For Kentucky football fans, certain moments etch themselves into memory forever. The roar of the crowd, the thrill of a stunning upset, and the unlikely heroics that defy expectations. This week, as NFL superstar Lamar Jackson fumbled against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC division round; many Wildcats fans were transported back to one of the most unforgettable games: November 26th, 2016.
LAMAR FUMBLE 🤯
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 20, 2025
SECOND TURNOVER OF THE GAME FOR JACKSON.
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/7Ni5gxBia5
That evening in Louisville, Kentucky entered as a massive 27-point underdog against the Cardinals, led by the dynamic and seemingly unstoppable Heisman Trophy favorite (and eventual winner), Lamar Jackson. The script seemed prewritten for Jackson to deliver another dazzling performance in a season full of highlight-reel plays. But the Wildcats had other ideas.
The game had been a back-and-forth battle, with Kentucky refusing to roll over. As the clock ticked under two minutes with the score tied at 38, the Cardinals appeared poised to deal the final blow. Jackson had his team on Kentucky's 10-yard line, ready to strike.
Then came the unthinkable. Jackson scrambled to make a play but fumbled the football. Kentucky pounced, recovering the fumble and flipping the script in an instant.
We are officially six - SIX - Saturday's from @UKFootball !
— TorresOnKentucky (@TorresOnUK) July 23, 2022
To celebrate, here's Lamar Jackson fumbling the game away six years ago 😼 pic.twitter.com/WZ5LCVbDT4
The Cats drove downfield, setting the stage for kicker Austin MacGinnis. From 47 yards out MacGinnis drilled the game-winning field goal with just 12 seconds remaining. Pandemonium ensued as Kentucky fans celebrated a shocking 41-38 victory.
For Louisville fans, the loss was devastating, as their star quarterback had faltered in a critical moment. For Kentucky, it was a program-defining triumph that symbolized resilience, grit, and the unpredictable magic of college football.
Lamar Jackson becomes 1st Heisman winner from Louisville. Also becomes 1st Heisman winner to fumble in the red zone & lose to Kentucky.
— Not Jerry Tipton (@NotJerryTipton) December 11, 2016
As Lamar Jackson continues to build his legacy in the NFL, Kentucky fans can’t help but smile when they think back to that fateful night in 2016. While Jackson has gone on to earn MVP honors and rewrite record books, Big Blue Nation will forever cherish the time they stunned the football world, thanks to an unforgettable fumble and a clutch kick that sealed their place in history.
Because in sports, moments like those remind fans why they cheer, why they hope, and why they never give up—even as a 27-point underdog.