The Quick Report

20 Shocking NFL Moments That Changed The Sport Forever

The NFL is renowned for its captivating games and unbelievable moments that have left an indelible mark on sports history. From iconic plays to legendary comebacks, these unforgettable events have defined eras and transcended the sport itself.

In this listicle, we revisit twenty of the most memorable moments in NFL history, capturing the excitement, drama, and sheer unpredictability that make football so compelling.

20. The Drive (1987)

John Elway
Openverse

John Elway’s legendary 98-yard touchdown drive in the 1987 AFC Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns became an iconic moment in NFL history. With just 5:32 left in the fourth quarter, Elway led the Denver Broncos on a 15-play drive, culminating in a game-tying touchdown. The Broncos won in overtime, solidifying Elway’s reputation for clutch performances.

19. The Tackle (2000)

Mike Jones
Openverse

In Super Bowl XXXIV, Rams linebacker Mike Jones made “The Tackle,” stopping Titans receiver Kevin Dyson one yard short of the goal line on the final play. This iconic moment secured the Rams’ 23-16 victory and first Super Bowl title, becoming one of the most memorable finishes in NFL history.

18. The Comeback (1993)

Frank Reich
Openverse

In a 1993 AFC Wild Card game, the Buffalo Bills orchestrated the largest comeback in NFL history. Trailing the Houston Oilers 35-3 in the third quarter, backup quarterback Frank Reich led the Bills to a stunning 41-38 overtime victory. This improbable win showcased the resilience and unpredictability of football, cementing its place in NFL lore.

17. The Butt Fumble (2012)

Mark Sanchez
Openverse

On Thanksgiving Day 2012, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez ran into his lineman’s backside, fumbling the ball which was returned for a Patriots touchdown. This infamous play, dubbed the “Butt Fumble,” became a symbol of the Jets’ struggles and a source of endless mockery. It dominated ESPN’s “Not Top 10” for 40 consecutive weeks before being retired.

16. The Hail Mary (1975)

Drew Pearson
Openverse

 

Roger Staubach’s game-winning 50-yard touchdown pass to Drew Pearson in the 1975 NFC Divisional Playoff coined the term “Hail Mary” in football. This miraculous play not only secured a 17-14 victory for the Dallas Cowboys over the Minnesota Vikings but also entered the NFL lexicon, forever changing how last-second desperation passes are described.

15. The Miracle at the Meadowlands (1978)

Meadowlands Stadium
Openverse

With 31 seconds left, the Giants led 17-12 and had possession. Instead of kneeling, they attempted a handoff. The fumbled exchange was scooped up by Eagles’ Herman Edwards, who ran it in for a touchdown. This blunder led to the widespread adoption of the “victory formation” in the NFL.

14. The Holy Roller (1978)

Ken Stabler
Openverse

 The “Holy Roller” play in a Raiders-Chargers game led to a crucial NFL rule change. With seconds left, Raiders QB Ken Stabler intentionally fumbled forward, allowing teammates to advance the ball for a game-winning touchdown. This controversial play prompted the NFL to restrict fumble advances in the final two minutes, forever altering late-game strategies.

13. The Fog Bowl (1988)

Philadelphia Eagles
Openverse

The 1988 NFC Divisional Playoff between the Eagles and Bears was engulfed by an eerie fog, reducing visibility to 15-20 yards. Despite challenging conditions, the game continued, with the Bears winning 20-12. This surreal event, dubbed “The Fog Bowl,” became an iconic moment in NFL lore, showcasing the league’s resilience in adverse weather.

12. The Beast Quake (2011)

Marshawn Lynch
Openverse

Marshawn Lynch’s 67-yard touchdown run against the Saints, dubbed the “Beast Quake,” shook Seattle’s stadium so much it registered on a nearby seismograph. This iconic play not only secured the Seahawks’ playoff victory but also symbolized the team’s cultural transformation, leading to a dominant decade in the NFL.

11. The Monday Night Miracle (2000)

New York Jets Receiver Plaxico Burress
Openverse

The New York Jets staged an epic comeback against the Miami Dolphins, scoring 30 points in the fourth quarter to tie the game and win 40-37 in overtime. This Monday Night Football classic showcased the NFL’s unpredictability and cemented its reputation for thrilling primetime matchups.

