Isaiah Likely’s non-touchdown reversal in the Baltimore Ravens’ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers remains a topic of debate as NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent recently weighed in on the league’s replay review process. The incident took place late in a close 27-22 win for the Steelers, where Likely appeared to complete a catch in the end zone for a go-ahead touchdown before officials overturned the call on review. Although Vincent did not directly say the ruling would change if replayed today, his remarks suggest the NFL continues to reconsider some replay decisions from last season, including Likely’s.
Details Behind the Questionable Catch and Replay Instability
During the game, referees initially ruled that Likely scored a touchdown, but the play was reversed after replay review, sparking one of the most controversial moments of the 2025 NFL season. The specific issue revolved around whether Likely had fully completed the catch process while securing the ball in the end zone, with the stretch of the arm and the so-called “football move” at the center of the debate. Vincent described this as an “interesting” interpretation, especially focusing on the “third step” and the extended arm positioning.
He revealed that the NFL identified about five plays out of 171 replay reviews during the season that might have warranted reconsideration, but he carefully avoided confirming if these plays, including Likely’s, would have been ruled differently with the benefit of hindsight.
That was interesting because of the third step and they were talking about the ball extended out. So it was: What constitutes a catch?
?Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations
There were five plays that we said if we had to do it again—on just the replay assist, in general
?Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations
Calls for Replay and Rule Improvements Intensify
The NFL’s contemplation of a “do-over” on several replay calls from the regular season—though excluding some decisions like the Bills-Broncos playoff interception—reflects growing frustration with the ambiguity surrounding catch rules. According to a tweet from reporter Mark Maske, the league acknowledged five instant replay rulings it would reconsider but left it unclear what action might follow.
The NFL would like a do-over on five instant replay rulings from the 2025 regular season but not on the interception ruling during overtime of the Bills-Broncos playoff game.
?Mark Maske, Sports Journalist
Experts have noted that while the original call against Likely adhered to the letter of the rules at the time, questions remain about the clarity of what exactly defines a “football move” and how arm extension impacts the catch completion. Troy Vincent stated the league is presently satisfied with the existing catch rule but acknowledged the continuing confusion over its application.
Impact of the Ruling on Teams and Legacy of the Play
The overturned touchdown played a significant role in the Steelers finishing 2-0 against the Ravens that season, a factor that contributed to Pittsburgh’s playoff berth and arguably influenced Baltimore coach John Harbaugh’s eventual firing. Although the Ravens had opportunities to recover after the call, including additional possessions, the incident remains a sore point among fans and professionals alike.
The controversy has fueled renewed demands from players and supporters for the NFL to clarify the catch rule further and improve the replay system. Many argue the current process often leads to plays that visually look like catches being ruled otherwise, which creates widespread frustration in high-stakes moments. This sentiment extends beyond Isaiah Likely; for example, if a similar play had been made by Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, supporters believe the reaction would have been just as heated.
This lingering tension around the NFL’s catch rules and replay reviews suggests the league may continue to face pressure to enhance both the clarity of its rulebook and the consistency of officiating decisions moving forward, especially as instant replay remains a pivotal tool in shaping game outcomes.
Ruled no TD for Likely #Steelers pic.twitter.com/0qJrlxRmP8
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) December 7, 2025
The NFL would like a do-over on five instant replay rulings from the 2025 regular season but not on the interception ruling during overtime of the Bills-Broncos playoff game. pic.twitter.com/ZgevOyKQjG
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) February 24, 2026
