Draft:Isaiah Likely catch controversy

Isaiah Likely overturned catch

The Isaiah Likely overturned catch was a controversial replay reversal late in a Week 14 NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 7, 2025. The play — initially ruled a touchdown on the field — was overturned after review, and the Steelers held on for a 27–22 victory. The decision generated widespread media coverage and heated debate about the NFL's catch rule and instant-replay standards, and it had an immediate effect on the AFC North standings. ^[1][2]

Background

The Ravens and Steelers entered the Week 14 matchup in contention for the AFC North. A Baltimore touchdown late in the fourth quarter would have given the Ravens the lead and significantly altered playoff odds; instead the reversal preserved a Pittsburgh lead and resulted in the Steelers taking sole possession of first place in the division. ^[1]

The play

Late in the fourth quarter, with the score Pittsburgh 27, Baltimore 22, quarterback Lamar Jackson completed a pass to tight end Isaiah Likely in the end zone. On-field officials signaled a touchdown after Likely secured the ball and both feet appeared to come down in bounds. The play occurred on a first-down snap from the Pittsburgh 13-yard line with **2:43 remaining** in the game. ^[2]

On review, NFL replay officials reversed the ruling, ruling the pass incomplete. NFL Vice President of Instant Replay Mark Butterworth explained that Likely "controlled the ball in the air, had his right foot down, then his left foot down," but that before he could complete a third step (an "act common to the game") the ball was knocked free, and therefore he did not complete the process of the catch. The reversal negated what would have been the go-ahead touchdown. ^[1][3]

After the overturn Baltimore had additional plays but ultimately was stopped; Jackson was sacked on the final possession when the Ravens had no timeouts remaining and the clock expired. Pittsburgh held on for a 27–22 win. ^[1]

Reaction

The reversal prompted immediate debate among broadcasters, analysts, former officials and fans. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh publicly criticized the ruling and called for clarification of the rule; commentators compared the incident to past high-profile catch controversies (for example the Dez Bryant and Calvin Johnson cases) and questioned whether replay review is being applied consistently. The Ravens organization and reporters sought additional explanation from league replay officials in the aftermath. ^[1][2][4]

Impact

The overturned call had an immediate standings impact: the Steelers improved to 7–6 and took sole possession of first place in the AFC North while the Ravens fell to 6–7. Commentators and analytics outlets noted that the decision materially affected Pittsburgh and Baltimore's playoff probabilities and the divisional race for the remainder of the 2025 season. The play renewed public scrutiny of the NFL catch rule and replay standards. ^[1][2]

See also

• Dez Bryant catch controversy
• Calvin Johnson rule
• Fail Mary
• Instant replay in American football

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3. Cite error: The named reference NFLcom was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
4. Cite error: The named reference Ravens was invoked but never defined (see the help page).