NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 28: Quarterback Joe Montana #16 of the San Francisco 49ers sets up to pass against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXIV at the Superdome on January 28, 1990 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The 49ers defeated the Broncos 55-10. (Photo by Gin Ellis/Getty Images)
With so many NFL games going down to the final play, it’s incredibly important for players to step up and help lead their teams to victory. Here are the best 12 NFL players who madeclutch plays when the games were on the line. Agree? Disagree? Leave your comments below.
12. Adam Vinatieri
Feb 3, 2002; New Orleans, LA, USA; New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) kicks the ball against the St. Louis Rams during Super Bowl XXXVI at the Louisiana Superdome. The Patriots defeated the Rams 20-17. FILE PHOTO; Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
It’s not often that we put kickers on these types of lists, but Vinatieri had ice in his veins in critical moments
11. Julian Edelman
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 5: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots catches a 23-yard pass during Super Bowl 51 against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images)
One of the most clutch receivers of all-time just ask Tom Brady
10. Lynn Swann
Pittsburgh’s Lynn Swann runs past Cowboys’ Mark Washington for a 4th quarter touchdown and a Super Bowl X win.
No one had more spectacular Super Bowl catches than Swann
9. Franco Harris
Unknown date; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers runningback (32)
Franco Harris in action against the Baltimore Colts at Three Rivers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK
His “Immaculate Reception” is the most iconic clutch play in NFL history
8. Jerry Rice
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice (80) runs with the football after making a catch and drags Bengals defensive back Solomon Wilcots (41) along the way during the 4th quarter of the 49ers 20-16 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII on January 22, 1989 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida. Rice had 11 receptions for a then Super Bowl-record 215 yards and one touchdown, on a sprained ankle, and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. (Photo by Sylvia Allen/Getty Images)
Rice is the all-time leader in Super Bowl receiving yards and TDs.
7. Eli Manning
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 05: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 21-17. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Beat Tom Brady’s Patriots twice in the Super Bowl and always rose to the occasion in big games
6. Roger Staubach
Oct 4, 1970; St. Louis, MO, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach (12) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
When your nickname is “Captain Clutch” it tells you everything you need to know about Staubach in big spots
5. Terry Bradshaw
MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 18: Terry Bradshaw #12 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during Super Bowl X on January 18, 1976 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. The Steelers won the Super Bowl 21-7. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Bradshaw might not have had the biggest arm or the most speed but winning four Super Bowls sets him apart from most other players
4. Patrick Mahomes
KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 12: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 12, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Has three Super Bowl victories already and has proven to be clutch in every critical situation
3. John Elway
SAN DIEGO, CA – JANUARY 25: John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos turns to hand the ball off to a running back against the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XXXII on January 25, 1998 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Broncos won the Super Bowl 31-24. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Had back-to-back Super Bowl wins and lead “The Drive”
2. Joe Montana
PONTIAC, MI – JANUARY 24: Joe Montana #16 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XVI on January 24, 1982 at the Silver Dome in Pontiac, Michigan. The Niners won the Super Bowl 26 -21. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Joe Cool was the number one player on this list for the longest time. Had 4 Super Bowl victories without throwing an interception
1. Tom Brady
New England Patriot quarterback Tom Brady (12) as he completes a pass against the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship Game, 01/19/2002. (Photo by Arthur Anderson/Getty Images)
The GOAT who won 7 Super Bowls, including coming back from a 28-3 deficit against Atlanta in Super Bowl LI
