Ten Sports Moments I Will Never Forget

Here, from my humble experience, I will attempt to name 10 of the most unforgettable sports moments that I have witnessed. For better or worse, these events have left an indelible mark on their respective sports, and the world's consciousness.

Obviously I didn't witness some of these as they unfolded, but with the advent of the Internet, a new generation can experience sports history's most poignant moments.

Without further ado, the list (in no particular order):

1991: Desmond Howard's Punt Return vs. Ohio State

During the 1991 college football season, the acrobatic Desmond Howard was a clear Heisman front-runner.

He sealed his legacy in our hearts and minds with his 93-yard punt return touchdown against rival Ohio State.

Adding to the passion of the moment, Keith Jackson bellowed, "Hello, Heisman!" Sure enough, as though by fate, Howard struck the famous pose.

2009: Y.E. Stuns Tiger Woods in the PGA Championship

Tiger Woods is an undeniable golf great. Leading up to the 2009 PGA Championship, Woods had never lost a major that he had led after 54 holes.

In the 91st edition of the PGA Championship, Korean-born Y.E. Yang would break that streak with a brilliant come-from-behind victory.

His rallying effort featured an incredible chip-in eagle on the par-4 14th, and a birdie to Tiger's bogey on the final hole. It was the first time an Asian-born man won a major in men's golf.

2001: Death of NASCAR Legend Dale Earnhardt

In the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, racing legend Dale Earnhardt was battling for third. In turn four, Earnhardt made contact with Sterling Marlin.

The slight impact was enough to send his No. 3 car careening into Ken Schrader. The impact with Schrader spun Earnhardt's car, sending him head-on into the wall.

The crash did not look serious, but several hours later Earnhardt's death was announced.

His death has left a void in NASCAR that will never be filled.

1972: The Immaculate Reception

The 1972 AFC championship game was a defensive battle that came down to a 7-6 lead for the Oakland Raiders over the Pittsburgh Steelers with 22 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

From his own 40-yard line, on fourth down and 10, Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw lofted the ball downfield. The ball bounced off of a colliding "Frenchy" Fuqua and Jack Tatum.

It fell end-over-end into the waiting hands of fullback Franco Harris who took it into the corner of the end zone for the game-winning score.

The Immaculate Reception, as it later became known, is perhaps the most controversial and famous play in NFL history.

1997: Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson II: The Sound and the Fury

This is one of the most defining events, not only of professional boxing, but of the 1990s as a decade. In the third round of this highly anticipated rematch, Mike Tyson, in a clinch, bit Evander Holyfield on the right ear, removing a large piece.

After several minutes of confusion, referee Mills Lane deducted two points from Tyson and the match continued. In another clinch, Tyson bit Holyfield on the other ear. Mike Tyson's actions were viewed as a deliberate attempt to be disqualified as he was being bested by Holyfield.

The event was viewed by 2 million people via Pay-per-view, becoming a defining moment in sports history.

1968: The Leap of the Century: Bob Beamon's Long Jump

The scene was the 1968 Summer Olympic games in Mexico City. A young man from Queens, N.Y., named Bob Beamon lined up for his first run at the long jump.

He soared through the air, and when his feet hit the ground, he had leaped 29 ft, 2.5 inches. His jump surpassed the then world-record by 21.75 inches (nearly two feet).

The score came up at 8.90 meters. Beamon, who was not familiar with the metric system was not sure exactly how far he had jumped.

When he was told, he ran around for a few seconds before his legs gave out from sheer emotion. This is widely considered one of the greatest moments in the history of the Summer Olympic Games.

1997: Fight Night at the Joe: Red Wings vs. Avalanche

This battle-royale was sparked by an incident during the 1996 season in which the Avalanche's Claude Lemieux checked Red Wings center Kris Draper face first into the boards. The impact shattered Draper's jawbone, cheekbone and orbital bone.

On March 26 of the 1997 season, there were nine separate fights. After Larionov of the Red Wings and Forsberg of the Avalanche collided, 'Wings enforcer Darren McCarty seized the opportunity to exact revenge on Claude Lemieux.

He rained blows on a "turtling" Lemieux (pictured). Also joining the fray were Shanahan and Vernon of the Red Wings, and Roy and Foote of the Avalanche.

The incident left the ice and boards near the Red Wings bench soaked in blood. It is generally viewed as the event which brought the Red Wings together as a team, heading toward their Stanley Cup victory and subsequent success.

1955: 24 Hours of Lemans Tragedy

The 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans began as a shoot-out between Jaguar with their D-type and Mercedes-Benz with their 300-SLR. It ended in tragedy.

At the end of lap 35, the Mercedes driven by Pierre Levegh stuck the sloped rear-end of Lance Macklin's Austin-Healy 100 at about 150 mph. The Mercedes went airborne and struck a dirt embankment which separated the spectators from the course.

The car disintegrated, sending its hood, axles, and engine block flying through the dense crowd. As the car's somersault began to slow, the liquid fuel tank erupted, setting flame to the wreckage and spewing fire on yet more spectators.

All told, the tragedy claimed 84 lives (including Levegh), becoming the single worst disaster in motorsports history. As a sign of respect for the victims, the other Mercedes entries (with the lead) withdrew from the race.

1982: The Play to Beat the Band

In the 1982 college football contest between Stanford and Cal, Stanford took the lead, 20-19 with four seconds remaining on the clock. The subsequent kick-off return would become part of college football lore.

The ball was fielded at Cal's 46-yard line, and a series of five crazy laterals brought it into the end zone. After the first few seconds of action, many people, including the Stanford band thought the game was over.

As a result, the band took the field. Cal was forced to drive through them en route to the end zone.

Joe Starkey's homering made the moment all the more poignant. It was an incredible finish that has since been emulated, but never matched.

1980: The Miracle on Ice

What? Did the you think it wouldn't be included? The match-up between the United States and the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics is the greatest upset of all time.

The Soviets were regarded as the best hockey team in the world. The United States hockey team was largely made up of college kids. However, they rallied around their coach, the legendary Herb Brooks, and captain Mike Eruzione.

They managed a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Soviets, then beat Finland in the gold medal round. The entire team crowding onto the small podium is one of the most famous images in the history of sports.