Mark Sanchez’s 2012 Thanksgiving fumble after running into his own lineman’s backside—NFL’s most embarrassing play that became eternal meme.
The Infamous Play
On November 22, 2012 (Thanksgiving), the New York Jets faced the New England Patriots on national TV. In the second quarter, Jets QB Mark Sanchez ran into the backside of his own guard, Brandon Moore, fell down, fumbled, and the Patriots returned it for a touchdown. The play was so absurd it defied description. The Jets lost 49-19.
Instant Immortality
The “Butt Fumble” instantly became NFL’s most embarrassing play. ESPN’s “Not Top 10” featured it for months. The play symbolized the Jets’ dysfunction and Sanchez’s struggles. It was replayed endlessly on sports shows, social media, and NFL Films’ “worst moments” compilations. Sanchez could never escape it—years after retiring, he was still introduced as “the Butt Fumble guy.”
Good-Natured Acceptance
To his credit, Sanchez eventually embraced the moment with humor. He joked about it on ESPN (where he became an analyst) and in interviews. The 10-year anniversary (2022) brought renewed attention. The Butt Fumble transcended sports—becoming cultural shorthand for spectacular failure. It proved some moments are so absurd they achieve immortality.
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