10. The Longest Game (1971)

Miami Dolphins
Openverse

The 1971 AFC Divisional Playoff between the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs became the longest game in NFL history, lasting 82 minutes and 40 seconds. Played on Christmas Day, it featured two overtime periods before Miami secured a 27-24 victory. This marathon matchup set a new standard for endurance in professional football.

9. The Heidi Game (1968)

Openverse

The Raiders-Jets game on November 17, 1968, became infamous when NBC cut away to air the children’s movie “Heidi” before the game’s thrilling conclusion. The Raiders scored two touchdowns in the final minute to win 43-32, but East Coast viewers missed it. This incident led to major changes in NFL broadcasting practices.

8. The Minneapolis Miracle (2018)

Stefon Diggs
Openverse

In the 2018 NFC Divisional Playoff, the Vikings stunned the Saints with a last-second 61-yard touchdown. Stefon Diggs caught Case Keenum’s pass and ran untouched to the end zone as time expired, securing a 29-24 victory. This play, dubbed the “Minneapolis Miracle,” became the first walk-off touchdown in NFL playoff history.

7. The Tuck Rule Game (2002)

Charles Woodson
Openverse

In a snowy AFC Divisional Playoff, a controversial call changed NFL history. Raiders’ Charles Woodson stripped Patriots’ Tom Brady, but officials ruled it an incomplete pass due to the “tuck rule.” New England won in overtime, sparking their dynasty. The rule was abolished in 2013, but its impact remains legendary.

6. The Ice Bowl (1967)

Packers vs Patriots
Photo by gjbender1

The 1967 NFL Championship Game, dubbed “The Ice Bowl,” saw the Green Bay Packers defeat the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 in frigid -13°F temperatures. Bart Starr’s game-winning quarterback sneak with 13 seconds left cemented the Packers’ legacy and marked the coldest game in NFL history, shaping the league’s reputation for toughness in extreme conditions.

5. The Philly Special (2018)

Nick Foles
Openverse

The “Philly Special” trick play in Super Bowl LII stunned the Patriots and helped the Eagles secure their first championship. On fourth-and-goal, quarterback Nick Foles caught a touchdown pass from tight end Trey Burton, becoming the first player to throw and catch a TD in Super Bowl history. This gutsy call exemplified the Eagles’ aggressive strategy that ultimately led to their 41-33 victory.

4. The Music City Miracle (2000)

Tennessee Titans
Openverse

With 16 seconds left, the Titans executed a miraculous lateral play on a kickoff return against the Bills. Frank Wycheck threw across the field to Kevin Dyson, who ran 75 yards for the game-winning touchdown. This play propelled the Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV and remains one of the most controversial and memorable moments in NFL playoff history.

Read More: From Underdogs to Legends: 10 Inspirational Sports Movies

3. The Helmet Catch (2008)

David Tyree
Openverse

Eli Manning’s miraculous escape and David Tyree’s improbable helmet catch in Super Bowl XLII stunned the undefeated Patriots. This 32-yard play kept the Giants’ game-winning drive alive, leading to a 17-14 victory and denying New England a perfect 19-0 season. It’s widely considered one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history.

Read More: The 10 Most Inspirational Career-Defining Comebacks in NFL History

2. The Catch (1982)

Bill Walsh Bust
Openverse

Joe Montana’s iconic touchdown pass to Dwight Clark in the 1981 NFC Championship game propelled the San Francisco 49ers to their first Super Bowl. This play, known as “The Catch,” marked the end of the Dallas Cowboys’ dominance and the beginning of the 49ers’ dynasty, reshaping the NFL landscape for years to come.

Read More: The 15 Greatest Comebacks in NFL Playoff History

1. The Immaculate Reception (1972)

Franco Harris
Openverse

Franco Harris’s miraculous catch in the 1972 AFC divisional playoff game between the Steelers and Raiders changed NFL history. The play, voted the greatest in NFL history, sparked Pittsburgh’s dynasty, leading to four Super Bowl wins in the 1970s. In 2022, the Steelers retired Harris’s jersey number 32 to commemorate the play’s 50th anniversary.

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