NFL Power Rankings: The Most Memorable Play in the History of All 32 Franchises

If you’re a diehard NFL fan, then the last few days have been pretty depressing. The labor negotiations have ended, a lockout has started, and bickering—not free agency, trades, or the draft—will fill the next few months.

So in these dark times, how about some fond memories.

Inside this slide show is the most memorable single play in the history of every NFL franchise.

And just to be clear each of these plays are memorable because they were positive moments.

For Bills fans, Scott Norwood’s  Wide Right is not “memorable”...it’s “forgettable.”

The same is true for Browns fans and “Red Right 88” or the Vikings fans and Gary Anderson’s missed field goal in 1999.

New England Patriots: Adam Vinatieri’s Kick

When: Super Bowl XXXVI

Opponent: St. Louis Rams

Play: 48-yard field goal

Certainly the one that Vinatieri nailed to defeat Carolina in Super Bowl XXXVIII was pretty memorable, but that was the Pats second Super Bowl in three seasons.

And the two that he nailed in the snow against Oakland at old Foxborough were great moments, but all those two did was earn a trip to Pittsburgh for the AFC Title Game.  

Instead we chose Vinatieri’s game-winner in the Superdome a decade ago. Why? Not only did it clinch the Patriots first-ever World Championship, but it capped off one of the greatest upsets in Super Bowl history. 

New York Jets: Jumbo Elliott and the Monday Night Miracle

When: Week Eight, 2000

Opponent: Miami Dolphins

Play: Three-yard touchdown pass  from Vinny Testaverde to Jumbo Elliott

Roughly six years after falling at home to the Dolphins by way of “The Clock Play,” the Jets finally earned their revenge.

Behind 30-7 in the fourth quarter, the Jets crawled back in the game thanks to 24 straight points.

After the Dolphins reclaimed the lead, Testaverde drove the Jets in position to tie the game and with under 1:20 remaining, lobbed a pass to tackle-eligible Jumbo Elliott to tie the game and force overtime.

The Jets won the game in overtime, capping the greatest comeback of the decade.  

Miami Dolphins: The Clock Play

When: Week 13, 1994

Opponent: New York Jets

Play: Eight-yard TD pass from Dan Marino to Mark Ingram

Any time the Dolphins go up to the Meadowlands and defeat their AFC East rival it’s special. 

But when Dan Marino and the Dolphins traveled to Giants Stadium in the middle of the 1994 they left with one of the most remarkable wins in NFL history.

Behind 17-0 in the third quarter, Marino and former Giant Mark Ingram connected on three touchdowns to narrow the deficit to just three points.

With under a minute remaining, Marino and Ingram pushed the Dolphins deep into the Jets territory.

And with the game hanging in the balance, Marino carried out the famous “fake spike.” 

Buffalo Bills: Don Beebe Chases Down Leon Lett

When: Super Bowl XXVII

Opponent: Dallas Cowboys

Play: Touchback, Bills Ball

Clearly it’s a tough sell to say that the most memorable single play in franchise history came with the Bills behind 52-17 and on the verge of a third straight Super Bowl embarrassment.

Nevertheless, Don Beebe’s strip of Leon Lett just before Lett reached the endzone epitomized the spirit of that Bills dynasty: they refused to give up no matter what the score was.

And although the game was already decided, the play itself was hardly meaningless: keeping Lett from scoring helped the Bills avoid suffering the most lopsided loss in Super Bowl history.  

Pittsburgh Steelers: The Immaculate Reception

When: 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff

Opponent: Oakland Raiders

Play: 60-yard touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw to Franco Harris

The controversial nature of the play has helped make this play amongst the most memorable in sports history, not just Pittsburgh Steelers history.

But don’t forget that—controversial or not—that single play gave the Steelers their first postseason win in 40 years and launched a dynasty.

Obviously there are several honorable mentions available: Santonio Holmes game-winner in Super Bowl XLIII, James Harrison's touchdown a few hours earlier, Ben Roethlisberger's "Immaculate Redemption."

But we can't snub Franco and his Italian Army. 

Baltimore Ravens: Ed Reed’s Return

When: Week 12, 2008

Opponent: Philadelphia Eagles

Play: 107-yard interception return for touchdown

Defense has defined the Baltimore Ravens for more than a decade so it’s no wonder that a defensive play would be the most memorable in team history.

