The NFL is the gift that keeps on giving, isn’t it? Week after week, this league throws us moments that leave us cheering, laughing, and sometimes questioning everything we thought we knew about football. From jaw-dropping catches to coaching decisions that make you want to scream into a pillow, 2024 had it all. Whether you’re arguing about fantasy football or still reeling from a blown call, there’s no denying the NFL always delivers the drama.
Let’s dive into the five best and worst moments from this quite happening season.
Best Moments
5. Super Bowl 58’s Epic Overtime Thriller
Super Bowl 58 delivered one of the most unforgettable championship games ever. The Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes connected with Mecole Hardman for a walk-off touchdown in overtime, marking the first time a lead changed on the final play in Super Bowl history. The game set records for viewership, length, and longest field goals, solidifying its place in NFL lore.
4. Camryn Bynum’s “Raygun” Celebration
After sealing a Vikings victory over the Jaguars in Week 10 with a game-ending interception, safety Camryn Bynum treated fans to a hilarious recreation of Australian breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn’s viral Olympic routine. This celebration embodied the joy and fun of football, reminding everyone why the game is beloved.
Cam Bynum got the Raygun breakdancing celebration perfect😭 pic.twitter.com/IGQU49Rjh3
— Best Celebrations (@bestcelly) November 11, 2024
3. Saquon Barkley’s Reverse Hurdle
Saquon Barkley pulled off one of the wildest moves of the year against the Jaguars. In Week 9, the Eagles’ star back launched into a reverse hurdle, evading three defenders. The play also included a spin move and a backward leap, leaving fans and commentators stunned.
THE 180 HURDLE??? DID SAQUON JUST INVENT THIS?!
— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2024
📺: #JAXvsPHI on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/tYThjnbdgG
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2. T’Vondre Sweat’s Electrifying “Get Off Me!” Moment
T’Vondre Sweat’s incredible defensive play against the Bengals featured a rare sight: a massive 366-pound defensive lineman rumbling downfield. After ripping the ball from Joe Burrow, Sweat stiff-armed Alex Cappa with the ferocity of a running back, sparking cheers and awe from Titans fans.
RUMBLIN' BUMBLIN' STUMBLIN' #ProBowlVote + @TvondreSweat
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 15, 2024
📺: Watch #CINvsTEN on @NFLonFOX stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/42T3r6gaud
1. Garrett Wilson’s Insane Catch of the Year
Garrett Wilson’s leaping, one-handed grab against the Houston Texans on Halloween became an instant classic. On a crucial third-and-19, Wilson twisted mid-air, snagged the ball with one hand, and managed to land his shin inbounds for a go-ahead touchdown. Fans compared this miraculous catch to Odell Beckham Jr.’s iconic 2014 grab, igniting debates over which was better.
(after review) HOLY ONE-HAND GARRETT FREAKING WILSON TOUCHDOOOOOWN❕❕❕#HOUvsNYJ on @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/htLVwK7TA6
— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 1, 2024
Also Read: Which NFL Players Have Been Involved In Controversies This Season?
Worst Moments
5. Taylor Swift’s Overhyped NFL Presence
Taylor Swift’s relationship with Travis Kelce dominated headlines but not for the right reasons. From celebratory moments after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory to endless speculation about her NFL appearances, some fans felt the coverage overshadowed the actual games. Though entertaining for Swifties, it left die-hard football fans craving less hype and more field action.
4. Jonathan Taylor’s Premature Celebration
Taylor’s Week 15 mistake mirrored Jordan Battle’s error. The Colts’ star running back dropped the ball short of the goal line after what appeared to be a touchdown. While the lack of video evidence spared him, the incident left fans shaking their heads at yet another avoidable blunder.
3. Matt Eberflus’ Timeout Fiasco
Matt Eberflus sealed his fate as the Bears’ head coach with a baffling decision during their Thanksgiving game against the Lions. Despite ample time to orchestrate a game-winning drive, Eberflus inexplicably pocketed a timeout, allowing the clock to expire. He was fired shortly after, much to the relief of Bears fans.
A wild end to this one. #CHIvsDET pic.twitter.com/zwR7g1Efv9
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2024
2. Jordan Battle’s Goal-Line Gaffe
Jordan Battle’s Week 15 blunder against the Colts was a head-scratcher. The Bengals’ safety fumbled the ball out of the end zone during what should have been a defensive touchdown. The mistake joined a growing list of players celebrating prematurely, including similar errors by Colts RB Jonathan Taylor and rookie WR Malachi Corley.
TOUCHBACK! 😳#TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/2l8Xt5Q2P9
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) November 1, 2024
1. Sam Darnold’s Facemask Controversy
The officiating debacle during the Rams-Vikings Thursday night game cost Minnesota dearly. Rams defensive end Byron Young committed a blatant facemask penalty on Sam Darnold, but no flags were thrown. The play resulted in a safety and dashed Minnesota’s comeback hopes. This missed call now serves as a catalyst for potential rule changes in 2025.
A game-sealing safety on what should've been a facemask call against the Rams.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 25, 2024
"They cannot review that. But he definitely got the facemask (of Sam Darnold). " – Kirk Herbstreit
"Viking fans are going 'What the hell?!'" – Al Michaels #NFL #TNF 🏈🦓🎙️ pic.twitter.com/DbfLrhtXHr
The 2024 NFL season delivered unforgettable highs and frustrating lows, keeping fans glued to their screens and sparking endless debates. Whether it was Garrett Wilson’s acrobatics or baffling coaching decisions, one thing’s for sure: the NFL truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
Also Read: Which Are The Best NFL Super Bowl Commercials Of All Time?
