Adonai Mitchell fumble, explained: How WR cost Colts a touchdown by celebrating too early vs. Rams

Adonai Mitchell fumble, explained: How WR cost Colts a touchdown by celebrating too early vs. Rams originally appeared on The Sporting News

Fumbling a would-be touchdown by dropping the ball before crossing the goal line is, somehow, still seen in the NFL from time to time. Indianapolis Colts WR Adonai Mitchell didn't quite do that, but the end result was the same.

Mitchell fumbled what would have been a highlight-reel through the end zone on Sunday, giving the ball back to the Los Angeles Rams and preventing the Colts from taking a lead that would have made their pursuit of a 4-0 start much more attainable.

The fumble, however, wasn't caused by any Rams defender.

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Here's a look at Mitchell's gaffe and how it cost the Colts on Sunday.

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Adonai Mitchell fumble, explained

Mitchell made a terrific catch on a downfield shot from Daniel Jones, and everyone at SoFi Stadium -- including Rams defenders -- believed he had a 76-yard, go-ahead touchdown. He came up one yard short.

With defenders behind him, Mitchell started to waltz into the end zone and stuck the ball out in front of him in celebration. As he stuck the ball out, however, he lost his grip before crossing the goal line. 

Ball is out before it crosses the goal line. It’s a touchback!

INDvsLAR on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXnxVpic.twitter.com/DtuT1kDX9s

— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

It might have taken the rest of the building a few seconds to figure out what happened, but Mitchell's reaction indicated he knew instantly that he messed up. Mitchell ran to grab the ball, but it went out of the back of the end zone by the time he caught up to it.

Here's a slowed-down look at the moment Mitchell lost the ball.

Adonai Mitchell, you’re about to score an 77 yard TD!

Mitchell: I’ll begin to celebrate at the 3 yard line

pic.twitter.com/TlWrZT5aq6

— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) September 28, 2025

By rule, a fumble through the end zone is a touchback for the opposing team. Mitchell's gaffe cost the Colts a go-ahead touchdown and put the ball back in Matthew Stafford's hands. The play was quickly ruled a fumble through the end zone and Rams touchdown.

Fortunately for Mitchell, the Rams didn't cash in on the ensuing possession. The Colts got L.A.'s offense off the field in about two minutes, and Indianapolis later regained the lead.