Sports history is filled with moments of triumph, but equally compelling are the heartbreaking instances where glory slipped away. These iconic blunders and missed opportunities had an impact on the careers of athletes and the hearts of fans.
Let’s delve into some of the most unforgettable mistakes and near-misses in sports championship history, offering a poignant reminder of the thin line between victory and defeat.
20. Jimmy Garoppolo’s Overthrown Pass (49ers, Super Bowl LIV)
With 1:39 left and the 49ers trailing 24-20, Garoppolo overthrew a wide-open Emmanuel Sanders on a potential game-winning 49-yard touchdown. The Chiefs went on to win 31-20, denying San Francisco its sixth Super Bowl title. This missed opportunity continues to haunt both Garoppolo and 49ers fans.
19. Nick Anderson’s Missed Free Throws (Magic, 1995 NBA Finals Game 1)
Nick Anderson’s four consecutive missed free throws in the final seconds of Game 1 of the 1995 NBA Finals haunted him for years. With Orlando leading by 3, Anderson’s misses allowed Houston to tie the game and eventually win in overtime. This pivotal moment shifted the series momentum, leading to a Rockets sweep.
18. Marshawn Lynch Not Getting the Ball (Seahawks, Super Bowl XLIX)
Marshawn Lynch’s infamous goal-line snub in Super Bowl XLIX remains one of the NFL’s most controversial decisions. With the Seahawks just one yard from victory, the decision to pass instead of handing off to Lynch, who had 102 rushing yards that game, resulted in a game-sealing interception. Lynch later admitted to laughing in coach Pete Carroll’s face after the play, highlighting the frustration and disbelief surrounding the call.
17. Kyle Williams’ Overtime Fumble (49ers, 2011 NFC Championship Game)
Kyle Williams’ two fumbles on punt returns, including a critical one in overtime, cost the 49ers a chance at the Super Bowl in 2011. His overtime mistake set up the Giants’ game-winning field goal, crushing San Francisco’s championship dreams. Williams faced intense criticism and even death threats following the game.
16. Garo Yepremian’s Infamous Pass Attempt (Dolphins, Super Bowl VII)
Dolphins kicker Garo Yepremian’s botched pass attempt after a blocked field goal in Super Bowl VII nearly cost Miami their perfect season. His fumbled throw was returned for a touchdown, cutting the lead to 14-7. Despite the win, Yepremian’s gaffe became one of the most memorable blunders in Super Bowl history.
15. Brett Favre’s Final Pass as a Packer (2007 NFC Championship)
In the 2007 NFC Championship, Brett Favre’s last throw as a Green Bay Packer was an overtime interception against the Giants, leading to a 23-20 loss. This crushing defeat denied Favre a chance at another Super Bowl and marked the end of his storied Packers career.
14. Roger Craig’s Costly Fumble (49ers, 1990 NFC Championship Game)
With the 49ers leading 13-12 and just 2:36 remaining, Roger Craig fumbled at the Giants’ 40-yard line. Lawrence Taylor recovered, setting up Matt Bahr’s game-winning field goal. This turnover ended San Francisco’s quest for a third consecutive Super Bowl title and haunted Craig for years.
13. Asante Samuel’s Missed Interception (Patriots, Super Bowl XLII)
With just over a minute left, Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel had a chance to seal New England’s perfect 19-0 season. Eli Manning’s pass sailed directly towards Samuel, but it slipped through his hands. The very next play, David Tyree made the iconic “Helmet Catch,” leading to the Giants’ upset victory and shattering the Patriots’ dreams of perfection.
12. Earl Morrall’s Missed Wide-Open Receiver (Colts, Super Bowl III)
In Super Bowl III, Colts quarterback Earl Morrall failed to spot wide-open receiver Jimmy Orr waving frantically in the end zone on a flea-flicker play. Instead, Morrall threw an interception, preserving the Jets’ 7-0 lead. This missed opportunity became a turning point in the Colts’ shocking 16-7 loss, cementing Morrall’s place in Super Bowl infamy.
11. Wes Welker’s Crucial Drop (Patriots, Super Bowl XLVI)
In Super Bowl XLVI, Patriots receiver Wes Welker dropped a crucial pass with 4 minutes remaining, leading to a 21-17 loss against the Giants. The catch would have put the Patriots in field goal range and likely sealed the victory. Welker, known for his sure hands, took full responsibility for the drop, calling it a play he’ll “have to live with.”
