The Top 10 Greatest Catches of All Time

Charlie Cox by Correspondent Written on February 17, 2009

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GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 03:  David Tyree #85 of the New York Giants catches a 32-yard pass from Eli Manning #10 as Rodney Harrison #37 of the New England Patriots attempts to knock it out in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLII on February 3, 2008 at the
(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Now that football season is done, many long for a gridiron fix while they await the most grueling seven months, sparing the Super Bowl, the NFL Draft, and the combines. So for the maniac who still goes to the sports bars every Sunday because he is too delusional, or stubborn, to realize that the season is over, here are the greatest catches of all time.

Number 10: Using Your Head

GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 03:  David Tyree #85 of the New York Giants catches a 32-yard pass from Eli Manning #10 as Rodney Harrison #37 of the New England Patriots attempts to knock it out in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLII on February 3, 2008 at the

David Tyree's helmet catch saved the Giants' chances at Super Bowl XLII. The catch also ruined the Patriots' bid at a perfect season. Tyree has gone down in Super Bowl history with the catch, and even earned himself an Espy Award.

Number 9: The Sea of Hands

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With 24 seconds left in the game, Raiders RB Clarence Davis somehow caught the game-winning touchdown pass among "the sea of hands" of three Dolphins defenders. This game eliminated Miami from the playoffs after they had made it to the Super Bowl in each of the last three seasons.

Number 8: Leapin Lynn

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Swan's Super Bowl catch kept the Steelers in the game against the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers won the game making them the first team to three Super Bowl victories. Swan's catch also helped his campaign for the Super Bowl MVP award.

Number 7: Marvin's One Handed Grab

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Harrison's one handed grab scored Indianapolis the winning touchdown and ended the the Harrison vs. Law debates...for that season.

Number 6: He Did What?!!

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Everyone has heard Al Michaels' famous words. This catch sealed the deal for the Pack as they broke the 20-20 tie in OT to win the game.

Number 5: Super Santonio

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01:  Santonio Holmes #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a 6-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Steele

In arguably one of the greatest games ever played, Santonio Holmes made the game winning touchdown catch to earn the Super Bowl MVP award and the Steelers' sixth Super Bowl victory. He also helped Ben Roethlisberger earn his 19th career comeback.

Number 4: Kickin Back

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The catch brought the Huskers within one and the extra point forced overtime. First, a little background on the game: The Huskers came in to Columbia, MO the No. 1 ranked team in the nation and head coach Tom Osborne was fresh off his 250th win in 25 years.

Number 3: Livin' On a Prayer

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Doug Flutie's last second Hail Mary pass put Boston College over Miami with the upset 47-45.

Number 2

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Prothro won the 2006 ESPY Award and the Pontiac Game Changing Award of the Year for Best Play for his outstanding catch, in which he caught the ball behind the head of Southern Mississippi's Jasper Faulk on a Hail Mary pass from quarterback Brodie Croyle right before half-time. Prothro's catch helped the Tide defeat Southern Mississippi 30–21.

Number 1: The Immaculate Reception

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Who would have known? Coach Chuck Noll called a pass play, 66 Circle Option, intended for receiver Barry Pearson, a rookie who was playing in his first NFL game. Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw, unable to find Pearson while avoiding two Raiders defenders, threw the ball to the Raiders' 35-yard line, toward fullback John "Frenchy" Fuqua. Raiders safety Jack Tatum collided with Fuqua just as the ball arrived. Tatum's hit knocked Fuqua to the ground and sent the ball sailing backward several yards, end over end. Steelers running back Franco Harris, after initially blocking on the play, had run downfield in case Bradshaw needed another eligible receiver. He scooped up the sailing ball just before it hit the ground, and ran the rest of the way downfield to score the touchdown.

The touchdown gave the Steelers a 12-7 lead and the amazing play allowed the Steelers to win the game.

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written on February 17, 2009 Sports

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