The Carolina Panthers had the quarterback with the 'Superman' cleats but it was a San Francisco 49ers defender who was the one flying through the air in Charlotte.
49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks attempted to time his leap with the Panthers snap on a 3rd-and-goal play at the 1-yard line. As the officials had no trouble noticing, he took off just a bit early and soared over the Panthers' offensive line before they play had even begun. Instead of making a spectacular tackle behind the line of scrimmage Brooks was easily called offside.
(GIF via @thescore)
Making the epic encroachment penalty even more memorable was the dramatic flop by Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
(GIF via @SBNationGIF)
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry joked that Newton's histrionics could draw the ire of the NBA.
Had Brooks' takeoff been better timed and his landing a bit more on target then the play could have resembled a similar play famously executed by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu.
Instead of replicating Polamalu's effort, Brooks got trolled by the Steelers' Twitter account.
Brooks would have the last laugh as the 49ers' defense held the Panthers to a field goal on that series. The 49ers would go on to win 23-10 to clinch a spot in the NFC Championship Game.