With Super Bowl 2022 in the books, here are the top five plays in the history of the sport’s biggest game of the season.
5.
Manning to Manningham — Super Bowl XLVI
Getty Images
The Patriots look poised to win this Super Bowl rematch until Eli Manning threw one of the most clutch passes in the history of the Super Bowl. The Giants were trailing the Patriots 17-14 in in Super Bowl XLVI with just over 3 minutes to go when Eli Manning hit Mario Manningham on a third-and-4 play for 36 yards, sparking the game-winning drive in the Giants’ 21-17 triumph.
4.
Malcolm Butler interception — Super Bowl XLIX
AFP via Getty Images This one would not be on Pete Carroll’s top five. The Seahawks coach foolishly decided to pass from the 1-yard line, instead of handing the ball to Marshawn Lynch, in the closing minute. The decision led to a Malcolm Butler interception that clinched a thrilling 28-24 Patriots’ win in Super Bowl XLIX.
3.
Julian Edelman catch — Super Bow LI
Getty Images Julian Edelman won last year’s Super Bowl MVP, but his greatest moment on the biggest stage came two years earlier. Fighting back from a 28-3 deficit to the Falcons, the Patriots still trailed by eight and had the ball on their own 36-yard line with 2:28 remaining. On the eventual game-tying drive, Tom Brady’s pass was nearly intercepted by Falcons cornerback Robert Alford. The ball was deflected in the air, prompting Edelman to stop his route, and dive backwards — along with three other Atlanta defenders — before scooping the ball off a Falcons player’s hand and leg, and collecting it just before hitting the ground. New England would soon complete the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history in the first-ever overtime.
2.
James Harrison interception return — Super Bowl XLIII
Getty Images Despite being understandably overshadowed by the incredible game-winning touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Santonio Holmes, James Harrison’s 100-yard interception return for a touchdown to end the first half of Super Bowl XLIII was the game’s most important play. Arizona trailed 10-7 with 18 seconds remaining in the half, but had first-and-goal from the 2-yard line. With Pittsburgh blitzing, Kurt Warner rushed his throw and was picked off by Harrison, who weaved through and overpowered would-be tacklers — five Cardinals made contact with him — and did a tightrope run up the sideline, until getting brought down as he crossed the opposite goal-line with no time remaining. A potential 14-10 Cardinals lead had swung to a 17-7 Steelers advantage at halftime.
1.
David Tyree helmet catch — Super Bowl XLII
Getty Images
The Giants were two downs from falling short of their first Super Bowl win in 17 years. The Patriots were 1:15 away from completing a perfect season. Then, a miracle changed Super Bowl XLII — and history. After improbably freeing himself from the grasps of multiple New England defenders, Eli Manning heaved the ball downfield and connected with David Tyree, who pressed the ball against his helmet and somehow held onto the ball — inches from touching the ground — while Patriots safety Rodney Harrison dragged him down after a gain of 32 yards. Four plays later, Manning found Plaxico Burress for the game-winning touchdown pass, cementing the all-time upset.
