Football is a game of speed, instinct, and split-second decisions. Sometimes, though, even great players have a moment they wish they could take back. One of the most unforgettable plays in NFL history happened on October 25, 1964, when a Minnesota Vikings player ran the ball the wrong way.
After recovering a fumble near midfield, Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall did what any defender hopes to do. He picked up the ball and started running with open field in front of him. The crowd reacted as he sprinted toward the end zone. There was just one problem. He was running in the wrong direction.
In the excitement of the play, Marshall got turned around and ran 66 yards toward his own end zone. Instead of scoring a touchdown for the Vikings, he crossed his own goal line, and in celebration tossed the ball out. The result was a safety for the other team.
The play quickly became one of the most well-known bloopers in NFL history. What people sometimes forget is that Marshall still had an incredible career. He played 20 seasons in the NFL, set a record for consecutive games by a defensive player, and was a key part of the Vikings’ famous Purple People Eaters defense.
Today the wrong-way run is still talked about, not just because of the mistake, but because it shows that even great players can have a moment that sticks with them forever.
There’s your fact for today!
See you at the next snap,
Tatum
The Write Zone 
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