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Jets player releases the ball inches before scoring a touchdown, resulting in a baffling turnover

Malachi Corley was literally an inch away from scoring his first career touchdown.

Instead, he committed turnovers.

The New York Jets game started in typical Jets fashion. In their first three plays, Aaron Rodgers overthrew Davante Adams, Breece Hall dropped a pass and Rodgers was sacked.

It can’t get much worse, can it? Wrong.

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Malachi Corley

New York Jets wide receiver Malachi Corley prepares for a game on Thursday, October 31, 2024 in East Rutherford, NJ (Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

On their ensuing defensive drive, the Jets committed a foul kicker penalty on 4th and 21, extending the drive.

Okay, that has to be it, right? No!

Corley, a rookie, took a throw from Rodgers and found the open field, untouched with blockers in front for a touchdown.

There was only one problem. He released the ball just before the goal line.

As the Jets celebrated what they thought was a touchdown, the officials went to review the play and confirmed that Corley had dropped the ball too early. The play therefore resulted in a touchback.

The Jets selected Corley in the third round of this year’s draft out of Western Kentucky, but he wasn’t used as fans expected.

Malachi Corley on the sidelines

Malachi Corley of the New York Jets walks off the field during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Nashville. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

It seems he lost his chance as quickly as he got it.

It was a tough task for the Jets, who have lost five straight after a 2-1 start to the season. Rodgers looks like a 40-year-old who suffered an Achilles injury, and he and his good friend, Adams, haven’t been on the same page since Adams landed in New York.

But they still entered Thursday night as favorites, as they were the home team against a depleted Houston Texans team without Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs.

Malachi Corley on field

Malachi Corley of the New York Jets warms up against the New York Giants before a game at MetLife Stadium on August 24, 2024 in East Rutherford, NJ (Luke Hales/Getty Images)

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The game remained scoreless during the first quarter.