5 Worst Officiating Calls in NFL History
Football has a way of sticking with you—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. Few things rile up fans quite like a bad call, especially when it changes the outcome of a game. Yet, officiating errors are an unavoidable part of the NFL’s rich history. Let’s check out some of the most infamous officiating moments that still have fans shaking their heads.
The Non-Fumble That Changed the Game – 1977 AFC Championship

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It was fourth-and-goal, and the Denver Broncos were fighting for their Super Bowl dreams against the Oakland Raiders. Rob Lytle took the ball, dove toward the line, and was walloped mid-air. The ball came loose—a clear fumble on replay—but the officials waved it off. This controversial decision allowed Denver to maintain momentum and secure their path to Super Bowl XII.
The Snowplow Incident – 1982

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It was a bitterly cold day in Foxborough, and the Patriots were locked in a scoreless battle against the Dolphins. Late in the fourth quarter, New England called on a snowplow driver to clear a path for their kicker. The Dolphins watched in disbelief as the ball sailed through the uprights. It wasn’t technically legal, but the referees didn’t bat an eye.
Vinny Testaverde’s Phantom Touchdown – 1998

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On a critical play, quarterback Vinny Testaverde scrambled toward the end zone, but the Seahawks defense stopped him short—except the officials didn’t see it that way. They called it a touchdown, despite replays showing his helmet, not the ball, crossed the goal line. The Seahawks missed the playoffs that year, and fans in Seattle still bring up this call whenever playoff heartbreaks come around.
Mike Renfro’s Disallowed Catch – 1979 AFC Championship

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The Houston Oilers were locked in a heated battle with the Pittsburgh Steelers when wide receiver Mike Renfro caught what looked like a clear touchdown in the back of the end zone. Renfro dragged his feet in bounds and maintained possession, but the officials ruled the pass incomplete. With no instant replay at the time, the Oilers were robbed of what could have been a momentum-shifting score.
Bert Emanuel’s Sliding Catch That Wasn’t – 1999 NFC Championship

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In a tight game against the Rams, Tampa Bay’s Bert Emanuel made a sliding catch in a low-scoring playoff game against the St. Louis Rams. The play was crucial as the Bucs trailed by five late in the fourth quarter. Officials overturned the catch after determining the ball had touched the ground, even though Emanuel maintained control. This decision became so infamous that it led to a rule change that allowed such catches in the future.
Jerry Rice Gets a Lucky Break – 1998 Wild Card Round

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When Jerry Rice fumbled late in a do-or-die game against the Packers, fans expected the usual: a turnover and a Green Bay victory. But officials missed the call and allowed San Francisco to continue their drive. Moments later, the 49ers quarterback Steve Young threw a game-winning touchdown to Terrell Owens.
The Brett Favre Hit That Never Drew a Flag – 2009 NFC Championship

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The Saints’ defense went after Brett Favre with everything they had—and then some. During one play, Favre took a blatant late hit, which should have drawn a roughing-the-passer penalty, but the officials let it slide. It wasn’t the only questionable no-call that day. The Saints would go on to win, but Vikings fans still argue that the referees failed to protect their quarterback when it mattered most.
The Coin Toss That Wasn’t Heard Right – 1998 Thanksgiving Game

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Thanksgiving Day 1998 gave us one of the strangest officiating moments ever. Jerome Bettis called “tails” during the overtime coin toss, but the referee heard “heads” and awarded possession to the Lions. Detroit marched down the field, kicked the winning field goal, and left Steelers fans feeling cheated. The incident led to changes in how coin tosses were conducted and required players to declare their choice before the flip.
The Immaculate Reception’s Unending Debate – 1972

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Franco Harris’ miraculous catch is one of the most celebrated plays in NFL history, but its legality has been questioned ever since. Did the ball touch the ground? Did it bounce off a teammate? The officials ruled it a touchdown, and the Steelers won, but fans of the Raiders (and conspiracy theorists) still argue that the play shouldn’t have stood.
Super Bowl XL’s Controversial Calls – 2006

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When the Steelers and Seahawks clashed in Super Bowl XL, fans expected a fair fight. Instead, Seattle supporters were left fuming over a series of questionable calls, from a phantom holding penalty to a suspect offensive pass interference. The Steelers walked away with the Lombardi Trophy, but the game’s officiating overshadowed what should’ve been a crowning moment for both teams.
The Giants-49ers Wild Card Fiasco – 2002

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The New York Giants were down by one point in the final seconds of a wild card game against the San Francisco 49ers. A botched field goal attempt led to a desperate pass by the Giants’ holder. As the ball sailed toward a Giants lineman who was eligible to catch it, he was clearly interfered with by a 49ers defender. However, officials called an ineligible man downfield on the Giants and ended the game. It was a very obvious missed penalty.
Ray “Sugar Bear” Hamilton’s Roughing the Passer – 1976

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In a playoff clash between the Patriots and Raiders, defensive lineman Ray “Sugar Bear” Hamilton was flagged for roughing the passer late in the game. The penalty extended a Raiders drive that ended in a game-winning touchdown, even though the replays showed the hit was clean.
The Music City Miracle – 2000 AFC Wild Card

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Titans fans call it genius; Bills fans call it robbery. With seconds left, Tennessee’s Lorenzo Neal fielded a kickoff and lateraled it to Frank Wycheck, who then threw a cross-field pass to Kevin Dyson. Dyson sprinted 75 yards for the game-winning touchdown. Replays showed the pass was dangerously close to being forward, which would have negated the play.
The Fail Mary – 2012

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During a replacement-referee era game, the Seahawks and Packers were tied as time expired. Russell Wilson launched a desperation pass to the end zone, where it appeared Green Bay’s M.D. Jennings intercepted the ball. But officials ruled simultaneous possession, awarding the touchdown to Seattle. The outrage was so intense it ended the referee lockout within days.
The Tuck Rule That Changed the Patriots’ Destiny – 2002

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In a snowy playoff game, Tom Brady appeared to fumble after a hit from the Raiders’ Charles Woodson. However, officials invoked the tuck rule and determined Brady’s arm was moving forward, which made it an incomplete pass. The Patriots retained possession, tied the game, and won in overtime. The rule was scrapped in 2013.