The Greatest Super Bowl Moments Of All-Time

February 6, 2025 | Jack Hawkins

The Greatest Super Bowl Moments Of All-Time


The Greatest Super Bowl Moments Of All-Time

One of America's greatest sporting events of the year is just around the corner. The Super Bowl occurs on February 9th annually, drawing an average viewership of 123 million people. But what were some of the greatest moments of the past Super Bowls?

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Super Bowl XI: A 75-Yard Interception & Touchdown

Willie Brown was part of the Las Vegas Raiders team that dominated the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI, but his interception and 75-yard dash for a touchdown sealed the deal for the Raiders, who secured their first Super Bowl after winning 32-14.

Willie Brown wearing white shirt and navy capJames E. Foehl, Wikimedia Commons

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Super Bowl XX: William "Refrigerator" Perry Scores A Memorable Touchdown

When the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots met in 1986 at Super Bowl XX, the head coach sent in a defensive lineman, William "Refrigerator" Perry, to score a touchdown. The Chicago Bears won the game 46-10 in a crushing defeat of the Patriots.

William Perry #72 celebrates after scoring a touchdownFocus On Sport, Getty Images

Super Bowl XXIX: A Sixth Touchdown Pass For Steve Young

The short pass is a remarkable feat, achieved when one player passes to another over seven yards, resulting in a touchdown. During Super Bowl 29, Steve Young of the San Francisco 49ers completed his sixth touchdown pass. The average number of touchdown passes per player per game is 1.7.

Steve Young jersey shown at Pro Football Hall of FameErik Daniel Drost, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Super Bowl I: Max McGee's One-Handed Catch And First Super Bowl Touchdown

Max McGee replaced injured Green Bay Packers receiver Boyd Dowler in the starting lineup of Super Bowl I, which took place in 1967. The Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10. McGee caught a pass with one hand and spun, running into the end zone for the first touchdown in Super Bowl history.

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Fred Williamson (24) chases Green Bay Packers wide receiver Max McGeeJames Flores, Getty Images

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Super Bowl XXXV: Victory Sealed In Less Than A Minute

It took an astonishing 36 seconds for the Baltimore Ravens to score three touchdowns and lead the New York Giants by 10-0 late in the third quarter. 

Quarterback Kerry Collins #5 of the New York Giants gets ready for the hike during the Super Bowl XXXVJonathan Daniel, Getty Images

Super Bowl IV: The 65 Toss Power Trap Play

With his team leading 9-0 on the Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Hank Stram called a play known as the "65 Toss Power Trap", which saw Mike Garrett run into the end zone for a touchdown. Hank went nuts, cursing like a sailor—unfortunately for viewers at home, he was mic'd up.

Photograph of Hank Stram in a white shirtUnknown author, Wikimedia Commons

Super Bowl I: The First Super Bowl Knockout

The first knockout blow of the Super Bowl occurred when Fred "The Hammer" Williamson was knocked out after colliding with the knee of running back Donny Anderson during Super Bowl I.

Fred Williamson in a blue shirt at Florida SuperconFlorida Supercon, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Super Bowl XVII: The Longest Kick Return In Super Bowl History

The Miami Dolphins faced the Washington Redskins in Super XVII in 1983. With the Redskins and Dolphins tied 10-10 at half-time, Fulton Walker recorded the longest kick return in Super Bowl history (at the time), sending the ball soaring for 98 yards for a touchdown. 

Fulton Walker #41 of the Miami Dolphins returns a kickoff against the Washington RedskinsFocus On Sport, Getty Images

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Super Bowl XXI: A Giant Comeback

The New York Giants were down 10-9 against the Denver Broncos at Super Bowl XXI when they made a stunning comeback. They scored 30 unanswered points, narrowly edging the Broncos 32-29 for a famous victory.

