List of nicknamed NFL games and plays

Last updated

This is a list of several dozen National Football League (NFL) games and plays that have been given names by the media, football fans, and as part of a team's lore because of a distinctive play, unusual outcome, or other circumstance. [1] This list does not include games named only for their position in the NFL playoff structure—e.g., the 1963 AFL Championship or Super Bowl XXXI.

Contents

Named NFL games

NameDateAway teamScoreHome teamNotes
Iron Man Game December 4, 1932 Green Bay Packers 0–19 Portsmouth Spartans Spartans coach Potsy Clark refused to make even a single substitution against the defending NFL champion Packers. Portsmouth won 19–0 and used only 11 players for the entire game. [2]
First NFL Championship Game December 18, 1932 Portsmouth Spartans 0–9 Chicago Bears Because the Spartans and Bears were tied in the standings at the end of the season, the NFL voted to hold the first official playoff game in Chicago at Wrigley Field. Due to severe winter conditions before the game, the game was held indoors at Chicago Stadium which forced some temporary rule changes, such as a modified 80-yard dirt field.
The Sneakers Game December 9, 1934 Chicago Bears 13–30 New York Giants 1934 NFL Championship Game. Giants players switched to basketball sneakers in the middle of the game. [3]
73–0 December 8, 1940 Chicago Bears 73–0 Washington Redskins The Chicago Bears scored 11 touchdowns and won 73–0, the most lopsided victory in NFL history. [4]
The Greatest Game Ever Played December 28, 1958 Baltimore Colts 23–17 New York Giants First NFL playoff game to be decided in sudden death overtime. [10] Marked the beginning of the NFL's popularity surge and eventual rise to the top of the United States sports market. [11]
Ice Bowl December 31, 1967 Dallas Cowboys 17–21 Green Bay Packers 1967 NFL Championship Game. The coldest NFL game ever played, with a wind chill of −36 °F (−38 °C). [12]
Heidi Game November 17, 1968 New York Jets 32–43 Oakland Raiders Broadcaster NBC chose to break coverage in the East Coast to broadcast the television film Heidi , causing many viewers to miss the Raiders' two-touchdown comeback. [13] [14]
The Santa Claus Game December 15, 1968 Minnesota Vikings 24–17 Philadelphia Eagles Eagles fans upset by their team's poor season used snowballs to pelt a Santa Claus actor in a halftime Christmas parade. [15] [16]
The Guarantee January 12, 1969 New York Jets 16–7 Baltimore Colts Super Bowl III. 19-1⁄2-point underdog American Football League (AFL) champion New York Jets upset the NFL champion Baltimore Colts, after Jets quarterback Joe Namath guaranteed his team's victory. [17] [18] [19]
Miracle at the Met December 14, 1980 Cleveland Browns 23–28 Minnesota Vikings Down 23–9 in the fourth quarter, the Minnesota Vikings came back with two touchdowns in the final two minutes to wide receiver Ahmad Rashad, including a 46-yard Hail Mary pass caught with one hand on the last play of the game. [20] [21]
Announcerless Game December 20, 1980 New York Jets 24–17 Miami Dolphins NBC game broadcast without commentators as an experiment. [22]
Duel in Dixie January 4, 1981 Dallas Cowboys 30–27 Atlanta Falcons Down by 10 points in the fourth quarter, the Dallas Cowboys would outscore the Atlanta Falcons 20–3, including a go-ahead touchdown with 23 seconds remaining to win 30–27. [23]
Epic in Miami January 2, 1982 San Diego Chargers 41–38 Miami Dolphins Exceptional performances by players on both teams produced 79 combined points in this 1981-82 NFL playoff game, setting numerous NFL records. [24]
Freezer Bowl January 10, 1982 San Diego Chargers 7–27 Cincinnati Bengals 1981 AFC Championship Game. Coldest game temperature in NFL history by wind chill: −59 °F (−51 °C) under the calculation method then in use. [25]
Snowplow Game December 12, 1982 Miami Dolphins 0–3 New England Patriots A snowplow operator cleared snow in front of New England kicker John Smith at the request of Patriots head coach Ron Meyer, enabling a game-winning but controversial field goal. [26] [27]
