Top 5 Premature Sports Celebrations

Here are my top five examples of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory:

4 - 5. DeSean Jackson

Last night on Monday Night Football, Eagles' rookie DeSean Jackson caught a very nice pass for what looked to be an easy touchdown. He must have been very concerned about getting started on his endzone dance, since he rid himself of the ball before crossing the goal line. One might implore to cut the young guy some slack; but as the second clip shows, he is not a quick learner.

3. Usain Bolt

In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Jamaican Usain Bolt was so dominant in the 100m finals, he decided to celebrate...before he crossed the tape. Even though he won gold and recorded a World Record; according to experts, he could have gone at least another tenth faster. In a race where the record is normally lowered in hundredths...this is unbelievable and inexcusable.



2. 2007 Chicago Marathon - Women's

In a race remembered for its unexpected and unseasonable heat, the women's finish was a case of premature celebration and inexperience. The previous year's winner, Ethopia's Berhane Adere; and a rookie, Romania's Adriana Pirtea battled the heat - mile after mile. Around Mile 22, Pirtea made a move, and separated herself by quite a large margin. As she came into the home stretch, she began to celebrate, high-fiving the cheering crowds. At the last moment, she looked over to see Adere -previously shielded from view by male runners - had closed the gap and was sprinting to the finish. By then, it was too late to respond and she had lost the race by three seconds.

1. Leon Lett

In Super Bowl XXVII, Leon Lett picked up a fumble and began to lumber down the field for a sure touchdown. The Bills' Don Beebe did not give up on the play, and thanks to Lett's early celebration, was able to strip the ball before a score. We can probably give Leon a bit of a break, since the Cowboys already had the game well in hand; but on the world stage, his premature celebration is one that all others are measured.