In the fast-paced world of the NFL, mistakes happen. But some blunders are so bizarre, so inexplicable, they become legendary. Among the most unforgettable are the moments when players literally went the wrong way—either running toward the wrong end zone, making a disastrous backwards pass, or losing track of the field. These plays became infamous, often resulting in huge losses, safety points, or turnovers, and forever cementing themselves in the annals of NFL history. Here’s a look back at some of the most jaw-dropping “Going the Wrong Way” moments:
1. Jim Marshall’s Infamous “Wrong Way Run”
Perhaps the most famous instance of running the wrong way in NFL history is the case of Jim Marshall, a Hall of Fame defensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings. In 1964, after recovering a fumble in the middle of a game against the San Francisco 49ers, Marshall began sprinting toward what he thought was his team’s end zone. The only problem? He was running toward the wrong goal line. Marshall continued his 66-yard dash, oblivious to the fact he was about to score a safety for the 49ers. The crowd went silent as Marshall reached the end zone, thinking he had scored a touchdown for his team. Instead, he gave up two points to the opposition and forever etched his name into NFL lore—for the wrong reasons.
2. DeSean Jackson’s Raider Fumble
In 2021, DeSean Jackson, the speedster known for his highlight-reel plays, found himself in a situation where he couldn’t outrun his mistakes. While playing for the Las Vegas Raiders, Jackson made a fantastic catch near the 14-yard line, looking like he was about to make a big play. However, as he was running down the field, he got a bit disoriented, and in a moment of confusion, he fumbled the ball right into the hands of the defense. It wasn’t just a regular fumble—Jackson had gotten himself so turned around he practically handed the ball over to the opposition. The Raiders lost a golden scoring opportunity, and Jackson’s fumble became a cautionary tale about the mental side of the game.
3. Ben Roethlisberger’s Backwards Pass Disaster
Big Ben is known for his poise under pressure, but even the best can make rookie mistakes. During a game in the 2010 season, Roethlisberger, under heavy pressure from the defense, tried to throw a pass—except the ball ended up going backwards instead of forwards. The result? A fumble. It wasn’t just a regular fumble either; it was a live ball, and it was recovered by the defense, who scored a touchdown. What should have been a simple pass turned into one of the most unforgettable plays of the season.
4. The “Backward Pass” and the Lions’ Recovery
In another wild moment, a quarterback—under intense pressure—tried to throw a quick pass but ended up throwing it backwards instead. The ball, still live, was recovered by the Lions’ defense and returned for a touchdown. The quarterback had thrown the ball with such force and in such a bad direction that it spun around and went in the opposite direction of where he intended. It was one of those plays that made fans and analysts alike wonder how a professional player could make such an elementary mistake. The Lions capitalized on the blunder, turning it into a huge momentum
5. Mercury Morris and the Safety Disaster
Mercury Morris was a blazing fast running back for the Miami Dolphins during their perfect season in 1972. But in one fateful play, Morris made a mistake that would haunt him forever. After catching a short pass, he was tackled inside his own end zone, resulting in a safety for the opposing team. While Morris was known for his breakaway speed, this particular play highlighted how a small mistake could lead to a costly safety—a blunder that set the Dolphins back and reminded fans that sometimes even the quickest feet can lead to disaster.
6. Jared Allen’s Out-of-Bounds Gaffe
Jared Allen, a dominant defensive lineman, had made his name as one of the most feared pass rushers of his era. But in one bizarre moment, Allen found himself out of bounds during a critical play. Running after the quarterback with everything he had, Allen stepped out of bounds, unknowingly giving up a crucial safety for his team. It was one of those moments where the crowd collectively sighed, and even Allen himself had to wonder how he let the game slip away in such an uncharacteristic manner.
7. Pordell Stewart’s Rookie Mistake
Pordell Stewart was a promising quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but even rookies can make rookie mistakes. In one of his first games, Stewart scrambled to make a play, only to throw the ball backwards under pressure. It was a live ball, and the defense quickly pounced on the mistake, recovering the fumble. Stewart’s ill-advised backwards pass cost his team critical field position, and it was a harsh lesson in the importance of keeping track of where the ball was going. The rookie mistake was a stark reminder that not every play can be improvised.
8. Tim Tebow’s Spin Fail
Tim Tebow was known for his gritty, never-give-up attitude on the field, but even he had moments where things didn’t go as planned. During one of his games with the Denver Broncos, Tebow tried to escape the pocket by spinning out of pressure, only to get caught in the backfield for a huge sack. The defensive line had his number, and despite his best efforts, Tebow couldn’t avoid a massive loss. The spin move that was supposed to help him elude defenders ended up in disaster, setting his team back significantly and adding to the list of “almost-great” moments that didn’t pan out.
9. Raheem Rock’s Sack of Warner
In one of the most intense moments of the season, quarterback Kurt Warner thought he had enough time to make a play. But the defense, led by Raheem Rock, came through in a big way, sacking Warner for a massive loss. As Warner tried to buy some time, he found himself on the receiving end of a crushing blow, losing 28 yards in the process. It wasn’t just a sack; it was a statement. Warner’s inability to escape the pressure resulted in a huge momentum swing, leaving his team reeling and unable to recover.
10. The “Backward Trail” of Wizzer White
One of the earliest examples of a player going the wrong way comes from the 1940s, involving a player named Wizzer White. In a game where White was under intense pressure from the Rams’ defense, he decided to run backward, trying to avoid a sack. Unfortunately, White’s attempt to dodge the rush sent him running in the wrong direction for 51 yards, leading to a fumble and a critical turnover. The image of White sprinting backward in an attempt to escape the Rams’ defense became a defining moment in early NFL history.
Conclusion: A Legacy of “Going the Wrong Way”
These moments remind us that football is a game of inches, where the smallest mistake can lead to huge consequences. Whether it’s running the wrong way, throwing a backwards pass, or fumbling in a critical moment, these plays are a part of NFL lore that fans will never forget. While these “wrong way” moments may have cost players and teams dearly, they also serve as a reminder of how unpredictable—and sometimes downright bizarre—the game of football can be. In the end, every player makes mistakes, but it’s how they respond to those mistakes that defines their legacy in the game.