Snowball Game (1985) November 11, 1985 San Francisco 49ers 16–17 Denver Broncos Spectators at Denver's Mile High Stadium disrupted a 49ers' field goal attempt by throwing snowballs from the stands, helping the Denver Broncos to win. [28] [29]
Snow Bowl (1985) December 1, 1985 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0–21 Green Bay Packers Played as a snowstorm dropped more than 14 inches (36 cm) of snow before, during, and after the game. [30] [31]
Fog Bowl December 31, 1988 Philadelphia Eagles 12–20 Chicago Bears Dense fog rolled over Chicago's Soldier Field during the 2nd quarter, cutting visibility to 15 to 20 yards for the rest of the game and preventing many players from seeing the sidelines or first-down markers. [32] [33]
Instant Replay Game November 5, 1989 Chicago Bears 13–14 Green Bay Packers A penalty call was overturned by using instant replay, allowing a game-winning Green Bay Packers touchdown to stand against their division rival Chicago Bears. [34] [35]
Bounty Bowl November 23, 1989 Philadelphia Eagles 27–0 Dallas Cowboys Notable for allegations that the Eagles put a $200 bounty on Cowboys kicker Luis Zendejas, who had been cut by Philadelphia earlier that season. [36]
Bounty Bowl II December 10, 1989 Dallas Cowboys 10–20 Philadelphia Eagles Rematch of Bounty Bowl I. Eagles fans threw objects at Cowboys players and coaches, game officials, and game announcers. [37]
Body Bag Game November 12, 1990 Washington Redskins 14–28 Philadelphia Eagles Nine Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders) players left with injuries. [38]
No Punt Game September 13, 1992 Buffalo Bills 34–31 San Francisco 49ers First NFL game without a punt by either team. Featured multiple future Hall of Famers; widely regarded as one of the NFL's best games,. [39]
The Comeback January 3, 1993 Houston Oilers 38–41 Buffalo Bills During this 1992–93 playoff game, the Buffalo Bills overcame a 35–3 deficit to defeat the visiting Houston Oilers 41–38 in overtime—the largest comeback in NFL history until the 2022 NFL season. [40] [41] [42]
Fake Spike Game November 27, 1994 Miami Dolphins 28–24 New York Jets Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino ran a trick play, pretending to stop the game clock but instead threw a pass that scored the game-winning touchdown, ultimately giving Miami the 28–24 victory. [43]
Snowball Game (1995) December 23, 1995 San Diego Chargers 27–17 New York Giants After a snowstorm, fans threw snowballs in the stands and onto the field. The Giants were nearly forced to forfeit the game. [44] [45] [46]
Ambush at Mile High/Mile High Miracle (1996) January 4, 1997 Jacksonville Jaguars 30–27 Denver Broncos The Jacksonville Jaguars performed a historic upset against the Denver Broncos, in which the Broncos were 14-point favorites entering the matchup.
The Catch II January 3, 1999 Green Bay Packers 27–30 San Francisco 49ers Wild Card Playoff game which saw a 49ers game-winning pass to Terrell Owens with 8 seconds left in regulation. [47] [48]
Pickle Juice Game September 3, 2000 Philadelphia Eagles 41–14 Dallas Cowboys The Eagles used pickle juice to hydrate as field temperatures reached 130 degrees F. [49] [50]
Monday Night Miracle October 23, 2000 Miami Dolphins 37–40 New York Jets Jets comeback game with 23 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 30, winning in overtime. [51]
Bottlegate December 16, 2001 Jacksonville Jaguars 15–10 Cleveland Browns Browns fans threw beer bottles and other objects onto the field after referees overturned a Browns 4th-down conversion made two plays earlier. This decision, which violated NFL rules, ended the game early. [52] [53]
Tuck Rule Game January 19, 2002 Oakland Raiders 13–16 New England Patriots 2001 AFC Divisional Playoff game in which a Patriots fumble was ruled an incomplete pass by officials because Patriots quarterback Tom Brady appeared to "tuck" the ball in. The Patriots won the game, and then Super Bowl XXXVI. [54] [55]
