The NFL season kickoff is one of the most anticipated times of the year for football fans. However, not all season openers go according to plan. From disastrous performances to shocking injuries, here’s a look at some of the worst first-week NFL moments that left fans shaking their heads.

1. Tom Brady’s 2008 Season-Ending Injury

Arguably one of the most devastating opening week moments in NFL history, Tom Brady, the reigning MVP at the time, suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 1 of the 2008 season. The hit by Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard tore Brady’s ACL and MCL, sidelining him for the entire year. The injury sent shockwaves through the league, and the Patriots, who were coming off an undefeated regular season, had to adjust to life without their star quarterback.

2. Aaron Rodgers’ Broken Collarbone in 2013

The Green Bay Packers’ hopes were dashed in Week 1 of the 2013 season when Aaron Rodgers suffered a broken collarbone. Facing the Chicago Bears, Rodgers took a hard hit that led to the injury, causing him to miss significant time that season. The Packers struggled without their leader, and the injury set the tone for a disappointing year.

3. The Butt Fumble’s Ugly Cousin: The Butt Punt (2022)

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Week 1 of the 2022 season gave us a moment reminiscent of Mark Sanchez’s infamous Butt Fumble. Miami Dolphins punter Thomas Morstead, in a game against the New England Patriots, accidentally kicked the ball into the backside of his teammate, resulting in a safety. The “Butt Punt” was an embarrassing moment that quickly went viral, reminding fans that the Dolphins’ special teams have had their share of unfortunate incidents.

4. RG3’s Painful Sophomore Slump (2013)

Robert Griffin III entered the 2013 season with high expectations after a stellar rookie year. However, in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, RG3 looked nothing like his rookie self. Struggling with mobility due to a knee injury from the previous season, Griffin threw two interceptions and was sacked three times in a 33-27 loss. The poor performance marked the beginning of a steep decline for RG3, who never regained his rookie form.

5. The Saints’ Epic Defensive Collapse (2007)

The New Orleans Saints were expected to be strong contenders in 2007, but their Week 1 performance against the Indianapolis Colts was a disaster. The Saints’ defense was completely overwhelmed, allowing Peyton Manning to throw for 288 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-10 rout. The game was a harsh wake-up call for the Saints, who went on to have a disappointing 7-9 season.

The NFL’s first week is always full of surprises, but sometimes those surprises turn into nightmares. Whether it’s a devastating injury, an embarrassing play, or a disastrous debut, these moments remind us that anything can happen in the world of football.

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