The Super Bowl is the grandest stage in American sports, and over the years, it has produced some of the most jaw-dropping, game-changing, and unforgettable plays in football history. These moments have defined careers, cemented legacies, and left fans in awe. From miraculous catches to clutch defensive stops, here’s a look at some of the most legendary plays in Super Bowl history.
David Tyree’s “Helmet Catch” – Super Bowl XLII (2008)
Game: New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
Play: On 3rd-and-5 with 1:15 left in the game, Giants quarterback Eli Manning somehow escaped a sack and launched a deep pass. Wide receiver David Tyree leaped and pinned the ball against his helmet while being tackled by Rodney Harrison. The miraculous 32-yard catch helped set up the game-winning touchdown, preventing the Patriots from completing a perfect season.
Malcolm Butler’s Goal-Line Interception – Super Bowl XLIX (2015)
Game: New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks
Play: With the Seahawks at the Patriots’ 1-yard line and trailing by four, Seattle opted to pass instead of running Marshawn Lynch. Russell Wilson’s slant pass was intercepted by rookie Malcolm Butler, sealing the Patriots’ victory in one of the most shocking endings in Super Bowl history.
Santonio Holmes’ Toe-Tap Catch – Super Bowl XLIII (2009)
Game: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Play: With just 35 seconds left and trailing 23-20, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw a perfect pass to the corner of the end zone. Santonio Holmes made an incredible toe-tap catch while falling out of bounds, securing the game-winning touchdown and the Super Bowl MVP award.
James Harrison’s 100-Yard Pick-Six – Super Bowl XLIII (2009)
Game: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Play: Just before halftime, Steelers linebacker James Harrison intercepted Kurt Warner’s pass at the goal line and rumbled 100 yards down the field, breaking tackles and barely making it into the end zone. The play remains the longest interception return in Super Bowl history.
Nick Foles’ “Philly Special” – Super Bowl LII (2018)
Game: Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots
Play: On 4th-and-goal before halftime, the Eagles pulled off one of the most creative trick plays in Super Bowl history. Quarterback Nick Foles moved to the right as the ball was directly snapped to running back Corey Clement. Clement flipped the ball to tight end Trey Burton, who then passed it to a wide-open Foles in the end zone. The gutsy call helped the Eagles secure their first-ever Super Bowl victory.
Marcus Allen’s 74-Yard Touchdown Run – Super Bowl XVIII (1984)
Game: Los Angeles Raiders vs. Washington Redskins
Play: In one of the greatest runs in Super Bowl history, Raiders running back Marcus Allen reversed field after initially heading to the left, then cut back to the right and sprinted 74 yards for a touchdown. His Super Bowl MVP performance helped the Raiders dominate the Redskins 38-9.
John Elway’s “Helicopter Run” – Super Bowl XXXII (1998)
Game: Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers
Play: With the game tied in the third quarter, 37-year-old John Elway scrambled on 3rd-and-6 and leaped into the air while being hit by multiple defenders. He spun like a helicopter before landing for a first down. The play symbolized his determination, and the Broncos went on to win their first Super Bowl.
Julian Edelman’s Impossible Catch – Super Bowl LI (2017)
Game: New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons
Play: During the Patriots’ historic 28-3 comeback, Julian Edelman made one of the most improbable catches ever. A deflected pass appeared to be inches from hitting the ground, but Edelman somehow reached under three defenders and caught it just before it hit the turf. The play kept the drive alive, leading to the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history.
Lynn Swann’s Balletic Catch – Super Bowl X (1976)
Game: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Play: Wide receiver Lynn Swann made an acrobatic, juggling 53-yard catch while falling to the ground. His performance, which included four receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown, earned him Super Bowl MVP honors and helped the Steelers defeat the Cowboys.
Kevin Dyson’s One-Yard Short – Super Bowl XXXIV (2000)
Game: St. Louis Rams vs. Tennessee Titans
Play: With the Titans down 23-16 on the final play, quarterback Steve McNair threw a pass to Kevin Dyson at the 5-yard line. Dyson stretched toward the end zone, but Rams linebacker Mike Jones tackled him one yard short as time expired. The play became one of the most dramatic finishes in Super Bowl history.
Terry Bradshaw to John Stallworth – Super Bowl XIV (1980)
Game: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Los Angeles Rams
Play: Trailing 19-17 in the fourth quarter, Terry Bradshaw launched a deep 73-yard touchdown pass to John Stallworth, who outran two defenders for the go-ahead score. The Steelers went on to win their fourth Super Bowl in six years.
Steve Young’s 6-TD Performance – Super Bowl XXIX (1995)
Game: San Francisco 49ers vs. San Diego Chargers
Play: Steve Young threw a record-breaking six touchdown passes, finally stepping out of Joe Montana’s shadow and leading the 49ers to a dominant 49-26 victory. His incredible performance earned him Super Bowl MVP honors.
Super Bowl Legends
The Super Bowl is where legends are made, and these unforgettable plays have become part of football folklore. From miraculous catches to game-winning interceptions, these moments remind us why the Super Bowl is the most exciting and unpredictable sporting event in America.
Learn more at: https://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-throwback-top-100-super-bowl-plays
The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!