Monday Night Miracle (2003) October 6, 2003 Indianapolis Colts 38–35 Tampa Bay Buccaneers In Week 5 of the 2003 season, the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted the Indianapolis Colts. Down 35–14 with 5:09 remaining in the game, the Colts miraculously scored 21 unanswered points against the league's top defense to force overtime, where they would win 38–35 on a walk-off field goal, which was controversially redone after a missed attempt due to a leaping penalty by Simeon Rice. [56]
Favre's Dad Game December 22, 2003 Green Bay Packers 41–7 Oakland Raiders Packers quarterback Brett Favre threw for 399 yards and 4 touchdown passes the day after his father died of a heart attack. The game kept the Packers' playoff hopes alive and extended Favre's consecutive-start record. [57] [58]
"We want the ball and we're going to score!" January 4, 2004 Seattle Seahawks 27–33 Green Bay Packers 2003 NFC Wild-Card Playoff Game in which Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck won the overtime coin toss; proclaimed, "We want the ball and we're going to score!"; and threw a game-losing pick-six. [59] [60]
4th and 26 January 11, 2004 Green Bay Packers 17–20 Philadelphia Eagles 2003–04 playoff overtime victory for the Eagles, whose quarterback Donovan McNabb completed a 28-yard pass on 4th-down-and-26-yards-to-go to wide receiver Freddie Mitchell in the 4th quarter. [61] [62]
Fútbol Americano October 2, 2005 San Francisco 49ers 14–31 Arizona Cardinals Marketing name for the first NFL game held outside the United States, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. [63] [64]
Monday Night Massacre (2005) December 5, 2005 Seattle Seahawks 42–0 Philadelphia Eagles In a Monday Night Football game between the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles, the Seahawks utterly dominated the entire game, as they forced six turnovers, including two pick-sixes and a scoop-and-score.
The Manning Bowl September 10, 2006 Indianapolis Colts 26–21 New York Giants A game in which the Manning Brothers, Peyton and Eli, played against each other. [65]
"Rebirth" September 25, 2006 Atlanta Falcons 3–23 New Orleans Saints The first game played at the Louisiana Superdome following Hurricane Katrina. [66]
"They are who we thought they were!" October 16, 2006 Chicago Bears 24–23 Arizona Cardinals Bears won after trailing by 20 points at halftime; notable post-game rant by Cardinals head coach Dennis Green. [67] [68]
Snow Globe Game January 12, 2008 Seattle Seahawks 20–42 Green Bay Packers 2007 NFC Divisional playoff game in which the Packers mounted their largest comeback in playoff franchise history. [69]
Monday Night Massacre (2010) November 15, 2010 Philadelphia Eagles 59–28 Washington Redskins In Donovan McNabb's second game against the Eagles after his departure in 2010, the Eagles dominated, scoring a 88-yard touchdown on their very first offensive play of the game and leading 45–14 at halftime. Eagles quarterback Michael Vick would score six touchdowns (four passing, two rushing), for one of the best statistical performances of his career.
Miracle at the New Meadowlands December 19, 2010 Philadelphia Eagles 38–31 New York Giants Comeback victory for the Eagles after being down by 21 points with eight minutes left in the 4th quarter, scoring four unanswered touchdowns and DeSean Jackson winning on a punt return as time expired for the first time in NFL history. [70] [71]
Matt Flynn Game January 1, 2012 Detroit Lions 41–45 Green Bay Packers Record-setting game by Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn.
3:16 game January 8, 2012 Pittsburgh Steelers 23–29 Denver Broncos 2011–12 NFL playoff game with five statistics containing three digits in the order 3–1–6, exactly three years after Broncos QB Tim Tebow wore eye black with the John 3:16 Bible verse. [72] [73] [74]
Mile High Miracle January 12, 2013 Baltimore Ravens 38–35 Denver Broncos 2012 AFC Divisional playoff game with 28 points scored in the first 11 minutes, five lead changes, decided by double overtime. Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco threw a game-tying 70-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jacoby Jones with under a minute left in regulation. [75] [76]
The Harbaugh Bowl/Har-bowl February 3, 2013 Baltimore Ravens 34–31 San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl XLVII

