Why was Jets' Malachi Corley play not a touchdown but a touchback? The rule explained

In last night‘s Game between the Jets and the Texans, the Jets triumphed with a score of 21-13. But one of the most comic moments of the season so far came early in the second quarter.

With the Jets positioned at the Texans‘ 19-yard line, the young rookie receiver Malachi Corley took a toss from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He accelerated down the right sideline with impressive speed and agility as he ran through the Texans’ defense toward the end zone.

As Corley neared the goal line, he decided to celebrate prematurely. Just before entering the end zone, he dropped the Football from his right hand, thinking he had secured the touchdown.

Unfortunately for the Western Kentuck alumni, a thorough video review confirmed that he had not yet crossed the goal line when he released the ball.

Why a touchback and not a touchdown?

Consequently, Corley was officially recorded for an 18-yard run but was also charged with a fumble.

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Since the ball rolled out of bounds and into the side of the end zone, the play was ruled a touchback, resulting in a turnover that gave the Texans possession.

This whole situation astounded the crowd at MetLife Stadium, which was filled to about three-quarters capacity on that Halloween night. Many fans were left shaking their heads, while others expressed their disbelief at Corley’s premature celebration, which cost the Jets an important scoring opportunity.

In the end, this rookie mistake was quickly forgotten, and the Jets got the all-important victory for a 3-6 win-loss score midway through the season.