Seven iconic moments in Super Bowl history
The Super Bowl is the biggest event in American sports and has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right. Since the first Super Bowl was played in 1967, there have been countless memorable moments that have defined the game and captivated audiences around the world.
The drama associated with the Super Bowl has produced some dramatic swings as those who bet on the occasion will tell you. There is always room for a player to become a hero, whether they are part of their team’s regular NFL starting lineups or a backup player.
This year’s Super Bowl once again produced a close finish and a captivating second-half comeback as the Kansas City Chiefs fought back to beat the Philadelphia Eagles. Here are seven more iconic moments in Super Bowl history that will never be forgotten:
Embed from Getty ImagesSantonio Holmes’ last-minute catch (Super Bowl XLIII, 2009)
With a 27-23 triumph over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, the Pittsburgh Steelers clinched a sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy thanks to a stunning catch by Santonio Holmes from Ben Roethlisberger.
After a Super Bowl record 100-yard pick return for a score by James Harrison, Pittsburgh led 17-7 at halftime, but Arizona receiver Larry Fitzgerald’s 127-yard and two touchdown efforts had put them up by three heading into the final two minutes.
Big Ben turned the game back in Pittsburgh’s favor, marching the Steelers down the field and shattering the hearts of Cardinals supporters all around the world with the most perfectly thrown pass for Holmes into the far corner of the end zone with only 35 seconds remaining on the clock.
Joe Montana’s game-winning drive (Super Bowl XXIII, 1989)
The San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals faced off in Super Bowl XXIII, and the game came down to the wire. With just over three minutes left in the game, the 49ers took possession on their own eight-yard line, down 16-13 and up against it.
Quarterback Joe Montana led his team down the field with a series of clutch passes, culminating in a game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver John Taylor with just 34 seconds remaining. The drive has since become known as “The Drive” and cemented Montana’s legacy as an all-time great.
Scott Norwood’s missed field goal (Super Bowl XXV, 1991)
The Buffalo Bills and New York Giants faced off in Super Bowl XXV in what would become one of the closest and most exciting games in Super Bowl history. With just seconds remaining – the Bills had a chance to win the game with a 47-yard field goal attempt by kicker Scott Norwood.
The kick sailed wide right, and the Giants held on for the win. Norwood’s missed field goal has become a symbol of heartbreak for Bills fans and is still remembered as one of the most iconic moments in Super Bowl history.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe helmet catch (Super Bowl XLII, 2008)
In Super Bowl XLII, the undefeated New England Patriots faced off against the underdog New York Giants. The game was a defensive struggle, and with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter, the Giants faced a crucial third down deep in their own territory.
Quarterback Eli Manning escaped a sack and heaved a pass downfield to wide receiver David Tyree, who managed to catch the ball against his helmet and hold on despite being tackled by multiple defenders.
Tyree’s catch kept the Giants’ drive alive, and they went on to score a game-winning touchdown just a few plays later. The play has since become known as “The Helmet Catch” and is still considered one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history.
Tracy Porter’s pick-six (Super Bowl XLIV, 2010)
In Super Bowl XLIV, the New Orleans Saints faced off against the Indianapolis Colts in what would become a high-scoring affair full of incident and drama.
With the game tied at 17 in the fourth quarter, Saints cornerback Tracy Porter intercepted a pass from Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and returned it for a game-winning touchdown. The play secured the first Super Bowl win in Saints history – and cemented Porter’s legacy as a hero in New Orleans.
Malcolm Butler’s game-winning interception (Super Bowl XLIX, 2015)
On February 1st, 2015, the Seattle Seahawks were a yard away from winning their second straight NFL championship at the University of Phoenix Stadium. It was Super Bowl XLIX, and they were down 28-24 to the Patriots with 26 seconds left, but the ball was on the New England 1-yard line.
Russell Wilson took the snap and fired a quick slant to receiver Ricardo Lockette, but Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler spotted the play and arrived at the same time as the pass. Butler snagged the football at the edge of the end zone for a famous interception and fell on the ball to seal the Super Bowl.
Elway’s helicopter (Superbowl XXXII, 1998)
At 37, Denver’s John Elway was playing his then-record-tying fourth Super Bowl for the Broncos. The Super Bowl had not been a happy occasion for Elway, however, as he was soundly defeated in his previous three appearances.
This time, he was not to be denied, putting his whole body on the line — literally — with a spectacular ‘helicopter’ charge in the Super Bowl XXXII victory over the defending champion, and strongly favored Green Bay Packers.
The game was deadlocked at 17-17 in the third quarter, and the Broncos had a third-and-six out from the Green Bay 12-yard line. Elway scrambled to get the first down but was struck so hard by the two pursuing Packers players that he turned 360 degrees through the air on his way to scoring.
A few minutes later, Terrell Davis recorded the second of his three MVP-worthy touchdowns of the day. Denver clung on to finally give Elway the Super Bowl title that his valiant, dogged effort merited.