This game featured the Harbaugh Brothers, John and Jim, coaching against each other in the Super Bowl, the only time in Super Bowl history that this event occurred. Jim's son, Jay, was also on the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff.

The Pick at the Stick December 23, 2013 Atlanta Falcons 24–34 San Francisco 49ers The 49ers clinched a playoff spot when NaVorro Bowman intercepted Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and returned the interception for an 89-yard touchdown. This was the last 49ers home game played at Candlestick Park. [77]
Dez Caught It January 11, 2015 Dallas Cowboys 21–26 Green Bay Packers 2014 –15 Divisional Playoff. Officials ruled that Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant had not caught the ball as he was lunging towards the end zone, allowing the Green Bay Packers to win.
The Emerald City Miracle/Miracle at the Clink January 18, 2015 Green Bay Packers 22–28 Seattle Seahawks In the 2014 NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers, the Seattle Seahawks would fall behind 19–7 with 5 minutes left in the game, but would perform a miraculous comeback, scoring 15 points within 44 seconds of game time, and would score the winning touchdown in overtime, sending them to the Super Bowl for the second straight season. [78] [79] [80]
"You like that?!" October 25, 2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30–31 Washington Redskins Down 24–0 early, Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins led a massive comeback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including a go-ahead touchdown pass to Jordan Reed in the final seconds, marking the largest comeback victory in Redskins history. After the game, Cousins shouted, "You like that?!" to reporters, which became a catchphrase used by him and teammates as a rally cry. [81]
The Superdome Duel November 1, 2015 New York Giants 49–52 New Orleans Saints A historic duel between the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints, in which both Eli Manning and Drew Brees combined for 13 touchdown passes. [82]
Miracle in Motown December 3, 2015 Green Bay Packers 27–23 Detroit Lions Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw a 61-yard (56 m) Hail Mary pass into the end zone that was caught by tight end Richard Rodgers for the game-winning touchdown after trailing 20–0 in the second half. [83] [84]
Odell & Norman Brawl December 20, 2015 Carolina Panthers 38–35 New York Giants In a 2015 game between the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants, Odell Beckham Jr. and Josh Norman would fight for nearly the entire game, and both players would combine for 5 personal foul penalties, with Beckham Jr. having 3 of them. [85]
The Meltdown at Paul Brown January 9, 2016 Pittsburgh Steelers 18–16 Cincinnati Bengals Game with multiple injuries and personal fouls by both teams, culminating in two game-losing penalties: one issued for a helmet strike by Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict against Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown, the second for Adam "Pacman" Jones arguing with Steelers linebackers coach Joey Porter. [86] [87] [88]
The Frostbite Fight January 10, 2016 Seattle Seahawks 10–9 Minnesota Vikings A game that ultimately became the third coldest game in NFL history at −6 °F (−21 °C) at kickoff time. It was so cold that Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor stated that his fingers nearly got amputated after the game due to the sweat on his fingers that froze. Vikings kicker Blair Walsh missed a 27-yard field goal in the closing seconds, giving the Seahawks the victory. [89] [90] [91]
Hail Larry January 16, 2016 Green Bay Packers 20–26 Arizona Cardinals In a 2015 playoff game between the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals, Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald would play the hero, as he would perform two great plays in overtime to guide the Cardinals to victory.
28–3 February 5, 2017 New England Patriots 34–28 Atlanta Falcons Super Bowl LI. Down 28-3 midway through the third quarter, the Patriots won the first Super Bowl to go to overtime, overcoming an estimated 99.8% chance of a Falcons victory in the third quarter. Regarded by many media outlets as the best Super Bowl of all time. [92] [93] [94] [95]
Snow Bowl (2017) / Snowvertime December 10, 2017 Indianapolis Colts 7–13 Buffalo Bills Game held in the midst of a heavy lake-effect snow storm that ultimately dumped 16.7 inches (42 cm) of snow in Orchard Park, with 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 cm) falling during the game alone. Alternate name due to the fact it went into overtime. [96] [97]
Index Card Game December 17, 2017 Dallas Cowboys 20–17 Oakland Raiders In order to determine a close first down late in the game, after the initial measurement, referee Gene Steratore controversially placed an index card between the ball and the yardage chains, giving the Cowboys a first down and eventually the win. [98] [99]
Same Old Browns January 10, 2021 Cleveland Browns 48–37 Pittsburgh Steelers 2020–21 NFL playoff game with the Browns leading against the Steelers 28–0 by the end of the first quarter, resulting in the Browns' first playoff win in 26 years. The victory followed derogatory comments made by Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster , calling the Browns' roster "nameless gray faces" and saying "The Browns is the Browns". [100] [101] [102]
The Return October 3, 2021 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19–17 New England Patriots Tom Brady's first game at the New England Patriots' Gillette Stadium after leaving the team and signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. [103] [104] [105]
13 Seconds January 23, 2022 Buffalo Bills 36–42 Kansas City Chiefs The 2021 AFC Divisional playoff game featured both the Bills' quarterback Josh Allen and the Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes throwing for 300 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions, and rushing for at least 50 yards, culminating in a Mahomes 44-yard drive with 13 seconds left to bring the game to overtime for the Chiefs to win ultimately. The game also resulted in changes to overtime rules to allow both teams to possess the ball. [106] [107]
Minneapolis Miracle II December 17, 2022 Indianapolis Colts 36–39 Minnesota Vikings The largest comeback in NFL history, with the Minnesota Vikings overcoming a 33–0 halftime deficit. [108] [109]
Damar Hamlin In-game Collapse January 2, 2023 Buffalo Bills 3–7
(cancelled)		 Cincinnati Bengals Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapses mid-game after tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. After 10 minutes of CPR, automated external defibrillation, and other treatments, Hamlin's heartbeat was restored; he would later be transported by ambulance off the field while being administered oxygen and an intravenous solution. The game would be cancelled entirely by the NFL, the first such instance since 1987. [110]
Mile High Meltdown October 19, 2025 New York Giants 32–33 Denver Broncos New York blew an 18-point lead with under six minutes to play. Denver was held scoreless through the first three quarters, only to score 33 points in the fourth quarter. The game ended on a game-winning field goal by Wil Lutz with time expiring. [111]

