Emari Demercado's epic goal line fumble leads to TD reversal, Cardinals fans say: ‘Inexcusable’

Cardinals RB Emari Demercado fumbled near the goal line vs. Titans. The TD was reversed, resulting in a touchback instead of a score.

Updated on: Oct 6, 2025, 04:46:21 IST

By Shamik Banerjee

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Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado had an epic fumble in the game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday Night Football. Demercado had a free run to the Titans' goal line in the fourth quarter, with a Titans defensive player to stop him. But just as he was about the enter the goal line, he fumbled and dropped the ball.

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Despite initially awarding a TD, the referees initiated a TD reversal after they realized that Demercado had fumbled before scoring the TD. From a touchdown, it led to a touchback for the Cardinals.

Here's the video of the moment:

Notably, this is already the second time a touchdown has been turned over into a touchback after a fumble on the goal line. In Week 4, a similar incident happened involving Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell against the Los Angeles Rams. Mitchell dropped the ball on a 72-yard run, but dropped the ball before the goal line- just like Demercado - and the TD was reversed to a touchback.

Cardinals Fans Slam Emari Demercado

Emari Demercado was slammed by Cardinals fans for the blunder, with a host of reactions against the 28-year-old surfacing on social media. Given the situation, many thought that Demercado's fumble was "inexcusable."

“Another week, another dumbass TD thrown away at the goal line. Congrats on being this week's moron, Emari Demercado,” one user wrote.

“AGAIN. #Cardinals RB Emari Demercado just had a 76-yard TD — but he let go of the ball before crossing the goal line, and it’s a touchback. HOW DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING?!” NFL reporter, Ari Meirov wrote.

Also read: From Jets skycam row to Giants-Saints roughing fiasco: Big NFL referee errors on Sunday

“Emari Demercado just did the thing… HOW ARE PLAYERS STILL DOING THIS,” said another.

“Wow. Emari Demercado drops the ball before it crosses the goal line and doesn't score the touchdown. He could've secured the win for the Cardinals with the 72-yard TD. I can't believe this keeps happening across the league,” Cardinals reporter, Colin Macmohan wrote.

Emari Demarcado had two carries for 81 yards deep into the 4th quarter.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shamik Banerjee
Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More

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