EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – New York Jets rookie Malachi Corley will never forget his first NFL carry. He’ll wish he could.

The wide receiver, known in college for his ability to produce yards after the catch, got the ball on a jet sweep and scored on a 19-yard run — or so it seemed. The celebration was cut short because it was judged that he had dropped the ball before crossing the goal line.

It was a deliberate decline; Corley thought he was in the end zone. After a replay review, it was ruled a fumble. The ball rolled out of the end zone and was declared a touchback. When things go bad, they go really bad.

What we thought was a Jets TD… is a touchback! Houston ball 😳#HOUvsNYJ on PrimeVideo
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—NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2024

Instead of a 7-0 lead, the Jets had to go back on defense. For the record, it went down as an 18-yard rush for Corley.

The third-round pick out of Western Kentucky, known in college as the “YAC King,” has played just a handful of snaps this season. The Jets drafted him in part because of his ability to play with the ball in his hands. The trick, of course, is to hold it in your hands.