In the storied history of the NFL, there have been countless moments of glory and triumph, but the league is also marked by its fair share of spectacular blunders. These errors, whether from players or coaches, have led to some of the most memorable and regrettable moments in football history. Among the worst blunders of all time, a few stand out for their dramatic impact and sheer misfortune.

One of the most infamous blunders occurred during the 2001 AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Oakland Raiders and the New England Patriots. With the game tied and just over a minute remaining, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw a pass that was deflected by the Raiders’ Charles Woodson, leading to what appeared to be a game-sealing fumble recovery for Oakland. However, the referees ruled it an incomplete pass due to the controversial “Tuck Rule,” allowing the Patriots to retain possession and ultimately win the game. This decision was a crushing blow for the Raiders and sparked debates that continue to this day about the rule’s validity.

Another notable blunder is the 2015 “Fail Mary” incident. During a Monday Night Football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks, the referees awarded a game-winning touchdown to the Seahawks after a highly disputed catch in the end zone. Packers fans were outraged as the replay clearly showed that Seahawks receiver Golden Tate did not have possession of the ball, but the replacement referees, who were filling in during a labor dispute, made the controversial call. This blunder not only cost the Packers the game but also highlighted the perils of having replacement officials.

In the realm of coaching errors, the 2002 Super Bowl XXXVI stands out. St. Louis Rams coach Mike Martz famously decided to pass rather than run the ball in crucial moments of the game against the New England Patriots. This decision failed to run down the clock, giving Tom Brady a chance to orchestrate a game-winning drive. The Patriots won 20-17, and Martz’s tactical misjudgment was harshly criticized.

These blunders, from questionable calls to strategic errors, underscore the unpredictability of football and the thin margins between victory and defeat. They serve as stark reminders that even the best teams and players are vulnerable to the whims of fate and the pressures of the game. For fans and players alike, these moments of failure remain etched in NFL history as cautionary tales of what can go wrong on the gridiron.