Aerial view of the game at the Rose BowlEllen Jaskol, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Super Bowl XXXI: Brett Favre's Celebration

Brett Favre loves the game, and the game loves him back. During Super Bowl XXXI, Favre scored his first touchdown pass, over 54 yards, to teammate Andre Rison. He took off his helmet and ran around the field in celebration. A joy to watch.

Brett Favre wearing jerseyDavid Wilson, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Super Bowl XVIII: Rocket Screen Interception

The Redskins were supposed to run a play called "rocket screen," according to head coach Joe Gibbs. But Raiders linebacker Jack Squirek had other ideas. Leaping through the air like a salmon, he caught the ball and ran for a touchdown. The Raiders defeated the Redskins in a blowout 38-9.

Jack Squirek #58 of the Los Angeles Raiders returns an interception for a touchdownFocus On Sport, Getty Images

Super Bowl XXIII: An Almost Game-Winning Touchdown. Almost.

It is so close yet very far away for the Cincinnati Bengals. When they were tied 6-6 with the San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl XXIII, Stanford Jennings kicked a 93-yard touchdown—the only one of the game for the Bengals. However, it wasn't enough to win, as the 49ers took the game 20-16.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Stanford Jennings returns a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdownRob Brown, Getty Images

Super Bowl XLVIII: The Quickest Score In History

Peyton Manning may have been the star of the Seattle Seahawks, leading them (eventually) to victory against the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. Still, it was Broncos star Manny Ramirez who made the fastest score in Super Bowl history after just 12 seconds.

Seattle Seahawks kicking a field goal during the Super Bowl XLVIII vs. Denver BroncosMichelinStar, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Super Bowl XXVI: Dude, Where's My Helmet?

Imagine not being able to find something as large as a football helmet. Well, that's what happened to Buffalo Bills star Thurman Thomas. He'd moved his helmet during pre-game festivities and couldn't find it during game time. He eventually did locate it, but not before missing two plays.

Thurman Thomas in a shirtJeff Kern, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Super Bowl XV: The Big Yellow Ribbon

Never afraid to get involved in politics, the theme of Super Bowl XV was solidarity with the hostages held by Iran during the 1979 to 1981 Iranian hostage crisis. The event was held in the Louisiana Superdome, which displayed a massive yellow ribbon on its exterior.

General view of a yellow ribbon is shown on the Louisiana SuperDome as tribute to hostages in IranFocus On Sport, Getty Images

Super Bowl X: Jack Lambert's Angry Tackle On Cliff Harris

In the tenth Super Bowl, Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Roy Gerala missed his second kick of the game. When Dallas Cowboys safety Cliff Harris ruthlessly mocked him, Jack Lambert angrily dumped Harris to the ground. He wasn't ejected from the game, but this did wonders for the Steelers' morale, propelling them to victory.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Lambert during a gameMalcolm Emmons, Wikimedia Commons

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Super Bowl XLIII: A Goal-Line Interception And 100-Yard Touchdown Run 

Down 10-7 to the Steelers, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner passed to Anquan Boldin, but it was intercepted by James Harrison, a linebacker, who ran for 99 yards with no time remaining.

Super bowl XLIII (43) Arizona Cardinals versus Pittsburgh SteelersJohn Seb Barber, UK, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Super Bowl II: Vince Lombardi's Last Game As Coach

During the second Super Bowl, the Green Bay Packers beat the Raiders 33-14 in the last game of Lombardi's coaching career at the Packers. He coached the Redskins in 1969 and passed away in 1970. But his team carried the legend himself off the field victorious.

Green Bay Packers head coach Vince Lombardi gets a victory ride off the field on the shoulders of his playersBettmann, Getty Images

Super Bowl XXVIII: Emmett Smith's 61-Yard Dash

Emmett Smith made a 61-yard dash, topping off a 64-yard touchdown run after the Dallas Cowboys tied the game with the Buffalo Bills. It was an incredible slam-dunk run that changed the game.

