In a numerical list in descending order, I will attempt to rank the biggest chokes in Super Bowl history from fifth to first. There is an honorable mention, however.
People choke in sports all the time. In fact, choking in big games can make you famous.
What about Chris Webber and the infamous time out? Or how about Phil Mickelson?
While in sports, choking is almost inevitable at some point, just don't be like these guys (or teams) and do it when it really counts.
Honorable Mention
Ray Finkle (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective)—missing the Super Bowl winning field goal and blaming Dan Marino in the film.
Speaking of choking kickers, let's get right into the countdown.
No.5 - Super Bowl XXV - "Wide Right" for Scott Norwood
Scott Norwood has a special place in my mind, as he was the placekicker for the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL. However, Norwood holds a special place in sports history as well. Norwood remains the only kicker in Super Bowl history to MISS a game-winning field goal.
Trailing the Giants 20-19 in the closing seconds of the game, the Bills were at the Giants’ 29-yard line. Even though the kick had plenty of distance, the ball sailed way right to end the Bills hopes of a title.
BUT--I want to point out that the very next year, he nailed a 31-yarder, but the Bills got hammered, so it didn't matter too much.
No. 4 - Super Bowl XXIV - "Elway Crushed by Niners"
In what could be considered the least competitive Super Bowl of all time, John Elway stands to bear the blame of most sports fans.
In the Broncos’ 55-10 loss to the 49ers, Elway was 10-of-26 with two picks and only 106 yards. It would only be fair to place at least some blame on the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
The NFL Rookie of the Year that season, Bobby Humphrey, led the Broncos in receiving with 36 yards—27 coming on Elway's longest completion, which was a shovel pass. This performance made Elway's two previous Super Bowl performances look almost spectacular!
While Elway did finally get that trophy, this will always be one of the biggest chokes in SB history.
No. 3 - Super Bowl XXXIX - "McNabb Turns Over the Super Bowl to the Patriots"
Four turnovers in the Super Bowl. Good job, Philly. Even though one interception was a last second Hail Mary—it counts.
McNabb threw two picks inside the Patriots’ territory and one from inside the red zone. he may have also puked in the huddle, from a report by Freddie Mitchell. You don't get tired on the last drive of the Super Bowl. Are you kidding me?!
No. 2 - Super Bowl XX - "Cinderella Chokes at the Ball"
The Patriots were the Cinderella story of 1985. They lost three of their first five games before reeling off six victories in a row, a feat that isn't nearly as impressive now.
16 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Josh Niemtzow about 1 year ago
the eagles lost by 3 points...
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Mark Myers about 1 year ago
What about Neil O'Donnell (I hope I spelled that wrong) -- surely he makes the top five.
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Sean Crowe about 1 year ago
The Patriots in Super Bowl XX didn't choke, they were completely overmatched. There's a difference. If the Bears had lost, THAT would have been choke job.....
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Chris Yow about 1 year ago
McNabb choked by throwing three picks. One inside the red zone. Ane he was "tired" on the last drive of the Super Bowl. That is choking if there ever was.
The Pats were overmatched in every playoff game. The choke job wasn't really in losing, it was in getting smeared and creamed after winning the AFC.
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Dino Mori about 1 year ago
When the St. Louis Rams, the Greatest Show on Turf, Kurt Warner, Isaac Bruce and co., choked to the New England Patriots on an Adam Vinateri last second field goal in 2002...
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Chris Yow about 1 year ago
You know, in a later article I will write, that will be a topic of discussion as the NE Pats were one of the top 5 worst champions in sports history.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Do you even know what "choke" means? Denver was expected to lose (by 12), and they did. NE was supposed to lose (by 11) and they did. Philly was supposed to lose (by 4) and they did. These are NOT chokes! These are examples of the better team winning! I recommend you find another line of work.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
I have to agree with other peoples' comments. When you are expected to lose and you lose (even if you get thrashed) it's not a choke. A choke is when you are supposed to win and you spit the bit.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
If you must define choke jobs in the SB, where in most cases neither team faced off against each other during the season so the actual choke job was performed by Vegas and their spread, the teams that didn't show up should get the trophy. Buffalo (thrice), NE, Denver (thrice). They come to mind.
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Chris Yow about 1 year ago
Let me try to explain: First, Denver wasn't the choke job--Elway was. Philly wasn't the choke job--McNabb being tired in the huddle on the last drive of the SB was. NE was a choke job because they had already beaten 3 teams they weren't supposed to and got SLAUGHTERED. Thanks, have a nice day.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
It has to be XLII now. The Patriots were a big joke. Brady's ankle must have been hurting or he doesn't know how to scramble. They were out played by a much better prepared team, and got there butts spanked.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
new england takes over the top spot after going 18-1
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Chris Yow about 1 year ago
No doubt. The #1 choke goes to the pats.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Congratulations New England....You deserve the #1 spot....especially in this category.
New England lucky streak is finally running out......Yaaaayyyyy!
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
To the posters saying the 07-08 Pats:
To say they choked is to say they were the better team and deserved to win. If you put the regular season aside, and look at the playoff games for both the Giants and the Patriots, I seriously doubt many people would've picked the Pats to win. The Giants managed to become a better team then the Patriots during the playoffs and showed them NFC-East hard-hitting football in the Big Game.
In summary, I'm saying no to the Pats because they weren't the better team.
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Chris Yow about 1 year ago
So, you're saying that the '85 Pats choked?
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