Throughout the history of the NFL, there have been countless unforgettable moments that have left fans in awe. From jaw-dropping catches to unbelievable runs, these game-changing plays have etched themselves into the annals of football history. Here, we take a look at the top 10 most memorable moments in NFL history.
- The Immaculate Reception
In the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders, Franco Harris made a miraculous catch off a deflected pass and ran it in for a touchdown. This play, known as the Immaculate Reception, is considered one of the most famous plays in NFL history and propelled the Steelers to their first-ever playoff win.
- The Helmet Catch
In Super Bowl XLII, the New York Giants faced the undefeated New England Patriots. With just over a minute left in the game, Giants quarterback Eli Manning escaped a sack and threw a pass to David Tyree, who made an incredible catch by pinning the ball against his helmet. This play set up the game-winning touchdown and ended the Patriots perfect season.
- The Catch
In the 1981 NFC Championship game, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana threw a high pass to Dwight Clark, who made a leaping grab in the back of the end zone. This play, known as “The Catch,” sent the 49ers to their first Super Bowl and began their 1980s dynasty.
- The Music City Miracle
In the 1999 AFC Wild Card game, the Tennessee Titans executed a perfectly designed trick play on a kickoff return. With 16 seconds left, Frank Wycheck threw a lateral pass across the field to Kevin Dyson, who sprinted 75 yards for the game-winning touchdown. This play dubbed the Music City Miracle, remains one of the most iconic moments in NFL playoff history.
- The Minneapolis Miracle
In the 2017 NFC Divisional Playoff game, the Minnesota Vikings faced the New Orleans Saints in a thrilling contest. With 10 seconds left on the clock, Vikings quarterback Case Keenum threw a pass to Stefon Diggs, who made an incredible catch and ran it in for a 61-yard game-winning touchdown. This play, known as the Minneapolis Miracle, sent the Vikings to the NFC Championship game.
- The Beast Quake
In the 2010 NFC Wild Card game, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch broke nine tackles on a 67-yard touchdown run, causing the crowd to erupt in cheers so loud that it registered on a nearby seismograph. This play, known as the Beast Quake, is considered one of the greatest runs in NFL history.
- The Philly Special
In Super Bowl LII, the Philadelphia Eagles executed a trick play known as the Philly Special. Quarterback Nick Foles caught a touchdown pass from tight end, Trey Burton, making Foles the first quarterback to both throw and catch a touchdown pass in a Super Bowl. This play helped the Eagles secure their first Super Bowl victory.
- The Sea of Hands
In the 1974 AFC Divisional Playoff game, Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler threw a last-second touchdown pass to running back Clarence Davis, who caught the ball amidst a sea of hands from both teams. This play, known as the Sea of Hands, is considered one of the most dramatic game-winning touchdowns in NFL history.
- The Hail Mary
In the 1975 NFC Divisional Playoff game, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach threw a 50-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Drew Pearson with just 24 seconds left on the clock. This play, which Staubach later dubbed the Hail Mary, is considered one of the most iconic moments in NFL history.
- The Tackle
In Super Bowl XXXIV, the St. Louis Rams faced the Tennessee Titans in a nail-biting finish. With just seconds remaining, Rams linebacker Mike Jones tackled Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson just one yard short of the end zone, preserving the Rams’ victory and earning the play the nickname “The Tackle.”
