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Memorable Twitter moments from the 2017 NFL season

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The 2017 NFL season is nearly over and has been filled with moments that generated waves of social media reactions. Who knew that a sideline reporter could be so entertaining, or that a recently retired quarterback would be such a breath of fresh air in the booth? And that talk of the Patriots possibly going 16-0? You can't make this stuff up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dec. 18: Mic guy takes a tumble on 'Monday Night Football'

Dec. 18: Mic guy takes a tumble on 'Monday Night Football'

By Sara Jane Harris

A man holding a large dish-shaped parabolic microphone on the sideline during Monday's game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a hard tumble when he was hit by Falcons running back Devonta Freeman.

MORE: Sean McDonough reminds Jon Gruden he was fired by Tampa Bay

Some believe the fall was a flop, but that equipment has got to be heavy.

Twitter appeared to really enjoy the moment: 

Dec. 18: NFL reverses apparent Jesse James TD late in Steelers-Patriots game

Dec. 18: NFL reverses apparent Jesse James TD late in Steelers-Patriots game

By Tadd Haislop

Confusion regarding the NFL's catch rule struck in Pittsburgh on Sunday, when an apparent Jesse James touchdown reception was overturned upon review. Debate around what eventually was ruled an incomplete pass is fueled in part by the fact the score more than likely would have given the Steelers a win over the Patriots.

Thanks in part to what happened after the (non-)catch by James, New England got the win, 27-24.

The play in question occurred with 28 seconds left in the game; Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw a game-ending interception a couple plays later.

Shortly after the game, the NFL and senior vice president of officiating Al Riveron released a video explaining their call.

"That's the key here — (James) is going to the ground," Riveron explains. "By rule, to complete the process of a catch, he must survive the ground. And by that, we mean he must maintain control of the ball.

"He does put the ball over the goal line extended. Once he gets there, he loses control of the football, and then the ball hits the ground."

Dec. 10: Snow way! Bills play Colts in blizzard-like conditions at New Era Field

Dec. 10: Snow way! Bills play Colts in blizzard-like conditions at New Era Field

By Sara Jane Harris

Lake-effect snow turned New Era Field into a real-life snow globe on Sunday as the Bills took on the the Colts.

Game time temperature was 32 degrees with a wind chill of 16 and wind gusts up to 15 miles per hour, according to BuffaloNews.com.

Check out more videos and photos of the whiteout conditions:

Dec. 4: Watch: Rob Gronkowski slams into Bills player, not ejected

Dec. 4: Watch: Rob Gronkowski slams into Bills player, not ejected

By Gabrielle McMillen

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski drew the ire of Buffalo fans and others after he slammed into Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White, who was down on the ground.

White picked off a pass intended for Gronkowski and fell to the ground during the catch. As he was lying facedown, Gronkowski slammed into him.

Gronkowski was not ejected from the game for the hit, but was penalized late in New England's 23-3 win. 

White was slow to get up and needed help off the field. He was taken to the sidelines, where he was evaluated by trainers.

"Just a dirty play," Bills safety Micah Hyde said of the hit. "That’s something that the NFL talks about not wanting. The refs, if they didn’t see it live, then they had a good chance to see it on the replay. It was just a dirty play."

Gronkowski did apologize for the hit following the game, saying he just got caught up in emotions and was frustrated. 

"I'm not in the business of that," he told reporters. "There was just a lot of frustration. I was just really frustrated at that moment. It just happened naturally through emotions and frustration. Just want to apologize to Tre'Davious White. I don't really believe in type of shots like that."

Nov. 29: Giants bench Eli Manning for Geno Smith, Twitter goes berserk

Nov. 29: Giants bench Eli Manning for Geno Smith, Twitter goes berserk

By Gabrielle McMillen

The Giants decided to shake up their quarterback situation before Week 12 by announcing starter Eli Manning would be benched for Geno Smith.

The change marked the end of an era for Manning, who had the second-longest streak of consecutive starts by a quarterback in NFL history with 210.

 

Naturally, Twitter was a mixed back of reactions on the Giants' decision, from humorous to anger and disgust. Here are some of the best tweets:

Nov. 19: Nathan Peterman's first start a disaster for Bills

Nov. 19: Nathan Peterman's first start a disaster for Bills

Tyrod Taylor had thrown just three interceptions all season. Nathan Peterman did that in a quarter on Sunday. 

The Bills benched Taylor this week in favor of the rookie from Pittsburgh, but Peterman struggled mightily against the Chargers. It only took five interceptions by Peterman for Bills coach Sean McDermott to turn the offense back over to Taylor.