Named plays or play series

NameDateAway teamScoreHome teamNotes
The Hit November 20, 1960 Philadelphia Eagles 17–10 New York Giants The Eagles' Chuck Bednarik tackled the Giants' Frank Gifford, knocking him unconscious and giving him a deep concussion that required hospitalization. Considered to be among the most vicious tackles in professional football history. [112]
The Wrong Way Run October 25, 1964 Minnesota Vikings 27–22 San Francisco 49ers Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall accidentally ran the wrong way into his own end zone after retrieving an offensive fumble, causing a safety. [113] [114]
65 Toss Power Trap January 11, 1970 Kansas City Chiefs 23–7 Minnesota Vikings Super Bowl IV. Misdirection play called by Chiefs coach Hank Stram on third and goal on the 5-yard line, leading to a touchdown. Remembered as the decisive moment of the Chiefs' upset victory, as well as for the on-field recordings of Stram by NFL Films in the first NFL game featuring a head coach wearing a microphone. [115] [116]
Immaculate Reception December 23, 1972 Oakland Raiders 7–13 Pittsburgh Steelers In a 1972 AFC divisional playoff game, a Steelers pass bounced off of a Raider's helmet before being caught by Steelers fullback Franco Harris for a game-winning touchdown. [117] [118]
The Sea of Hands December 21, 1974 Miami Dolphins 26–28 Oakland Raiders In a 1974–75 NFL playoff game, Oakland quarterback Ken Stabler launched a touchdown pass to running back Clarence Davis, who wrestled the ball away from Miami defenders to secure victory for the Raiders and end Miami's historic run of Super Bowl appearances. [119]
Hail Mary December 28, 1975 Dallas Cowboys 17–14 Minnesota Vikings In a NFL playoff game, Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach threw a long last-ditch game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver Drew Pearson. He later called it a Hail Mary pass, inventing the term. [120] [121]
Ghost to the Post December 24, 1977 Oakland Raiders 37–31 Baltimore Colts A 42-yard pass from Raiders QB Ken Stabler to Dave Casper, nicknamed "The Ghost", set up a game-tying field goal in the final seconds of regulation in the double-overtime 1977-1978 AFC divisional playoff game. [122] [123]
Holy Roller September 10, 1978 Oakland Raiders 21–20 San Diego Chargers Controversial game-winning play in which Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler fumbled the ball forward, followed by several other Raiders players pushing the ball towards the end zone for a touchdown that was ruled a forward fumble instead of a forward pass. [124]
Miracle at the Meadowlands November 19, 1978 Philadelphia Eagles 19–17 New York Giants Needing only to run out the final seconds to win, the Giants botched a handoff, causing a fumble that Eagles defensive back Herm Edwards recovered for a touchdown. Led to the universal adoption of the quarterback kneel to end games and the firing of Giants offensive coordinator Bob Gibson. [125] [126] [127]
Red Right 88 January 4, 1981 Oakland Raiders 14–12 Cleveland Browns In a 1980–81 NFL playoff game, the Browns passed up a field-goal attempt to run their "Red Slot Right, Halfback Stay, 88," pass play.

Raiders safety Mike Davis intercepted the pass, ending the Browns' season. [128] [129] [130]

