Over the course of NFL history, there have been some sensational Super Bowl moments. But I believe that these 10 plays stand above the rest as the greatest of all time.
10. Lynn Swann’s Magical Grab (1976)
A tight Super Bowl X matchup between the Steelers and Cowboys was blown open by Swann’s sensational 53-yard catch. The graceful Pittsburgh wideout managed to juggle and secure the ball as he was falling, despite the pass being deflected by Dallas cornerback Mel Renfro.
9. Marcus Allen Explosion (1984)
The Raiders built a 21-3 over the Redskins by half-time, and running back Marcus Allen put the game out of reach for good in the third quarter of Super Bowl XVIII. Starting to the left but finding no room there, Allen reversed field and exploded through the middle for an incredible 74-yard touchdown run.
8.Julian Edelman’s Bobbled Catch (2017)
Late in the 4th quarter down one score, the Patriots had nearly completed their iconic 28-3 comeback. However, Tom Brady made a mistake, firing the ball towards Falcons cornerback Robert Alford – but the ball bounced off of his hands, and Edelman somehow snatched the wobbly ball off the turf between three Atlanta defenders.
7. Tracy Porter’s Pick-Six (2010)
The Saints led the Colts by a touchdown, but Peyton Manning had his team driving with just over three minutes remaining in the game. But cornerback Tracy Porter read him like a book on a third-down play. Stepping in front of receiver Reggie Wayne, Porter picked off the pass and took it 74 yards for a game-sealing score.
6. The Philly Special (2018)
One of the gutsiest calls in Super Bowl history had one of the biggest rewards. On 4th down just 1 yard from the end zone, running back Corey Clement took a surprise snap, pitched the ball to tight end Trey Burton, and threw a touchdown to quarterback Nick Foles! This gave the Eagles a 22-12 halftime lead and helped them hold on for their first-ever Super Bowl victory.
5. Manningham’s Sideline Snatch (2012)
On the last drive of the game, Eli Manning and the Giants needed a score to take the lead. And a perfect throw and catch helped them get the drive going. Receiver Mario Manningham beat double coverage, hauled in a beautiful lobbed pass from Manning, and managed to keep both feet in bounds before Pats safety Patrick Chung delivered a bruising hit.
4. Malcolm Butler’s Interception (2015)
With under 30 seconds left in the game, the Seahawks were a single yard away from winning their second Super Bowl. But a bizarre decision to call a passing play backfired disastrously. Seattle receiver Ricardo Lockette was beaten to the ball by unheralded Patriot Malcolm Butler, who made the interception to stun the world and give New England the win.
3. One Yard Short (2000)
The Titans were in the red zone down seven, and had one play to tie the game with a touchdown against the Rams. But their miracle season ended when Rams linebacker Mike Jones tackled receiver Kevin Dyson at the 1-yard line. The textbook tackle provided one of the most dramatic endings in a Super Bowl game ever.
2. Holmes’ Toe-Tap (2009)
The Steelers needed a fourth-quarter touchdown to take the lead late against the Cardinals, and receiver Santonio Holmes provided a moment of magic. The diminutive wideout rose up over three Cardinal defenders and made a ridiculous toe-tap catch to give Pittsburgh the winning touchdown.
1. The Helmet Catch (2008)
The Patriots were denied a perfect season because of this play. New England defensive end Jarvis Green had Eli Manning in his grasp, who managed to escape and fire the ball downfield. Backup receiver David Tyree and Pro Bowl safety Rodney Harrison were waiting for the ball, but Tyree somehow pinned the ball on his helmet with one hand to reel it in.
