Let this be a reminder that not every athlete is great at all sports.
On Thursday, former Michigan Wolverines and Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.
But despite winding up and trying to give his best effort, Lewan’s pitch sailed completely away from the plate, bouncing to his left and nearly hitting several people before being snapped up by someone off to the side. As “penance” he went off to the side and did several pushups afterwards.
Lewan quickly acknowledged that it was “the worst day” of his entire athletic career, and even recalled an infamous game where he gave up five sacks.
“This is the worst day of my athletic career and that includes the Chandler Jones game. I need redemption,” he wrote on X.
This is the worst day of my athletic career and that includes the Chandler Jones game.I need redemption. https://t.co/8T6NgqSe9k
— Taylor Lewan (@TaylorLewan77) June 6, 2025
But his humble response didn’t save him from getting absolutely blasted by baseball and football fans on social media:
“This is seriously a shame 😂 this had to be a fluke – I refuse to believe an ex-NFL player can’t throw a straight fastball lol,” one user wrote.
“Haha, buying all of those ‘man tools’ for the yard and can’t even throw a baseball. I’m hanging my Lewan jersey on the wall. It’s over for the kid. A lunchpail guy would’ve practiced until he threw a straight heater to the catchers mitt,” another joked.
“This had to be for content. Non-athletes lob the ball down the plate every time…”
“You’re just not left handed bro. Use the other hand.”
“There is no redemption. No recovering from this. A shame that will live with you forever.”
“Professional athletes being unable to complete the most basic of sports maneuvers will never cease to amaze me.”
“There is an 8 year old on my son’s team that’s about 4 feet tall and can throw better than this.”
“I can’t believe there are real life professional athletes that cant throw a baseball. A 5 year old can throw better than that.”
But his former team might have had the worst burn of all:
“juuuuuust a bit outside,” the Titans replied.
Ouch.
Related: Taylor Lewan Clarifies NFL Retirement Announcement as Joke