Emmett Smith jerseyErik Drost, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Super Bowl XIV: A 73-Yard Score Turns A Game On Its Head

A 73-yard score between Terry Bradshaw and John Stallworth changed the game for the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XIV. Down 19-17 at the half, the Steelers led the game all the way to victory.

Terry Bradshaw jersey (12, Steelers)Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Super Bowl XIX: Jermaine Kearse's Catch

Jermaine Kearse was a wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks who made a historic catch, after a deflection, while lying on the ground. Kearse stood up and started running to the end zone.

Jermaine Kearse in a Seattle Seahawks jerseyMike Morris, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Super Bowl XXVII: Leon Lett's Early Celebration 

The Dallas Cowboys' Leon Lett recovered a fumble and ran toward the end zone as the Buffalo Bills destroyed the Cowboys. His 10-yard line celebration, however, was too early. Don Beebe caught up with him and knocked the ball out of his hands. Never celebrate too early, especially in the Super Bowl.

Leon Lett #78 of the Dallas Cowboys run with the ball against the Buffalo BillsFocus On Sport, Getty Images

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Super Bowl XIII: Jackie Smith Drops The Ball

Jackie Smith was one of the best tight ends ever to play the game. But he's unfortunately best remembered for the worst moment of his career—when he dropped the ball when the Cowboys were down 21-14.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jackie Smith dropped a sure touchdown passWally McNamee, Getty Images

Super Bowl XXX: Larry Brown Double Interception

Larry Brown's double interception of two passes from Neil O'Donnell made him the unlikeliest Super Bowl MVP. The Dallas Cowboys won the Bowl that year, 27-17.

Cornerback Larry Brown of the Dallas Cowboys is swarmed by the mediaMike Powell, Getty Images

Super Bowl III: Joe Namath's Shushes The Crowd

New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath decided to appear at the Miami Touchdown Club to personally guarantee his team's victory. He came off the field with a raised finger, indicating he was "number one". It was the only time he'd done that in his career.

Photo of Joe Namath holding a ballNew York Jets, Wikimedia Commons

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Super Bowl XXII: A 35-Point Second Quarter

After a catastrophic first quarter that saw the Broncos lead the Redskins 10-0. What happened next shocked the Broncos by scoring 35 points without reply, winning 42-10.

Washington Redskins guard Raleigh McKenzie pictured in a defensive playWikimedia Commons, Picryl

Super Bowl XXXI: A 99-Yard Kick Return

A slim 27-21 lead for the Green Bay Packers resulted in Desmond Howard returning a Patriot's kick-off with a 99-yard dash for a touchdown. This return was a Super Bowl record, leading the Packers to victory and earning Howard the Super Bowl MVP

Desmond Howard in a suitMaize & Blue Nation, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Super Bowl XLVIII: Lights Out At The Superdome

With a 28-6 lead for Baltimore over the San Francisco 49ers, a piece of electrical monitoring equipment sensed an abnormality and killed the power to half the stadium. It took 34 minutes to repair and turn the lights back on, with the 49ers staging a roaring comeback to win.

Metlife Stadium Exterior Super Bowl XLVIIIAnthony Quintano, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Super Bowl XVI: A Goal-Line Scramble For The Ages

With just four yards left to go, down 20-7 at the end of the third quarter, the Cincinnati Bengals tried desperately to get the ball over the line, to no avail. Great defense from the San Francisco 49ers secured the title.

Chris Collinsworth #80 of the Cincinnati Bengals in action against the San Francisco 49ersFocus On Sport, Getty Images

Super Bowl XLIV: A Surprise Second-Half Onside Kick 

When the New Orleans Saints faced off against the Indianapolis Colts, with the latter 10-6 up at the start of the second half, Sean Payton (the Saints' head coach) sprang a surprise onside kick, jump-starting a New Orleans recovery that shifted the game's momentum.

