While offense often grabs the spotlight, defense wins championships. Some of the most legendary moments in Super Bowl history have come from game-changing defensive plays—interceptions, goal-line stands, sacks, and fumble recoveries that turned the tide of the game. These plays didn’t just prevent points; they swung momentum and secured Super Bowl victories. Here’s a look at some of the greatest defensive plays in Super Bowl history.
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, trailing by four with 26 seconds left, Seattle shockingly chose to pass instead of running Marshawn Lynch. Russell Wilson’s quick slant attempt was jumped by rookie Malcolm Butler, who made a spectacular interception, securing the Patriots’ victory in one of the most shocking endings in Super Bowl history.
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 at the goal line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown, breaking multiple tackles along the way. This remains the longest defensive touchdown in Super Bowl history and helped Pittsburgh hold off a late Cardinals rally.
Mike Jones’ “One Yard Short” Tackle – Super Bowl XXXIV (2000)
Game: St. Louis Rams vs. Tennessee Titans
Play: In one of the most dramatic finishes ever, Titans quarterback Steve McNair hit Kevin Dyson on a short pass with time expiring. Dyson lunged toward the end zone, but Rams linebacker Mike Jones tackled him one yard short, securing the Rams’ first Super Bowl victory.
Von Miller’s Strip-Sack on Cam Newton – Super Bowl 50 (2016)
Game: Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers
Play: In a defensive masterclass, Von Miller dominated the Panthers’ offensive line. His strip-sack of Cam Newton in the first quarter led to a Broncos touchdown and set the tone for the game. Miller had 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and was named Super Bowl MVP as Denver’s defense smothered the Panthers.
Tracy Porter’s Game-Sealing Pick-Six – Super Bowl XLIV (2010)
Game: New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts
Play: With the Colts driving to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, Saints cornerback Tracy Porter read Peyton Manning perfectly and jumped the route, intercepting the ball and returning it 74 yards for a touchdown. The pick sealed the Saints’ first-ever Super Bowl victory.
Eli Manning’s Defense Denies an Undefeated Season – Super Bowl XLII (2008)
Game: New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
Play: The 18-0 Patriots were on the verge of a perfect season, but the Giants’ relentless pass rush—led by Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck, and Osi Umenyiora—sacked Tom Brady five times and pressured him all game. The biggest play came when Jay Alford sacked Brady on the Patriots’ final drive, forcing a 3rd-and-long that ultimately led to their defeat.
Reggie White’s Sack Machine Performance – Super Bowl XXXI (1997)
Game: Green Bay Packers vs. New England Patriots
Play: The legendary Reggie White dominated the Patriots’ offensive line, setting a Super Bowl record with three sacks on Drew Bledsoe. His relentless pressure helped the Packers secure a 35-21 victory.
Rod Martin’s Three Interceptions – Super Bowl XV (1981)
Game: Oakland Raiders vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Play: Raiders linebacker Rod Martin intercepted three passes, a Super Bowl record, as the Raiders’ defense shut down Ron Jaworski and the Eagles’ offense. His performance was key in the Raiders’ dominant 27-10 win.
Dexter Jackson’s Two First-Half Interceptions – Super Bowl XXXVII (2003)
Game: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Oakland Raiders
Play: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense, led by Dexter Jackson, completely overwhelmed the Raiders. Jackson intercepted Rich Gannon twice in the first half, setting the tone for Tampa Bay’s five total interceptions and a dominant 48-21 victory. His defensive effort earned him Super Bowl MVP honors.
Richard Dent and the Bears’ Defensive Domination – Super Bowl XX (1986)
Game: Chicago Bears vs. New England Patriots
Play: The 1985 Chicago Bears’ defense is widely regarded as one of the greatest ever, and Richard Dent was their leader. He recorded 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a blocked pass, helping Chicago’s defense hold New England to just seven rushing yards. Dent was named Super Bowl MVP as the Bears won 46-10.
Charles Woodson’s Forced Fumble on Tom Brady – Super Bowl XXXVI (2002)
Game: New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams
Play: While Tom Brady’s first Super Bowl victory is remembered for Adam Vinatieri’s game-winning field goal, it was Charles Woodson’s first-quarter forced fumble on Kurt Warner that helped shift momentum. The Patriots’ defense forced three Rams turnovers, leading to their upset victory.
Jack Squirek’s Pick-Six Before Halftime – Super Bowl XVIII (1984)
Game: Los Angeles Raiders vs. Washington Redskins
Play: Just before halftime, Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann attempted a screen pass, but Raiders linebacker Jack Squirek read it perfectly and intercepted the ball, returning it for an easy touchdown. This crushing play helped the Raiders dominate the Redskins 38-9.
Jake Scott’s Two Interceptions – Super Bowl VII (1973)
Game: Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Redskins
Play: Safety Jake Scott intercepted two passes, helping the Miami Dolphins complete their perfect 17-0 season. His stellar defensive effort earned him Super Bowl MVP honors, as the Dolphins won 14-7.
L.C. Greenwood’s Sack Barrage – Super Bowl IX (1975)
Game: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings
Play: L.C. Greenwood sacked Fran Tarkenton four times, setting the tone for the Steelers’ Steel Curtain defense, which held the Vikings to just six first downs and 119 total yards. Pittsburgh won 16-6, securing their first Super Bowl title.
Willie Brown’s Iconic 75-Yard Pick-Six – Super Bowl XI (1977)
Game: Oakland Raiders vs. Minnesota Vikings
Play: In one of the most famous defensive moments in Super Bowl history, Raiders cornerback Willie Brown intercepted Fran Tarkenton and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown. The image of Brown sprinting down the sideline remains one of the most iconic Super Bowl visuals.
Defense Wins Championships
Defense has played a massive role in shaping Super Bowl history. Whether it’s clutch interceptions, goal-line stands, strip-sacks, or relentless pass rushes, these plays have turned the tide of championship games and defined legacies.
Learn more at: https://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-throwback-top-100-super-bowl-plays
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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!