In a season where the New York Jets have been short on highlights, Sunday delivered one of the more unexpected - and unforgettable - moments of the year. In their 27-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons, linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball not only made a statement with his play, but followed it up with a celebration that left just about everyone - fans, announcers, and even his teammates - doing a double take.
Midway through the game, McCrary-Ball came flying in to stop Falcons running back Bijan Robinson with a clean, hard tackle that sent a jolt through MetLife Stadium. It was the kind of hit that fires up a defense and sets a tone.
But what came next? That’s where things got... creative.
McCrary-Ball hit the turf and broke out a celebration that was equal parts bizarre and bold - a full-body wriggle on the ground that some likened to a fish flopping on dry land. It was wild, it was weird, and it was enough to draw a taunting flag from the officials.
FOX Sports’ broadcast team didn’t hold back either, calling the celebration “disgusting.” Whether you found it hilarious or over the top, it definitely got people talking.
And that’s been a rare thing for the Jets this season - people talking about them for something other than injuries, quarterback struggles, or off-field drama. Under new head coach Aaron Glenn, the Jets notched their third win of the year with this one, and while the record still leaves plenty to be desired, this was a game where the defense showed flashes of life.
McCrary-Ball’s tackle was more than just a viral moment - it was emblematic of a Jets defense that’s been asked to carry a heavy load all season. While the offense has sputtered, the defense has often kept games within reach. And on Sunday, they did just enough to help secure a win against a Falcons team still trying to find consistency of its own.
As for the celebration? It’s going to live on in memes and highlight reels, no doubt.
Some fans joked online that the NFL might have to consider adding a rule to ban it in the offseason. Others questioned whether McCrary-Ball had been planning it all along, or if it was just an in-the-moment burst of inspiration.
Either way, it was a reminder that even in a tough season, the NFL can still deliver moments of levity, unpredictability, and pure entertainment. And for the Jets - a team that’s been searching for an identity - maybe a little swagger isn’t such a bad thing.
Of course, there are more serious matters surrounding the team as well. The Jets continue to rally around cornerback Kris Boyd, who’s recovering after being shot. It’s been a challenging stretch for the locker room, and wins like Sunday’s - even with all the chaos that came with it - can go a long way in keeping a team together.
So while McCrary-Ball’s celebration might not make the NFL’s highlight reel for the right reasons, it was a moment that captured something real: emotion, energy, and a team that, despite the record, hasn’t stopped fighting.