There’s something magical about NFL snow games. They transform the sport into an icy spectacle, where players battle not just their opponents but also the unforgiving elements. Over the years, we’ve seen some unforgettable matchups in the snow, each with its own unique story.
Let’s dive into the top five snow games in NFL history that left a mark on the league.
5. The Snowplow Game (1982)
The Patriots were at the center of another iconic snow game in 1982, this time against the Miami Dolphins. With the game tied 0-0 late in the fourth quarter and the field buried under snow and ice, New England’s head coach Ron Meyer took an unconventional approach.
Meyer instructed a snowplow operator, Mark Henderson, to clear a spot for kicker John Smith. The plan worked, as Smith made a 33-yard field goal to secure a 3-0 victory. Miami head coach Don Shula was furious, calling the move unfair, and the NFL banned snowplows for game use the following season.
4. Titans vs. Patriots – A Historic Blowout (2009)
Snow games often stifle offense, but Tom Brady and the Patriots didn’t get that memo in 2009. On a snowy October afternoon, New England dismantled the Tennessee Titans 59-0, tying the record for the largest margin of victory in NFL history.
This is the first time since October 2009 (Patriots vs Titans) there is snow on the field @GilletteStadium BEFORE the start of a game/match on game day @NERevolution vs @pumasmx in the first leg of the @TheChampions at 8pm on FS2 #NERevs #SCCL2022 pic.twitter.com/JMUUjCPAuA
— Mike Riley (@SargeVOX) March 9, 2022
Brady delivered a masterclass in adverse weather, throwing six touchdowns, five of which came in the second quarter alone. Randy Moss added to the spectacle with 129 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while Wes Welker contributed 10 catches for 150 yards and two scores.
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3. Lions vs. Eagles (2013)
The Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles clashed in a snow-filled battle on December 8, 2013, with nearly eight inches covering the field at kickoff. Visibility was so poor that both teams abandoned traditional strategies. Kicking became a nightmare, with only one extra point attempted during the game.
LeSean McCoy starred once again, setting a franchise record with 217 rushing yards for the Eagles. For Detroit, Jeremy Ross electrified the game with both a punt and kickoff return for touchdowns. Despite the chaotic conditions, Philadelphia secured a 34-20 victory in a game that showed the magic of snow football.
Also Read: Ranking The 5 Highest Scoring NFL Games Of All-Time
2. Bills vs. Colts – “The Snow Bowl” (2017)
Buffalo snowstorms and football are a match made in heaven, and the Bills’ game against the Indianapolis Colts on December 10, 2017, is proof. That day, over 16 inches of snow blanketed the field, with eight inches falling during the game itself.
The weather forced both teams to lean heavily on their ground game, with each running the ball over 40 times. In overtime, Bills running back LeSean McCoy delivered the game-winning play, a dramatic 21-yard touchdown run. This game epitomized what snow football is all about: grit, perseverance, and unforgettable moments.
1. The Tuck Rule Game (2001)
Perhaps the most infamous snow game ever, the “Tuck Rule Game” between the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders defined an era. Played during the 2001 AFC Divisional Round, it was marked by heavy snow and a controversial call that changed the NFL forever.
“The Tuck Rule Game.”
— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy) January 9, 2019
The ruling: an incomplete pass.
The result: the start of a legendary run of postseason success. (2001 Divisional: Jan. 19, 2002) @Patriots pic.twitter.com/skVvwaLWTJ
With less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter and the Patriots trailing by three, Tom Brady appeared to fumble after a hit by Charles Woodson. But after review, officials ruled that Brady hadn’t fully “tucked” the ball, making it an incomplete pass instead of a game-ending fumble.
Adam Vinatieri then nailed a 45-yard field goal through blizzard-like conditions to send the game into overtime, where he sealed the victory with another kick. That moment propelled the Patriots to their first of six Super Bowl titles, making this snowy thriller unforgettable.
Honorable Mentions
Several other snow games deserve recognition:
- Browns vs. Bills (2007): In a game defined by blinding snow, the Cleveland Browns defeated Buffalo 8-0, with all points coming from two field goals and a safety.
- Cowboys vs. Dolphins (1993): Leon Lett’s infamous mistake on a blocked field goal attempt allowed Miami a second chance to win in the final seconds of a Thanksgiving Day snowstorm.
- Buccaneers vs. Packers (1985): Tampa Bay, dressed in all-white uniforms, disappeared into the snowy Lambeau Field backdrop, losing 21-0 to Green Bay.
Snow games are a unique slice of NFL history, blending the unpredictable beauty of winter with the unyielding determination of football. These legendary contests, filled with iconic moments and unforgettable drama, prove why fans cherish snow games as some of the greatest wonders in sports.
