Top 10 Super Bowl Plays

10. Leon Lett Showboats
Super Bowl XXVII: Dallas was routing Buffalo when Leon Lett recovered a fumble and was about to add to that lead. Then seemingly out of nowhere, Don Beebe knocked the ball out of Lett’s hand just before he crossed the goal line and the ball goes out of bounds in the end zone resulting in a touch back. The Bills still lost, but that play remains the best hustle play of all time.

9. Adam Vinatieri’s Clutch Kick
Super Bowl XXXVI: The Rams had just tied the game at 17 leaving the Patriots one last drive to try and win it. Instead of taking their chances in overtime, like commentator John Madden recommended, the Patriots went for the win. Tom Brady led the Pats down the field into Rams territory which set up a 48 yard field goal for Vinatieri. Vinatieri split the uprights as time expired and the Pats celebrated their first of what would be three championships.

8. “70 Chip”
Super Bowl XVII: The Redskins are down 17-13 to the Dolphins with 10:10 remaining and are facing fourth and one the Dolphin’s 43 yard line. Joe Gibbs decided to go for it and called “70 Chip,” the team’s bread and butter. John Riggins took the hand off, broke free of Don McNeal and raced to the end zone. The Redskins prevailed 27-17.

7. Marcus Allen’s Electrifying Run
Super Bowl XVIII: Allen took a pitch from quarterback Jim Plunkett and was met with a wave of Redskin defenders. He then reversed fields and ran 74 yards for a touchdown. The Raiders won 38-9 and Allen was named MVP running for 191 yards.

6. Swann’s Signature Grab
Super Bowl X: The Steelers are pinned at their own 10 yard line in the second quarter when Terry Bradshaw dropped back to pass. He heaved a pass down field and Swann out leaped Mark Washington, tipped the ball in midair and finally made the catch while lying on the ground. The play went down as a 53 yard gain and Swann took home MVP honors as the Steelers won 21-17.

4. James Harrison Pick Six
Super Bowl XLIII: The Cardinals were at the Steelers’ two yard line just before halftime down 10-7 trying to take the lead. Kurt Warner dropped back and with pressure in his face threw a pass over the middle that was intercepted by James Harrison. Harrison raced down the sidelines, avoiding tacklers and wasn’t brought down until he crossed the goal line as the clock ran out. The play resulted in a 14 point swing for the Steelers, who won 27-23.

3. One Yard Short
Super Bowl XXXIV: The Titans, led by Steve McNair, trailed the Rams 23-16. They were at the Rams’ ten yard line with six seconds left and time for just one more play. McNair dropped back and hit Kevin Dyson on a quick slant at the three yard line who then tried to extend the ball over the goal line, but was tackled by Mike Jones one yard short.

2. Montana to Taylor
Super Bowl XXIII: The 49ers got the ball back at their own eight yard line with 3:10 remaining trailing the Bengals 16-13. Joe Montana then led the 49ers down to the Bengals ten yard line. With 39 seconds left on the clock Montana dropped back to pass and fired one into the back of the end zone and connected with John Taylor for the game winning score as the 49ers won 20-16.

1. The Helmet Catch
Super Bowl XLII: The Giants were facing a crucial third and five on their own 43 yard line with 1:13 remaining down 14-10. Eli Manning dropped back and somehow escaped from the arms of a Patriot defender and fired a pass down the field. David Tyree leaped for the ball with Rodney Harrison on his back and pinned the ball against the helmet before securing it. The Giants went on to score four plays later and ended the Pats chance at perfection, winning 17-14.