Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis has provided an explanation after footage of his first pitch went viral.
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The new resident of South Florida took to the mound on May 2 to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies. He stood on the plate, moved his knee into the air, and then launched the ball toward Graham Pauley.
Malik Willis' first pitch was just a bit high 😬 pic.twitter.com/nAQgI1yfdy
— MLB (@MLB) May 2, 2026
The problem for Willis is that the ball did not reach its intended target. It went high and to the right before bouncing off the back wall. The ball rolled back to home plate, where Pauley ultimately retrieved it.
"I slipped," Willis wrote on Instagram while posting a crying emoji.
The first pitch went viral on social media, but it did not cause any bad luck for the Marlins. The team defeated the Phillies 4-0.
Willis similarly moved on. He showed off some power in the batting cages and then he moved on with his offseason. He continued to prepare for his first season in South Florida after signing a three-year, $67.5 million contract ($45 million guaranteed).
The Dolphins QB is far from the first NFL player to have a wild first pitch.
Saints running back Alvin Kamara had an opportunity to throw out the first pitch ahead of a Cubs-Cardinals tilt in 2025. His first pitch went low and into the dirt before bouncing away from mascot Clark the Cub.
Kamara did not leave the mound. He pinched his glove multiple times and asked for another opportunity. Clark tossed the ball, so Kamara lined up once again and fired his pitch into the mascot's waiting glove. He quickly redeemed himself, much to the delight of the attendees at Wrigley Field.
Saints running back Alvin Kamara asked for a redo on his first pitch 😂 pic.twitter.com/bcEPjiapqz
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) July 5, 2025
Even two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes has gone viral for a rough outing on the mound. The former Texas Tech quarterback once threw out a pitch at Texas Rangers game.
It went poorly as the ball went high over the intended target's outstretched arm and into the stands. Mahomes laughed and tapped his chest while taking the blame for the errant throw.
He’ll be alright! #FinsUp baby! 🐬 https://t.co/GkkrGkxNNV pic.twitter.com/T9YyHOuoRR
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) May 2, 2026
Mahomes had another opportunity later in his career. Much like Kamara, he redeemed himself. He took the mound ahead of a Kansas City Royals game, and he threw the ball directly into the mitt of the man at home plate.