Sean Payton wearing black shirt and capAll-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Super Bowl VII: Yepremian's Greatest Blunder

The greatest blunder in Super Bowl history? Maybe. Miami Dolphins kicker Garo Yepremian should have capped off a 17-0 season with a 17-0 win. Instead, his final kick went flat and was blocked. He then picked up the ball and attempted a pass that was picked off, with Redskins cornerback Mike Bass running it to the end zone for a touchdown.

Garo Yepremian #1 looks to pass the ball after a botched field goalFocus On Sport, Getty Images

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Super Bowl XLVI: Super Mario's Sideline Catch

Mario Manningham catalyzed the New York Giants' late-game resurgence during Super Bowl XLVI. The Giants were then down 17-15 to the New England Patriots. "Super Mario" made an incredible catch at midfield, allowing the Giants to score and stop Patriot momentum.

2012 Packers Vs Giants - Mario ManninghamMike Morbeck, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Super Bowl XVIII: The Last Voice Work Of John Facenda

Marcus Allen ran a 74-yard touchdown on the last play of the third quarter at Super Bowl XVIII as the Raiders played the Redskins. John Facenda, legendary announcer, uttered his final words as an announcer: "As Washington hopes faded into the dying daylight, Marcus Allen, running away with the night".

Allen (center) led the Raiders to a championship in Super Bowl XVIIIJeno's, Wikimedia Commons

Super Bowl V: Saving The Blunder Bowl

The fifth edition of the Super Bowl was known as the "Blunder Bowl" because of its many errors. However, Jim O'Brien won the game in the final seconds with a game-winning kick, saving the "Blunder Bowl".

Earl Morrall #15 and Jim O'Brien #80 of the Baltimore Colts celebrates after O'Brien makes a field goalFocus On Sport, Getty Images

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Super Bowl XXV: The Greatest-Ever Star-Spangled Banner?

Whitney Houston's "The Star-Spangled Banner" performance at Super Bowl 25 is often said to be the greatest performance of the American National Anthem ever. Do you agree?

Whitney Houston Sings National Anthem At Super Bowl XXVMichael Zagaris, Getty Images

Super Bowl XXXIV: Mike Jones Game-Saving Tackle

As the Tennessee Titans took on the St Louis Rams for the championship, wide receiver Kevin Dyson was one yard away from winning or tying the game when tight end Mike Jones tackled him. This saved the St Louis Rams from defeat, and they eventually clinched the game 23-16.

Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson is tackled by Rams linebacker Mike Jones short of the goal line on the last play of the gameIcon Sportswire, Getty Images

Super Bowl LII: Nick Foles' "Difference Maker" Catch

In order to stop a Patriots onslaught, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pedersen took a gamble on a play. Instructing tight end Trey Burton to toss a touchdown pass to Nick Foles. Foles made the catch, and this play proved to be the difference between the Eagles and the Patriots, with the Eagles emerging victorious.

Photo of Nick Foles during the Eagles vs Redskins gameMatthew Straubmuller, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Super Bowl XVII: John Riggins Runs The Gauntlet

With the Dolphins leading the Redskins 17-13 in the fourth, with only 10:10 left on the clock, they knew they had to do something. They gave the ball to John Riggins, who got the first down and ran 57 yards into the end zone.

John Riggins in a white jerseyTed Van Pelt, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Super Bowl X: Like A Swann Out Of Water

Okay, so while some swans can fly, Lynn Swann took that to a whole new level when he leaped through the air to catch a 53-yard reception before bobbling it in mid-air but eventually coming down with it once he returned to orbit. A legendary catch.

Official Photo of Lynn Swann in a suitfitnesstips, Wikimedia Commons

Super Bowl XLII: David Tyree's Unconventional Catch

Sure, we'll call it "unconventional". But it was really so outrageous that it should have been illegal. David Tyree caught a pass from Eli Manning by rescuing the falling ball using his hand and helmet. Outrageous. Ridiculous. Legal. And the greatest catch ever? You tell us.

New England Patriots against New York Giants DAVID TYREE attemps to catch an incomplete passSporting News Archive, Getty Images


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