Late in the third quarter, the Indianapolis Colts found themselves trailing the heavily-favored New England Patriots by a score of 27-21. Facing a 4th down & 3 from their own half of the field, the Colts were desperate for anything that would be a momentum-changer. At first, the Colts lined up for what appeared as a traditional punt. In an effort to trick the Patriots and catch them off guard, almost every Colts player suddenly shifted to the edge of the field. Leaving just one blocker and one runner near the ball, the Colts plowed straight ahead into a sea of Patriots players, as the Patriots defenders quickly pounced on the ball-carrier. This play did prove to be a momentum-changer…for the Patriots. The Patriots scored a touchdown shortly after and ended up defeating the Colts by a score of 34-27. Check out the video of this disastrous play- which has been dubbed “the worst play in NFL History”- for yourself!

https://youtu.be/6i7VKQwDS2s

With just one offensive lineman responsible for four defensive players (only two Patriots players are shown above), this play was a disaster from the start! Colts coach Chuck Pagano has since accepted the blame for this failed play.