Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. This phrase, attributed to George Santayana, is typically used to describe geopolitical events, not football. But in Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season, it certainly applies.
The NFL’s goal line fumbling epidemic needs to stop now
Mark Schofield is a former college quarterback and attorney covering the NFL and F1.
Last week, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell was on his way to the end zone against the Los Angeles Rams with a clear touchdown, but celebrated before crossing the goal line, losing the football in the process. Instead of a touchdown for the Colts, the ball went through the end zone for a touchback.
The Rams ended up winning the game.
The moment was covered all over the sports media landscape, and led to Mitchell being limited in his role this past week against the Las Vegas Raiders. You would think that clip was played for all 32 teams -- including the Colts -- ahead of Week 5.
If it was played by Jonathan Gannon of the Arizona Cardinals, then running back Emari Demercado must not have been paying attention.
Against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Demercado broke through the line and into the secondary, racing ahead for what looked to be a 72-yard touchdown on 3rd-and-1:
However, as you can see in this clip, Demercado looked to celebrate just before the goal line. The play was reviewed, and it was determined that indeed he had fumbled.
For the second week in a row, a touchdown became a touchback:
Maybe the message will sink in ahead of Week 6?
You would think so. Especially since for the second week in a row, the team involved went on to lose the game.
Here’s Mitchell’s big gaffe from Week 4 again:
This is just inexcusable. A junior varsity player would get benched for this, let alone an NFL player. NFL players: finish the play! Otherwise, it’s about to be the biggest embarrassment of your life.
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