The Catch January 10, 1982 Dallas Cowboys 27–28 San Francisco 49ers During the 1981 NFC Championship Game, a 49er made a leaping grab in the back of the end zone to complete a 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Montana, enabling the 49ers to defeat the Cowboys and go on to win Super Bowl XVI. [131] [132]
The Drive January 11, 1987 Denver Broncos 23–20 Cleveland Browns Broncos quarterback John Elway led a 98-yard, 5-minute-2-second drive in the 4th quarter of the 1986 AFC Championship Game to tie the game and allow a game-winning field goal in overtime. [133] [134]
The Fumble January 17, 1988 Cleveland Browns 33–38 Denver Broncos The 1987 AFC Championship Game, a rematch of The Drive game, saw the Browns fumble away a chance to pull ahead in the 4th quarter. [135] [136]
Wide Right January 27, 1991 Buffalo Bills 19–20 New York Giants Bills kicker Scott Norwood missed a 47-yard, would-be game-winning field goal, allowing the New York Giants to win Super Bowl XXV. [137] [138]
Leon Lett Thanksgiving Blunder November 25, 1993 Miami Dolphins 16–14 Dallas Cowboys During an NFL Thanksgiving game, Cowboys tackle Leon Lett slips on sleet and accidentally touches a partially-blocked field goal, awarding the ball back to the Dolphins on the 1-yard line, allowing them to kick another field goal and win. It was Lett's second blunder of the calendar year, following his premature celebration in Super Bowl XXVII . [139]
Clock Play November 27, 1994 Miami Dolphins 28–24 New York Jets See Fake Spike Game above.
Immaculate Deflection January 14, 1996 Indianapolis Colts 16–20 Pittsburgh Steelers In the 1995 AFC Championship Game, Colts quarterback Jim Harbaugh threw a Hail Mary pass that was deflected by multiple players in the end zone and was almost caught by receiver Aaron Bailey before being ruled incomplete, enabling the Steelers to advance to Super Bowl XXX. [140] [141]
The Helicopter January 25, 1998 Denver Broncos 31-24 Green Bay Packers In Super Bowl XXXII, Broncos quarterback John Elway was hit so hard by three Packers defenders that he spun sideways in mid-air, yet recovered to dive for a first down. This play led to a Broncos lead and eventually their first world championship.
Music City Miracle January 8, 2000 Buffalo Bills 16–22 Tennessee Titans In a 1999–2000 playoff game, Titans tight end Frank Wycheck threw a lateral pass across the field to Kevin Dyson, who ran 75 yards to score the game-winning touchdown. [142] [143]
One Yard Short January 30, 2000 St. Louis Rams 23–16 Tennessee Titans On the final play of Super Bowl XXXIV, Rams linebacker Mike Jones tackled Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson on the one-yard line, preventing a game-tying touchdown. [144] [145]
"He did what!?"November 6, 2000 Minnesota Vikings 20–26 Green Bay Packers During overtime of a Monday night game on November 6, 2000, despite bad weather conditions, Antonio Freeman caught what initially appeared to be an incomplete pass while lying on his side—after almost being intercepted by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Cris Dishman, the ball actually bounced off multiple parts of Freeman's body without hitting the ground. Untouched by the defender, Freeman jumped to his feet and ran the ball in for the winning touchdown over the Vikings, the Packers' rival. The touchdown prompted ABC play-by-play announcer Al Michaels, who was stunned by the play, to shout, "He did WHAT?!"
The Hit That Changed HistorySeptember 23, 2001 New York Jets 3–10 New England Patriots Tackle by Jets linebacker Mo Lewis on Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe that left him severely injured which led to rookie Tom Brady relieving him for the rest of the game. Cited as the genesis of Brady's future dominance in the NFL over the next 21 years. [146] [147]
The Helmet TossSeptember 8, 2002 Kansas City Chiefs 40–39 Cleveland Browns With the Cleveland Browns leading the Kansas City Chiefs 39–37 in a week 1 game in the 2002 NFL season, the Browns needed one defensive stop to seal the win. After Chiefs quarterback Trent Green took the snap, he was under pressure from Browns linebacker Dwayne Rudd, who barely missed a sack as Green managed to lateral the ball to lineman John Tait. While the play was going on, Rudd took his helmet off and threw it to the ground, believing he had sacked Green, which led to the referees calling a penalty and giving the Chiefs an untimed down, which led to a game-losing field goal for the Browns.
River City Relay December 21, 2003 New Orleans Saints 19–20 Jacksonville Jaguars The Saints used three laterals to score a touchdown as time expired in regulation. New Orleans kicker John Carney missed the extra point that would have sent the game into overtime, giving Jacksonville the 20–19 victory. [148] [149]
The Immaculate Redemption January 15, 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers 21–18 Indianapolis Colts In a 2005 AFC Divisional playoff game, a late-game fumble by Steelers running back Jerome Bettis was recovered by Colts player Nick Harper, who was stopped near midfield by QB Ben Roethlisberger in a shoestring tackle that likely prevented a game-winning touchdown for the Colts. [150] [151]
The Helmet Catch February 3, 2008 New York Giants 17–14 New England Patriots In the final two minutes of Super Bowl XLII, Giants QB Eli Manning escaped from three New England Patriots defensive players and threw a pass that David Tyree leapt and pressed against his helmet. A subsequent touchdown cemented an upset victory over the Patriots, who were on the verge of becoming the first National Football League (NFL) team to finish a season undefeated and untied since the 1972 Miami Dolphins. [152] [153] [154]
The Dan Orlovsky October 12, 2008 Detroit Lions 10–12 Minnesota Vikings Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky, making his first NFL start, accidentally ran out of the back of the end zone, helping to lose the game amid the Lions' eventual 0–16 season. [155] [156] Similar blunders by later quarterbacks, including Jimmy Garoppolo and Gardner Minshew, have been called "pulling a Dan Orlovsky". [157] [158] [159]
The Immaculate Interception February 1, 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers 27–23 Arizona Cardinals Super Bowl XLIII

On the final play of the first half, Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals were driving near the end zone, facing a 10–7 deficit. On 1st-and-Goal, Warner threw the ball, and the pass was intercepted by linebacker James Harrison at the goal line, who returned it 100 yards for a touchdown, the longest play in Super Bowl history at the time.

