The infamous 'Butt fumble' turns 10: Reliving one of the most embarrassing plays in NFL Thanksgiving history
The 'Butt fumble', created by New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, is now 10 years old and is one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. On November 22, 2012, Sanchez created one of the most infamous plays in all sports, as he fumbled the ball away to the Patriots, resulting in a defensive score.
On first-and-10, trailing 14-0, Sanchez looked to hand the ball off for a run, but couldn't locate a running back to hand the ball to. He ran forward, straight into his guard Brandon Moore's butt, causing him to fumble the ball.
Patriots safety Steve Gregory recovered the football and returned it for a touchdown, extending the Patriots' lead to 21-0.
On this day 10 years ago: the Butt Fumble. https://t.co/UZqWnwJxFD
Sanchez spoke about the play following the loss when he talked to the Associated Press, saying he was stunned.
“I guess [I was] more stunned than anything. Just like a car accident. I was like, ‘Whoa. What just happened?’ Then, the ball’s gone. It was weird.”
Two years later, Sanchez played on Thanksgiving again and was asked about the incident. He responded that he ran into some guy's butt, dropped the ball, and let the other team score.
“I ran into some guy’s butt, dropped the ball on the turf and some guy scored. And on my favorite holiday. It wasn’t cool.”
To add insult to injury, the Jets fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and Julian Edelman recovered a fumble for a touchdown. This meant touchdowns in back-to-back plays for the Patriots.
The play happened at the worst possible stage. The Patriots and Jets were playing on primetime on Thanksgiving, with a much bigger NFL audience than normal.
Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets will be remembered for their infamy on Thanksgiving due to the 'butt fumble'.
Tomorrow's NFL Thanksgiving slate features three great games
This Thanksgiving, November 24, 2022, there will be three NFL games for fans to watch while enjoying their holiday.
The 4-6 Detroit Lions will kick things off by hosting the Buffalo Bills at 12:30 PM ET.
The second of the three games will feature a showdown in the NFC East as the 7-3 Dallas Cowboys host their division rivals, the 7-3 New York Giants. The winner could end up signing free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
The night will be capped off by the Minnesota Vikings (8-2) hosting the New England Patriots (6-4) during primetime.
Every NFL Thanksgiving, there are many memorable moments, but none have become as memorable as Sanchez's butt fumble.