Peterman threw three interceptions in the first quarter and was picked a fourth time early in the second quarter as the Chargers built a 24-7 lead at StubHub Center. 

Two of the interceptions were by Casey Hayward, who led the NFL in picks last year but had just one this season. Linebacker Korey Toomer returned another pick 59 yards for a touchdown. 

Peterman was the first rookie quarterback to throw three interceptions in a half since Washington's Patrick Ramsey did it in 2002. He also became the first rookie QB to throw four interceptions in his first NFL start since Ryan Lindley in 2012. Peterman was the first rookie 

Despite the four picks, the Chargers stuck with Peterman as Taylor remained on the sideline. Taylor had completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,684 yards and 10 touchdowns to three interceptions. Not helping matters for Peterman is that wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin was lost on the first series of the game with a knee injury after making a 20-yard catch. 

A fifth interception in the first half led to a Chargers field goal as the Bolts built a 37-7 halftime lead. After the Chargers added fourth Nick Novak field goal on the opening series of the second half, Taylor took the field at quarterback. 

Oct. 10: Twitter had some feelings about Adrian Peterson trade to Cards

Oct. 10: Twitter had some feelings about Adrian Peterson trade to Cards

By Gabrielle McMillen

In a move that very few saw coming, the Saints traded running back Adrian Peterson to the Cardinals Tuesday on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 10. In return, the Saints will get a conditional 2018 draft pick.

Naturally, Twitter had some strong reactions about Peterson's short-lived stint with the Saints and future with the Cardinals.

Oct. 9: Internet explodes after Giants lose Odell Beckham, Brandon Marshall, Sterling Shepard, Dwayne Harris

Oct. 9: Internet explodes after Giants lose Odell Beckham, Brandon Marshall, Sterling Shepard, Dwayne Harris

By Gabrielle McMillen

The Giants lost a lot more than their fifth game of the season when the Chargers defeated them Sunday afternoon.

Receivers Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, Brandon Marshall and Dwayne Harris all suffered injuries throughout the game. Beckham fractured his ankle and is ldone for the season, and Harris broke his foot.

 

Shepard and Marshall also suffered left ankle injuries, which left tight ends Evan Engram and Rhett Ellison lining up as receivers.

It's incredibly unlucky that four receivers suffered significant injuries in one game. Beckham, Marshall and Harris are done for the season, and it's unclear when Shepard will be able to return.

Naturally, the internet had a lot of feelings about this unprecedented turn of events for the already hapless Giants.

Oct. 9: Twitter roasts NBC for wall-to-wall coverage of J.J. Watt's injury

Oct. 9: Twitter roasts NBC for wall-to-wall coverage of J.J. Watt's injury

By Gabrielle McMillen

J.J. Watt suffered a likely season-ending injury Sunday night when he broke his leg in the first quarter of the Texans' loss to the Chiefs.

However, is was NBC's reality show-like coverage of the aftermath of Watt's injury that had many talking. NBC cameras waited outside the locker room and X-Ray room for a glimpse of Watt, and also recorded footage of him being helped into an ambulance.

The weirdest part? There was a helicopter hovering over the ambulance as it took him to the hospital. 

Naturally, Twitter had a field day with NBC's coverage and drew some perfect WWE comparisons.

Oct. 5: Bucs kicker Nick Folk roasted after missing three FGs in 19-14 loss

Oct. 5: Bucs kicker Nick Folk roasted after missing three FGs in 19-14 loss

By Bob Hille

Yes, Bucs kicker Nick Folk felt awful about his three missed field-goal attempts Thursday in a 19-14 loss to the Patriots. Do the math.

He certainly knows the reality of the situation, too, which Bucs coach Dirk Koetter alluded to soon after the game: He and GM Jason Licht already had kicked around a change at kicker. 

Asked if Folk would be the kicker moving forward, Koetter told reporters (via NFL Network): "We'll talk about that. Jason and I had a brief conversation afterwards. That'll be something that's forthcoming. But you don't want to make any rash decisions."

Not good for the livelihood.

So leave it to Twitter to jump in and kick a kicker when he's down (best idea for Nick Folk: Stay off social media today).
Oct. 1: Flustered Pam Oliver fumbles through injury report; Twitter reacts

Oct. 1: Flustered Pam Oliver fumbles through injury report; Twitter reacts

By Michael McCarthy

Pam Oliver of Fox Sports has long been one of the best sideline reporters in sports TV. But even the top pros can have bad days.

