Justin Jefferson, the wide receiver for the National Football League's (NFL) Minnesota Vikings, had his potential touchdown cancelled due to the controversial touchback rule on Thursday during a match against fellow NFL rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles.
As per reports, Jefferson was en route to scoring a crucial touchdown for the Vikings, which would have put his team in front at halftime. However, as he made his way to the goal line, Jefferson was tackled by an opposition player, making him lose control of the ball. The ball then fumbled into the end zone.
The match officials quickly discussed the incident and ruled it a touchback rather than a touchdown, as the player did not carry the ball inside the pylon, but it fumbled inside, thus rendering it outside the end zone.
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It was a crucial call, as right after this incident, the Eagles got the ball, converted a 61-yard field goal, and took a 13-7 lead before halftime.
Speaking about the incident, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell stated that Jefferson was just attempting to make a play. He also added that Jefferson was trying to do 'whatever he can' to win and termed the incident as 'unfortunate.'
According to reports, touchbacks are common in NFL matches, but what happened with Jefferson was a rare specimen.
So what is the highly debated touchback rule?
As per the 2023 NFL law, Section 7, Article 3, Item 4-a: 'If a ball is fumbled in the field of play and goes forward into the opponent's end zone and over the end line or sideline, a touchback is awarded to the defensive team.'
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Jefferson's touchback can take place in three different ways.
The first scenario is when a quarterback launches an interception in the opponent's end zone, and the defender takes a knee.
The second scenario is when the team on offense fumbles the ball into the end zone of the opponent, and the defensive team recovers on the ground or if the defender takes a knee.
The third scenario - that happened with Jefferson - is when an offensive player fumbles the ball through the opponent's end zone and then out of bounds after it crosses the goal line without any clear recovery.
After the match, Jefferson told the media he was making himself accountable for the incident. He then stated, 'Fumbling in the end zone like that when we need points and we’re driving and having that momentum.'
He also said that he told his teammates that such an incident wouldn't occur again.
This NFL touchback rule has been a point of controversy for fans, and hence, they were left disappointed when it was on display on Thursday.
The Minnesota Vikings ended up losing to the Philadelphia Eagles, 28-34, in the match.
