Jets rookie Malachi Corley threw a TD after dropping the ball in front of the goal line against the Texans

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Malachi Corley thought he had scored his first NFL touchdown for the New York Jets — but the rookie wide receiver dropped the ball before crossing the goal line.

And it rolled out of the end zone. So no touchdown, one turnover for the Jets and a big rookie mistake.

“First of all, you can’t do this,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich told Corley. “Second, you owe us one.”

As the Jets – who beat Houston 21-13 on Thursday night – were playing at the Texans' 19 early in the second quarter, Corley took Aaron Rodgers' throw and raced down the right sideline. Corley raced into the end zone, but just before he crossed the goal line, he dropped the ball from his right hand in celebration.

A video review showed he hadn't reached the end zone before he dropped it. So Corley was credited with an 18-yard run and a fumble. And because it rolled out of the end zone, it was a touchback and a turnover.

The play stunned the audience at MetLife Stadium – which was only about three-quarters full on Halloween night.

“Honestly, definitely frustrated,” Ulbrich said of his initial reaction. “And angry at the same time. But what a great opportunity for this child to grow and learn from. I promise you that in 10 years, when he's still in this league, this will never happen again.

Corley was a third-round draft pick out of Western Kentucky who saw little action this season. He appeared in four NFL games with just one 4-yard catch.

The error was reminiscent of DeSean Jackson's gaffe during a “Monday Night Football” game when he was a rookie with Philadelphia during the 2008 season. He celebrated an early touchdown against Dallas by turning the football over behind him at the 1-yard line before it reached the end zone.

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