A flustered Oliver fumbled her way through an injury report before the Dolphins-Saints game at London's Wembley Stadium on Sunday morning.

Maybe it was the time difference between the U.S. and Europe. Or Oliver might have been distracted by a sudden cheer from the crowd that occurred midway through her report on Saints cornerback P.J. Williams. But the normally-reliable Oliver messed up her Williams report not once, but twice.

First, Oliver said Williams wasn't starting because of an ankle injury.

"Well, I'm sorry, I just messed that totally up," admitted Oliver.

She tried again.

"He suffered from ... I'm so sorry, I keep messing that up."

Finally, she got it right. Williams was out of the lineup due to a "disciplinary" matter.

A self-deprecating Oliver was smart enough to make a joke about it: "I'll do better throughout the game," she laughed.

Some TV viewers immediately noticed Oliver's gaffe, expressing via social media that sideline reporter Sergio Dipp of ESPN, who memorably brain-locked during his "Monday Night Football" debut, is partly off the hook.

Oct. 1: Jay Cutler wants absolutely no part of Dolphins’ decision to run wildcat

Oct. 1: Jay Cutler wants absolutely no part of Dolphins’ decision to run wildcat

By Sara Jane Harris

Dolphins quarterback Jay Cutler does not appear to be a fan of the wildcat offense.

When the Dolphins decided to run a little wildcat against the Saints on Sunday, Cutler, lined up at wide receiver didn't move.

MORE: Dolphins vs. Saints: Score, live updates for game in London

Remember Cutler's words during his Dolphins introductory press conference, “The good thing is I play quarterback so I don’t have to be in that great cardiovascular shape."

If he doesn't have to move, he's right.

Oct. 1: Rams' awkward uniform combo draws criticism, confusion

Oct. 1: Rams' awkward uniform combo draws criticism, confusion

By Tadd Haislop

The Rams' Week 4 game in Dallas against the Cowboys gave fans their first chance to see what many assumed would be an odd uniform combo when Los Angeles revealed its new helmets during the offseason: those new white-and-blue helmets paired with the team's old navy blue-and-gold away jerseys.

When the team unveiled its new uniforms in March, it made clear it would wear white at home in 2017 (like it did in 2016) but did not promote its away look in the event of a game like Sunday's in Dallas, where the Cowboys traditionally wear white jerseys at home.

Not including last Thursday's Color Rush game, for which the Rams wore bright yellow jerseys and alternate helmets, they had worn white jerseys for every game in 2017 (preseason included) before Sunday's game.

The social media world largely did not approve of the combo.

In the Rams' defense, their uniforms are a work in progress.

"The team is currently exploring a full rebrand, including new uniforms that will be unveiled in 2019 to coincide with the opening of the new LA Stadium and Entertainment District at Hollywood Park," the team said in its statement.

As for Sunday, though — and for any game in the near future for which they're forced to wear their new helmets with their blue jerseys — the Rams will continue to get these kinds of reactions.

Sept. 24: Fans can't believe Von Miller penalized for joke on Tyrod Taylor

Sept. 24: Fans can't believe Von Miller penalized for joke on Tyrod Taylor

By Jordan Heck

In the fourth quarter of the Broncos' game against the Bills, defensive end Von Miller decided to have some fun with Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

As the two of them laid out on the field together, Miller got up and then offered his help to Taylor. But he then quickly pulled his hand back in a joking gesture. The two of them laughed it off, but the ref didn't find it so funny as he penalized Miller 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct.

The penalty actually played a huge role in the game. When it happened, Taylor had thrown an incompletion on 3rd and 6, and likely would have punted the ball afterwards. Instead, the drive continued, and Buffalo got a field goal out of it. 

The Broncos couldn't recover afterwards, and ended up losing the game. 

UPDATE: Miller issued an apology for his actions after the game.

Miller's teammate Derek Wolfe also stood up for his teammate, saying people are too sensitive.

"It's all in good fun, man. The whole world is so sensitive that it makes me want to throw up," he said. "If the other guy is laughing about it, then it's clearly just a joke."

Most fans couldn't believe the penalty was thrown and voiced their thoughts on social media.

The NFL won't get rid of the "No Fun League" moniker if it keeps making calls like this.

Sept. 19: All the jokes after Eli Manning gets sacked by a 'ghost'

Sept. 19: All the jokes after Eli Manning gets sacked by a 'ghost'

By Sara Jane Harris

Giants quarterback Eli Manning was sacked Monday night — by no one.

