York Jets rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley appeared to score his first career NFL touchdown on Thursday night, but turned what should have been a joyous moment into a nightmare

What seemed to be a triumphant first career NFL touchdown for New York Jets rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley quickly turned into a nightmare. The Jets were hosting the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium on Halloween night when disaster struck.

During the first play of the second quarter, quarterback Aaron Rodgers faked a handoff to running back Breece Hall and flipped the ball to Corley on a reverse end-around. The clever play saw Corley escorted 19 yards by several Jets blockers and he strolled into the end zone untouched.

However, just before crossing the goal line, he dropped the ball, which rolled out of bounds. Officials overturned the initial call of a touchdown, ruling it a fumble and touchback.

The Texans regained possession but failed to capitalise, going three-and-out. Since being drafted by the Jets in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Corley has struggled to make his mark professionally.

Before Thursday night's game, he had only made one catch for four yards and was only active due to Allen Lazard being out with a persistent chest injury.

Jets fans took to social media to vent their frustration over the team's latest blunder in a season plagued by errors. One exasperated fan posted, "Team has zero discipline. Unbelievable. Better to forfeit the game and let the fans go home early," while another commented, "This is one of those things that should happen once (with Desean Jackson) and never again. How this is still happening baffles me."

In what seems like a recurring theme this season, another NFL player almost made the same mistake recently.

Atlanta Falcons' Kyle Pitts nearly lost a touchdown during their victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he slowed down before the end zone and risked a fumble. Despite a replay showing he hadn't crossed the goal line before losing the ball, the touchdown call stood.

Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said after the game that officials told him there was no clear side view to overturn the call. This lack of camera angles drew criticism from former Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who lambasted the NFL for inadequate coverage.

"I don't understand why this is such a problem," he commented during his appearance on the 'Pat McAfee Show'. "A camera could easily be mounted on the sideline just like they have in tennis - on the end lines and the sidelines. Or just build a stand and put it on there."

"I can't imagine money is a problem. The NFL has plenty of money. They can have a car wash and raise money if money is a problem."