And since Ed Reed’s return of a Kevin Kolb pass is the longest play from scrimmage ever, it has staying power, even if the game was already over by the time Reed had his pick six. 

Cincinnati Bengals: Stanford Jennings Kickoff Return

When: Super Bowl XXIII

Opponent: San Francisco 49ers

Play: 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown

The Bengals have never won a Super Bowl. In fact, they haven’t even won a playoff game since January 1991.

Still, they are the only franchise that ever gave the San Francisco 49ers a threat on Super Sunday.

Seven years after coming close to an upset of Joe Montana’s club a week after “The Catch”, the Bengals found themselves in a rematch with San Francisco.

After both teams traded field goals, late in the third quarter the Bengals scored the game’s first touchdown by way of a thrilling kickoff return.

The Bengals may have lost that game, but for a time they held the lead and all the momentum in the fourth quarter of a Super Bowl against one of the NFL’s greatest dynasties. 

Cleveland Browns: Earl Holmes Goal Line Tackle

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - DECEMBER 29: Linebacker Earl Holmes #50 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 29, 2002 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Falcons 24-16. (

When: Week 17, 2002

Opponent: Atlanta Falcons

Play: Goal Line Stand

The “New” Browns have had a rough return to the NFL, squandering top draft picks, striking out on free agents, hiring and firing coaches at a pretty prodigious clip.

Still, they have had one playoff season that thrilled the fans and inspired optimism.

With a playoff berth on the line, the Browns grabbed an eight-point lead in the final two minutes of a regular season visit from Atlanta.

But since the Browns never do anything easy, they let Vick and the Falcons drive to their one-yard line. On a fourth and goal, linebacker Earl Holmes smashed in to Warrick Dunn, preserved the win and gave the Browns their first and only postseason bid since returning to the NFL in 1999.

Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts: Alan Ameche’s Touchdown

When: 1958 NFL Title Game

Opponent: New York Giants

Play: One-yard touchdown run

A one-yard touchdown plunge to close out sudden death is fairly anti-climactic.

Still, that score capped off the most important game in NFL history.

How could it not be the most memorable play in Colts history?

Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans: Music City Miracle

When: AFC Wild Card, 1999

Opponent: Buffalo Bills

Play: 75-yard kickoff return for touchdown

Just like the Immaculate Reception, this play is rendered extra special because of its alleged illegality.

Still even if the play was considered 100 percent undeniably legit, it would still be one of the most miraculous moments in sports history.

The Titans were buried at that point, but the “Homerun Throwback” gave them an incredible win that helped put them in the Super Bowl, thus giving us another entry on this list that you’ll come too later. 

Houston Texans: Seth Payne’s Safety

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 8: Running back Emmitt Smith #22 of the Dallas Cowboys is tackled by Seth Payne #91 of the Houston Texans on September 8, 2002 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Cowboys 19-10 for the first win in franchise

When: Week One, 2002

Opponent: Dallas Cowboys

Play: Sack, Endzone

Without a playoff berth in their history, it’s hard to say that any single win in the Texans history was “significant.” Except for maybe the first, which, coincidently came in their first ever game.

Against their in-state rivals the expansion Texans grabbed a 17-10 lead in the fourth quarter thanks to an electrifying 65-yard touchdown pass from rookie David Carr to Corey Bradford.

But with under three minutes left the Cowboys had the ball down by just one score.

Deep in Dallas territory, Dom Capers blitzed Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter, who was sacked in the  end zone by nose tackle Seth Payne for two points, effectively sealing the huge upset.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Mark Brunell’s Mad Scramble

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

4 Jan 1997: Quarterback Mark Brunell of the Jacksonville Jaguars moves the ball during a playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Jaguars won the game, 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule /Allsport

When: AFC Divisional Playoff, 1996

Opponent: Denver  Broncos

Play: 29-yard run

Despite a five playoff appearances since then, the Jaguars most thrilling team was still that 1996 club when—having just shed the “expansion” label—they strung together a pair of huge road playoff upsets.

A week after defeating Buffalo, the Jags stormed into Mile High Stadium where they overwhelmed the AFC’s top seed by taking an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter.

Denver soon cut the deficit to three, but that only put the ball back in the hands of Mark Brunell.

