Jets rookie Malachi Corley has overturned TD after losing the ball before the goal line vs. Texans

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Malachi Corley thought he scored his first NFL touchdown for the New York Jets — but the rookie wide receiver dropped the ball before he crossed the finish line.

And it rolled out of the end zone. So no touchdown, a turnover for the Jets and a big rookie mistake.

“First of all, you can’t do it,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said he told Corley. “Secondly, you owe us one.”

With the Jets — who went on to beat Houston 21-13 Thursday night — at the Texans’ 19 early in the second quarter, Corley took the throw from Aaron Rodgers and zipped down the right sideline. Corley sped into the end zone, but just before crossing the goal line, he dropped the ball out of his right hand in celebration.

A video review showed he had not entered the end zone before dropping it. So Corley was credited with an 18-yard run and a fumble. And because it rolled out the side of the end zone, it was a touchback and a turnover.

The play left the crowd at MetLife Stadium — which was only about three-quarters full on Halloween night — stunned.

“Absolutely frustrated, to be honest,” Ulbrich said of his initial reaction. “And angry at the same time. But what a great opportunity for this kid to grow and learn from. I promise you in 10 years he’s still playing in this league that will never happen again.

Corley was a third-round draft pick out of Western Kentucky who has seen little action this season. He came in with just one 4-yard catch in four NFL games.

The mistake was reminiscent of DeSean Jackson’s fumble while a rookie with Philadelphia during a “Monday Night Football” game during the 2008 season. He celebrated a touchdown against Dallas prematurely by turning the football behind him at the 1-yard line before entering the end zone.

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