10. Jackie Smith’s Dropped Touchdown (Cowboys, Super Bowl XIII)
In Super Bowl XIII, Cowboys tight end Jackie Smith infamously dropped a wide-open touchdown pass that could have tied the game against the Steelers. The 15-year veteran, in his final NFL season, was left devastated by the error. Dallas ultimately lost 35-31, and Smith’s drop became one of the most memorable blunders in Super Bowl history.
9. Donovan McNabb’s Fourth Quarter Struggles (Eagles, Super Bowl XXXIX)
Despite a strong performance, McNabb threw three crucial interceptions, including one in the final minutes that sealed the Eagles’ fate. His alleged illness during the game’s final drive remains controversial. McNabb’s 357 passing yards and three touchdowns were overshadowed by turnovers and a slow-paced final possession, leading to a 24-21 loss against the Patriots.
8. Thurman Thomas’s Lost Helmet (Bills, Super Bowl XXVI)
In a bizarre pre-game mishap, Bills’ star running back Thurman Thomas couldn’t find his helmet, causing him to miss the first two offensive plays. This incident set the tone for a disappointing performance, as Thomas rushed for only 13 yards in Buffalo’s 37-24 loss to Washington. The helmet fiasco became an enduring symbol of the Bills’ Super Bowl struggles.
7. John Elway’s Early Career Super Bowl Struggles (Broncos, 1987, 1988, 1990)
John Elway, the legendary Broncos quarterback, endured three crushing Super Bowl defeats in his first nine seasons. Despite his exceptional talent, Elway’s teams were outscored 136-40 in these losses. These setbacks fueled Elway’s determination, ultimately leading to back-to-back Super Bowl victories in his final two seasons.
6. Jim Kelly’s Four Consecutive Super Bowl Losses (Bills, 1991-1994)
Jim Kelly led the Buffalo Bills to an unprecedented four straight Super Bowls from 1991 to 1994, only to lose all four games. The most devastating was the first, a 20-19 loss to the Giants when Scott Norwood’s field goal attempt went wide right. Kelly’s legacy, while impressive, is forever linked to these heartbreaking defeats.
Read More: The 10 Most Talked About Super Bowl Wins in NFL History
5. Jermaine Kearse’s Miracle Catch Overshadowed (Seahawks, Super Bowl XLIX)
Jermaine Kearse made an incredible juggling catch, securing a 33-yard gain that put the Seahawks in position to win. However, his heroics were quickly forgotten when the team’s decision to pass instead of run led to a game-ending interception. Kearse’s miraculous play became a footnote in one of the most controversial Super Bowl finishes ever.
Read More: Ranking the NFC NFL Coaches From Worst to Best This Season
4. Kevin Dyson’s “One Yard Short” (Titans, Super Bowl XXXIV)
In the final play of Super Bowl XXXIV, Titans receiver Kevin Dyson was tackled just one yard short of the goal line by Rams linebacker Mike Jones, sealing a 23-16 loss. This heartbreaking moment, known as “The Tackle,” denied the Titans a chance to tie the game and became one of the most iconic plays in NFL history.
Read More: The Most Memorable Super Bowl Moments Ever
3. Matt Ryan’s 28-3 Collapse (Falcons, Super Bowl LI)
Matt Ryan’s dream of winning a Super Bowl shattered in 2017 when the Falcons blew a 28-3 lead against the Patriots. Despite Ryan’s MVP-caliber performance, Atlanta’s defense crumbled, and questionable play-calling led to a devastating overtime loss. This collapse haunts Ryan’s legacy and remains one of the most shocking meltdowns in NFL history.
Read More: The 10 Worst Losses of the 2024 NFL Regular Season
2. Russell Wilson’s Goal-Line Interception (Seahawks, Super Bowl XLIX)
With 26 seconds left and trailing 28-24, Russell Wilson threw a goal-line interception to Patriots rookie Malcolm Butler, crushing the Seahawks’ hopes of back-to-back titles. The decision to pass instead of handing off to Marshawn Lynch remains one of the most controversial play calls in Super Bowl history.
Read More: Ranking the Worst Draft Picks in the History of the NFL
1. Scott Norwood’s “Wide Right” (Bills, Super Bowl XXV)
Scott Norwood’s missed 47-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds of Super Bowl XXV haunted the Buffalo Bills for years. The kick, which sailed wide right, resulted in a 20-19 victory for the New York Giants and marked the beginning of the Bills’ four consecutive Super Bowl losses. Norwood’s name became synonymous with heartbreak in Buffalo sports history.
Watch Now: Big plays. Fast takes. Check out TQR Shorts for the latest sports news with Zoe!