In a thrilling matchup last Sunday at Ford Field, the Detroit Lions faced off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game that culminated in dramatic fashion. Lions Pro Bowl wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown took center stage during the final play, knowing that if he did not reach the end zone on fourth and goal, he would need to lateral the ball to a teammate.
St. Brown made the pivotal play by pitching the ball to quarterback Jared Goff, who then tumbled into the end zone, sparking a celebration that many thought signaled the game-winning touchdown. However, this jubilant moment was clouded by a couple of key issues. Initially, St. Brown was flagged for offensive pass interference against Steelers safety Jalen Ramsey, a factor that hindered the play’s legitimacy.
In an appearance on his podcast alongside his brother, Equanimeous St. Brown, he expressed confusion about the NFL’s rules regarding penalties at the end of the half or game, admitting he expected the Lions to receive another chance to score after the penalty. “I knew there was a flag. I knew it was probably OPI, but I was like, ‘We’re gonna get another chance,’” St. Brown shared, reflecting on the chaotic conclusion. “I thought we were gonna get one more play, but the game was over.”
St. Brown’s misunderstanding highlights a lesser-known rule in which an offensive penalty at the end of regulation does not grant an untimed down. Consequently, because his penalty occurred as the game clock expired, the outcome was finalized. While it may be surprising that a player of St. Brown’s caliber was unaware of this rule, he is taking responsibility for his actions on the field.
After the game, he acknowledged the call, admitting to a bit of a push-off and emphasizing that the game was not solely defined by that one play, stating that the Lions had multiple opportunities that ultimately went uncapitalized. St. Brown commented on the bizarre nature of the game, including the unusual sequence of two consecutive offensive pass interference penalties against the Lions, adding, “This was so weird. But it was one of the craziest games ever, bro.”
The Lions’ dramatic finish did not go as they had hoped, but the effort demonstrated throughout the contest showcased the competitive spirit of the team. Referees, led by Carl Cheffers, faced scrutiny during these closing moments; they initially ruled a touchdown for the Lions, only to correct themselves as the last seconds ticked away, solidifying the Steelers’ victory in a game filled with tension and twists.