At first it looked as though Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah got a hand on Manning, but a replay proved otherwise.

MORE: Giants rookie Evan Engram flagged for crotch grab after TD

Twitter fired back with all the jokes:

Sept. 17: Camera guy ran across the field and right into a cheerleader

Sept. 17: Camera guy ran across the field and right into a cheerleader

By Sara Jane Harris

Ouch. A Chiefs cheerleader probably needed some ice after her dance routine.

During halftime of Sunday's Eagles-Chiefs game, a camera guy ran across the field and right into a dancing cheerleader.

She never saw him coming:

MORE: Tony Romo is calling plays before they happen again

Thankfully she appeared to be OK after taking the brutal hit.

She even kept on dancing.

Impressive.

Sept. 17: Todd Gurley hurdles his way to a touchdown and notoriety

Sept. 17: Todd Gurley hurdles his way to a touchdown and notoriety

By Thomas Lott

Rams running back Todd Gurley had touchdowns on his mind Sunday, and no play was more indicative of that than one in the third quarter against the Redskins.

On a first down from the Redskins' 18-yard line, Gurley broke a run down the sideline and saw cornerback Bashaud Breeland in his way. The young corner was not in his way for long.

Crazy thing about it was this wasn't not his first hurdle of the day. He did the same thing in the second quarter. 

Gurley's third quarter touchdown gave him his second score of the day.  

Sept. 17: Tony Romo is calling plays before they happen again

Sept. 17: Tony Romo is calling plays before they happen again

By Sara Jane Harris

Tony Romo may have psychic abilities. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback amazed fans last week during his CBS debut by predicting plays before they happened. He was back at it on Sunday. Listen to Romo predict this Drew Brees touchdown pass to Brandon Coleman before it happened:

So far, Romo's transition from quarterback to broadcaster has been flawless.

People love the psychic act:

Sept. 12: Angry Adrian Peterson yells at Sean Payton, gives him the death stare

Sept. 12: Angry Adrian Peterson yells at Sean Payton, gives him the death stare

Sara Jane Harris

Adrian Peterson may have received all of the attention before facing his former team on Monday night, but Stefon Diggs stole the show in Minnesota.

The veteran running back managed just 14 yards in the first half, while Diggs had six receptions for 63 yards and two touchdowns.

A seemingly unhappy Peterson appeared to yell at Sean Payton and give him a death stare late in the first half. 

UPDATE: Saints coach Sean Payton denied the exchange was heated.

“No," he told reporters after the game. "Listen, I’d tell you if we were in a heated exchange, so why don’t you ask him? He was into it, we were all into it, there was none that I can recall. And I’m being honest.”

Peterson took to Twitter to share what he said to Payton:

Sept. 11: While having the time of his life, Sergio Dipp nearly breaks internet

Sept. 11: While having the time of his life, Sergio Dipp nearly breaks internet

In the middle of ESPN's "Monday Night Football" broadcast of Chargers-Broncos in Week 1 of the NFL season, the viewing public got introduced to one Sergio Dipp and hilarity ensued. 

Sept. 10: Fans upset after Jeremy Lane controversially ejected vs. Packers

Sept. 10: Fans upset after Jeremy Lane controversially ejected vs. Packers

By Jordan Heck

Jeremy Lane didn't last very long in the Seahawks' first game of the season. 

During an interception return by teammate Nazair Jones, Lane and Packers receiver Davante Adams got tangled up. Adams grabbed Lane by the facemask and brought him down. Adams wasn't penalized at all.

Once the two players hit the ground, that's when Lane decided to retaliate. He clearly pushed Adams' head into the ground, but there was no clear "punch" seen. 

Lane was immediately tossed and had a sheriff walk him off of the field. 

Several people who watched the play happen live couldn't believe what Lane did was worthy of an ejection. They also felt Adams' role in the scuffle was just as bad and justified Lane's actions.

Fans react to Jeremy Lane ejection

Sept. 8: Defending Super Bowl champs ridiculed after opening night loss

Sept. 8: Defending Super Bowl champs ridiculed after opening night loss

By Tom Gatto

The defending Super Bowl champion Patriots got whupped by the Chiefs 42-27 at home in the NFL's season-opening game Thursday night. You know the internet was ready to pounce like KC's Alex Smith and Kareem Hunt and Justin Houston did during the game.

A sample of the Twitter takedowns:

CHIEFS-PATRIOTS: SN's live coverage of opener 

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