NFL’s Worst Calls in History
Snowplow Scandal to Coin Flip Catastrophe
A bad call by the referee can not only ruin a game but also a fan’s entire day (or week). Unfortunately, the NFL has no shortage of downright wrong calls that left coaches, players, and fans losing their cool. While time may have healed the damage these calls have done, let’s revisit some of the worst calls in NFL history. SNOWPLOW SAVAGERY Somehow, this incredulous historic moment in football is more hilarious than it is upsetting. In 1982, the Patriots and Dolphins were stuck at 0-0, and the snow fell nonstop throughout the game. Just as Patriots kicker John Smith was in position for a 33-yard field goal attempt, coach Ron Meyer ordered the field’s snowplow operator to clear the way for his kick. Smith’s field goal kick was a success, and the Patriots won 3-0. Without a doubt, this move was a blatant penalty, but no call was made, and the Dolphins were left with a loss. PAINFUL TOUCHDOWN REVERSAL The Chicago Bears’ former tight end Zach Miller nearly lost his leg on a play that many disputed at the time. Playing against the New Orleans Saints in 2017, Miller caught a pass and rolled into the end zone, suffering a knee injury. But the referee nullified the touchdown, ruling that Miller bobbled the ball and was not in control of it.
because of the severity of the injury. Unfortunately, even after nine surgeries, the knee injury ended Miller’s football career. Then, to add insult to literal injury, the NFL changed the rule in 2018 and confirmed that Miller’s catch would now have been considered a touchdown. CATASTROPHIC COIN FLIP The 1998 Thanksgiving Day game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions had one of the most ridiculous calls. During the coin flip to start overtime, the referee misheard Steelers running back Jerome Bettis’ call. The ref asked Bettis heads or tails, to which he replied, “Tails.”
However, the referee insisted he called heads. The coin turned up tails, giving the Lions first possession in sudden death overtime. To make matters worse, the game was televised, and replays confirmed that Bettis indeed said, “Tails.” After the call, the Lions kicked a field goal, leading to a 19-16 victory.
As we said earlier, there’s no shortage of horrendous NFL calls, and we surely couldn’t fit all of them here!
After the play, Miller was rushed to the hospital, where doctors considered amputating his leg
Drive Smart, Save Big:
Secrets to Taming Auto Insurance Premiums
In recent years, auto insurance premiums have been rising due to labor shortages, supply chain problems, and an increasing number of accidents. If you’re wondering how to get a grip on insurance costs, consider the type of vehicle you drive. Obviously, cost is a major factor. Your premium will be higher for a Tesla, with a minimum sticker price approaching $43,000, than for a $24,000 Honda Civic. Beyond that, insurers look at more subtle considerations. THE MENACE FACTOR. Insurance companies also weigh the risk your vehicle poses to others. How much potential damage might you inflict on another vehicle, a pedestrian, or property when driving a 2-ton Ford F-150 pickup measuring just under 19 feet in length, compared with a Mitsubishi Mirage, which weighs less than half as much and is two-thirds as long? These factors affect your costs for liability coverage. PASSENGER SAFETY. Insurers also look at your car’s overall safety rating. The safer your vehicle, the lower your premiums. Among winners in this category are the Acura Integra for small cars, the Honda Accord for
midsize models, and several Audi models among large SUVs. Choosing a car with safety features like ABS brakes, collision alert systems, and a rear-facing camera may also reduce costs. Adding high quality safety features may also qualify you for discounts.
THEFT RISK. Is your car a hot item among car thieves? Driving a car everybody wants may be fun, but it also raises the risk of theft. Owning the most oft-stolen vehicle in America, the Dodge Charger, will elevate insurance risk compared with the least-stolen models, such as an all-electric Tesla or Volvo. Thieves
target electric vehicles less often because they are typically parked inside, in well-lit areas for charging. REPAIR COSTS. The ease of finding parts and making repairs to a damaged auto is another factor. Avoiding the toughest vehicles to repair, such as the MINI Cooper or Toyota MR2, will not only ease your stress — it will lower your insurance costs, too.
Keep these factors in mind to tighten your car insurance budget, and shore up your own personal safety and well-being at the same time!
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