Earnest Byner’s fumble at the goal line cost the Browns a Super Bowl appearance
As of this writing, the Cleveland Browns are one of just four teams that have never appeared in a Super Bowl. But they've come close, never closer than when they faced the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium on January 17, 1988. Trailing 21-3 at halftime, the Browns rallied in the third and fourth quarters, powered by running back Earnest Byner and quarterback Bernie Kosar. Following Denver's late touchdown, the Browns launched another drive, reaching the Denver eight-yard line. On second and five, Kosar passed to Byner, who sprinted to his left, picked up the first down, and proceeded into the end zone.
He made it to the end zone, but the ball did not. Unblocked Bronco defender Jeremiah Castille hit Byner at the three-yard line. Castille later admitted that he knew he couldn't stop Byner and pursued the ball nevertheless. He was successful in breaking it loose, and the Broncos recovered. Denver purposefully gave away a safety after forcing Cleveland to use their timeouts. Denver now leads the series 38-33. Cleveland recovered the ball in time for a Hail Mary from midfield, which was unsuccessful. Earnest Byner gained 67 yards and a touchdown on the ground and 120 yards and another touchdown on the ground that day. He is remembered for what became known as "The Fumble," which to Cleveland fans is yet more piece of evidence that all of their sports teams are cursed.
Date: January 17, 1988
Venue: Mile High Stadium
