The Super Bowl feels like a national holiday every year, doesn’t it? Millions gather around their screens with wings and beer, waiting for stunning moments that define football history. From gravity-defying catches to last-second heroics, the Super Bowl has given us countless unforgettable plays.
Let’s break down some of the greatest moments in NFL history- moments that left fans speechless and will be talked about for generations.
The Helmet Catch: A Play for the Ages
David Tyree’s “Helmet Catch” in Super Bowl XLII is one of the most unbelievable plays in NFL history. The New York Giants were up against the undefeated New England Patriots. With their season on the line, quarterback Eli Manning escaped a collapsing pocket and launched a pass downfield. Tyree jumped, caught the ball, and pinned it against his helmet while falling to the ground, somehow maintaining control. This miraculous catch set up Plaxico Burress’ game-winning touchdown, sealing the Giants’ 17-14 victory and ending the Patriots’ dream of a perfect season.
Marv Albert’s call of David Tyree’s helmet catch in Super Bowl XLII. @BigBlueVCR #TogetherBlue pic.twitter.com/rhtQIsSNYc
— Gershon Rabinowitz (@GershOnline) February 4, 2022
Toe-Tap Magic: Holmes’ Incredible Catch
Santonio Holmes gave us one of the most clutch catches in Super Bowl history during Super Bowl XLIII. The Pittsburgh Steelers were trailing the Arizona Cardinals with time running out. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger delivered a perfect pass to Holmes in the corner of the end zone. Holmes stretched, caught the ball with his fingertips, and managed to keep both feet in bounds by mere inches. That touchdown gave the Steelers a 27-23 victory and their sixth Super Bowl title.
On this day in 2009, Santonio Holmes made an all-time catch to win Super Bowl XLIII. (via @NFLThrowback)@ToneTime10 | @steelers pic.twitter.com/uP86Qbrt7M
— NFL (@NFL) February 1, 2022
The “Tackle of the Century”: Stopping the Titans
Super Bowl XXXIV featured one of the most dramatic endings ever. The Tennessee Titans were down 23-16 and had one final chance to tie the game. Kevin Dyson caught a pass and sprinted toward the end zone. Just when it seemed he would score, St. Louis Rams linebacker Mike Jones executed a textbook tackle, stopping Dyson inches short of the goal line as time expired. The Rams won their first Super Bowl, and Jones’ game-saving play remains legendary.
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Also Read: Which NFL Division Holds The Most Super Bowl Titles?
Harrison’s 100-Yard Run: A Defensive Gem
Defensive plays don’t often steal the spotlight in the Super Bowl, but James Harrison’s 100-yard interception return in SB XLIII is an exception. The Arizona Cardinals were threatening to score just before halftime when Harrison, a linebacker for the Steelers, intercepted Kurt Warner’s pass at the goal line. Harrison weaved through defenders, dodging tackles and breaking free, running the entire length of the field for a touchdown. This record-setting play shifted the momentum and contributed to the Steelers’ eventual victory.
James Harrison
— Frank Michael Smith (@frankmikesmith) January 6, 2025
The most electric play in NFL history
Harrison executed a 14-point swing at the end of the first half in Super Bowl XLIII
At the time, this was the longest play in Super Bowl history pic.twitter.com/rcjkgWf8RC
Vinatieri’s Ice-Cold Kicks: A Legend Born
Adam Vinatieri earned his place in history as one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history with his performance in SB XXXVI. Facing the heavily favored St. Louis Rams, the New England Patriots relied on Vinatieri to seal the game. With time expiring, he nailed a 48-yard field goal, giving the Patriots their first-ever Super Bowl victory, 20-17. Vinatieri’s nerves of steel also helped cement the start of the Patriots’ dynasty, as his kicks consistently delivered in high-pressure moments.
23 years ago today…
— Games with Names (@gameswithnames) January 19, 2025
Adam Vinatieri put on one the greatest kicking performances in NFL history.
Happy Snow Bowl Day ❄️🏈 pic.twitter.com/Fc4Naq0r2u
These moments represent the best of what the Super Bowl has to offer- athletic excellence, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable plays. Whether it’s Tyree’s miraculous grab, Holmes’ precision, Jones’ game-saving tackle, Harrison’s record-breaking run, or Vinatieri’s clutch kicking, these highlights remind us why the Super Bowl is must-watch television every year. Which moment stands out as your favorite?
Also Read: What Are The Locations And Dates For Future Super Bowl Games Through 2028?