The Tampa Toe-chdown/The Tampa Toe Tap February 1, 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers 27–23 Arizona Cardinals In the closing minutes of Super Bowl XLIII, the Cardinals had come back from a 20–7 deficit to take a 23–20 lead. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers engineered a last-minute drive and were down at the Arizona 7-yard line with under a minute to play. On 2nd-and-Goal, Ben Roethlisberger fired a pass into the back of the endzone, which was caught by wide receiver Santonio Holmes, keeping both toes in bounds for the game-winning score.
Minneapolis Miracle (2009) September 27, 2009 San Francisco 49ers 24–27 Minnesota Vikings With less than 10 seconds remaining in a 2009 game against the San Francisco 49ers, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre heaved a 32-yard pass intended for wide receiver Greg Lewis, who made a toe-tapping catch in the back of the endzone for the victory.
Ambush February 7, 2010 Indianapolis Colts 17–31 New Orleans Saints In the first minutes of the 3rd quarter of Super Bowl XLIV, the New Orleans Saints executed an onside kick.

This was the first onside kick attempted before the fourth quarter in Super Bowl history, a play the Saints referred to as "The Ambush."

Miracle In Miami (2010) February 7, 2010 Indianapolis Colts 17–31 New Orleans Saints In the final minutes of Super Bowl XLIV, Tracy Porter intercepted a Peyton Manning pass and returned it for a touchdown. The Colts retook possession of the ball with 3:12 remaining, only to turn over the ball on downs in six plays, leading to a Drew Brees quarterback kneel with 44 seconds left that gave the Saints their first world championship.
Beast Quake January 8, 2011 New Orleans Saints 36–41 Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn "Beast Mode" Lynch broke nine tackles on a 67-yard touchdown run. The subsequent celebration of Seahawks fans registered on a nearby seismograph. [160] [161] [162]
The Catch III January 14, 2012 New Orleans Saints 32–36 San Francisco 49ers Last-second, game-winning touchdown pass caught by Vernon Davis.
Fail Mary September 24, 2012 Green Bay Packers 12–14 Seattle Seahawks The Seahawks won on a Hail Mary pass for a touchdown despite an offensive pass interference penalty and a simultaneous possession catch. [163] [164]
Butt Fumble November 22, 2012 New England Patriots 49–19 New York Jets Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez collided with the buttocks of his teammate, offensive lineman Brandon Moore, causing a fumble that was recovered by the Patriots' safety Steve Gregory and returned for a touchdown. [165] [166]
4th and 8 December 29, 2013 Green Bay Packers 33–28 Chicago Bears With 43 seconds left in a week 17 game in 2013 between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers found a wide-open Randall Cobb for a go-ahead touchdown to give the Packers a 33–28 win.
The Tip January 19, 2014 San Francisco 49ers 17–23 Seattle Seahawks With 30 seconds left in the 2013 NFC Championship Game, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick threw a pass to Michael Crabtree that was deflected in the right corner of the endzone by cornerback Richard Sherman into linebacker Malcolm Smith's hands for an interception, sealing the Seahawks victory and allowing them their first Super Bowl win at Super Bowl XLVIII. [167]
Colts Catastrophe October 18, 2015 New England Patriots 34–27 Indianapolis Colts An unsuccessful Colts fake punt trick play in which upback Colt Anderson was to receive the ball from gunner Griff Whalen with no protection, resulting in an immediate tackle for a loss after the ball was snapped and an illegal formation penalty on the Colts. New England took over on downs. Broadly regarded as one of the worst plays in NFL history. [168] [169] [170]
Kick Six November 30, 2015 Baltimore Ravens 33–27 Cleveland Browns On November 30, 2015, the Baltimore Ravens played the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football. With the game tied at 27, Browns kicker Travis Coons lined up for a 51-yard game-winning field goal. However, the kick was blocked by Ravens defensive end Brent Urban, and the ball was picked up by Ravens safety Will Hill, who returned it for a 64-yard game-winning touchdown.
Immaculate Extension December 25, 2016 Baltimore Ravens 27–31 Pittsburgh Steelers Catch by Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown at the Baltimore 1-yard line, which he extended over the goal line despite being tackled by two Baltimore defenders to take the lead and win the game. [171]
Minneapolis Miracle January 14, 2018 New Orleans Saints 24–29 Minnesota Vikings 2017–18 playoff game play where on the last play of the game, Vikings quarterback Case Keenum threw a pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs; Saints safety Marcus Williams missed a tackle, allowing Diggs to run to the end zone to complete the 61-yard touchdown pass. The game became the first in NFL playoff history to end in a touchdown as time expired. [172] [173]
Philly Special February 4, 2018 Philadelphia Eagles 41–33 New England Patriots Super Bowl LII trick play with the ball snapped by Eagles center Jason Kelce to running back Corey Clement, flipped to Trey Burton, and thrown to Eagles QB Nick Foles who ran for a touchdown, helping the Eagles win their first championship in 57 years. Nick Foles became the first player in Super Bowl history to both throw and catch a touchdown pass during a Super Bowl game. This is actually what the play is called in the Eagles’ playbook. [174] [175] [176]
Miracle in Miami December 9, 2018 New England Patriots 33–34 Miami Dolphins The first walk-off game-winning touchdown in NFL history to involve multiple lateral passes. [177] [178]
Double Doink January 6, 2019 Philadelphia Eagles 16–15 Chicago Bears 2018 NFC Wild Card game-ending field goal attempt by Bears kicker Cody Parkey that was partially deflected by Eagles defensive lineman Treyvon Hester before the ball hit the left upright and then bounced off the crossbar away from the scoring goal, resulting in a Bears loss. [179] [180]
NOLA No-Call January 20, 2019 Los Angeles Rams 26–23 New Orleans Saints Missed pass interference call on the Rams during the 2018 NFC Championship Game, resulted in backlash against NFL officiating. [181] [182] [183]
The Helmet Swing November 14, 2019 Pittsburgh Steelers 7–21 Cleveland Browns After Browns defensive end Myles Garrett tackled Mason Rudolph after a pass, Rudolph attacked Garrett by grabbing his facemask, and Garrett retaliated by ripping Rudolph's helmet off and swinging it at him.
Jet Chip Wasp February 2, 2020 San Francisco 49ers 20–31 Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LIV. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' largest 2019 season air-distance completion at 57.1 yards in the air to wide receiver Tyreek Hill. [184] [185]
Hail Murray November 15, 2020 Buffalo Bills 30–32 Arizona Cardinals Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray threw a 43-yard Hail Mary pass into the end zone that wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught over three Bills defenders for the game-winning touchdown. [186] [187]
The Butt Punt September 25, 2022 Buffalo Bills 19–21 Miami Dolphins Dolphins punter Thomas Morstead kicked the ball into the backside of Dolphins blocker Trent Sherfield, causing the ball to roll out of the end zone for a safety. [188] [189] [190]
Lunatic Lateral/The Las Vegas Lateral December 18, 2022 New England Patriots 24–30 Las Vegas Raiders Game-losing double lateral thrown to Raiders defender Chandler Jones for a walk-off touchdown. [191] [192]
The Fumble in the Jungle January 15, 2023 Baltimore Ravens 17–24 Cincinnati Bengals Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley fumbled at the goal line, which was recovered by Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard and returned for a 98-yard touchdown, the longest fumble return in NFL postseason history.
Corn Dog February 12, 2023 Kansas City Chiefs 38–35 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LVII

A misdirection offensive play that the Chiefs used to score two touchdowns in Super Bowl LVII to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles.

Hell Mary / Fail Mary (2023) November 24, 2023 Miami Dolphins 34–13 New York Jets Failed Hail Mary pass by Jets quarterback Tim Boyle led to a 99-yard pick-six by Dolphins safety Jevon Holland. [193] [194] [195] [196]
Tom and Jerry February 11, 2024 San Francisco 49ers 22–25 Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LVIII

On the last play of the game, quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw a game-winning touchdown to wide receiver Mecole Hardman, securing the Chiefs' second consecutive Super Bowl victory and third in five seasons.

Hail Maryland October 27, 2024 Chicago Bears 15–18 Washington Commanders Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels threw a Hail Mary pass as time expired that was tipped at the goal line by Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson to Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown to win the game 18-15. [197] [198] [199]
The Dagger February 9, 2025 Kansas City Chiefs 22–40 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LIX. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith to make the score 34-0 late in the third quarter. The broadcast crew (Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady) dubbed the play "The Dagger", as the Eagles chose to score quickly rather than run down the clock to protect their lead. [200]

See also

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