The budding star drove the Jags into Denver territory, then with the game on the line, scrambled away from three Bronco defenders for 29 yards to set up the Jaguars game clinching score. 

Kansas City Chiefs: Dante Hall’s Return

When: Week Six, 2003

Opponent: Denver Broncos

Play: 93-yard punt return for touchdown

It may have only been an early regular season game in a year that the team squandered a 10-0 start and failed to win a single playoff game, but “The Human Joy Stick’s” greatest miracle is unforgettable.

Behind by six points midway through the final period at home against their division rival, the Chiefs forced a punt from Denver.

Because he was standing inside the 10-yard line, returner Dante Hall probably should have let it bounce into the endzone. But since Hall had already returned three kicks for scores that season, he didn’t.

And in arguably the most spectacular return ever, Hall reversed field twice, then raced 93 yards for the game winner. 

Denver Broncos: Elway’s Helicopter

When: Super Bowl XXXII

Opponent: Green Bay Packers

Play: Eight-yard run by John Elway

The facts regarding Elway’s famous Super Bowl run are often lost over time. The play wasn’t for a touchdown and it didn’t come on game-winning drive: it was only the third quarter. 

Still, because the 37-year-old “risked life and limb” to gain a first down on third-and-six inside the opponents red zone, it’s become one of the most iconic plays in NFL history.

And since Elway’s legendary touchdown to Mark Jackson—the play that capped off “The Drive”—only led to a Super Bowl LOSS, we’ll take the play that came in Denver’s first Super Bowl WIN.

San Diego Chargers: Dennis Gibson’s Swat

When: 1994 AFC Championship Game

Opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers

Play: Incomplete Pass

Despite a rich tradition of all-time greats like Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow and LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego has only reached the Super Bowl once. And in that game, they were throttled by the 49ers.

Still, the manner in which they reached their lone AFC Championship will always be cherished by Charger fans…and despised by Steeler fans.

After overcoming a 10-point second half deficit to take the lead on the road against the heavily favored, top-seeded Steelers, the Chargers allowed Pittsburgh to drive deep into San Diego territory with under a minute remaining.

Behind 17-13 and faced with a fourth-and-three, Steeler quarterback Neil O’Donnell spotted an open Barry Foster over the middle in the endzone. But Chargers linebacker Dennis Gibson knocked the ball to the turf, sending the Charger to Miami for Super Bowl XXIX.

Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders: The Sea of Hands

When: 1974 AFC Divisional

Opponent: Miami Dolphins

Play: Eight-yard touchdown pass from Ken Stabler to Clarence Davis

NFL Films does a much better job of explaining the play than we can do, so watch the above video. But before you do know this.

This play—which capped off arguably the greatest single game in NFL history—effectively ended the Miami Dolphins dynasty of the early 1970s. 

New York Giants: David Tyree’s Helmet Catch

When: Super Bowl XLII

Opponent: New England Patriots

Play: 32-yard pass from Eli Manning to David Tyree

Had it come in the first quarter of the first week of the regular season, David Tyree’s famous catch would have probably landed an honorable mention spot on this list.

Throw in Eli Manning’s scramble out of trouble to make the throw, even more so.

But since it came on a Super Bowl winning drive in the fourth quarter with a minute remaining it takes on epic, historic overtones. 

Philadelphia Eagels: Miracle Meadowlands

When: Week 12, 1978

Opponent: New York Giants

Play: 26-yard fumble return for touchdown by Herman Edwards

You know it’s a memorable play when it has a great nickname, comes between division rivals, and is born out of a game between two pretty mediocre teams.

The "Miracle at the Meadowlands" is the ultimate case of “pulling victory out of the jaws of defeat” and although the Eagles have had plenty of more MEANINGFUL plays, none was more memorable. 

Washington Redskins: Riggins Run

When: Super Bowl XVII

Opponent: Miami Dolphins

Play: 43-yard touchdown run by John Riggins

It’s rare that a single play defines a player, but that was the case for Hall of Famer John Riggins.

His go-ahead, game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XVII was an incredible blend of power and speed.

The image of him shoving Dolphins cornerback Don McNeil to the ground like a rag doll then bursting down the line will always be one of the most memorable moments in Super Bowl history.

And since that play sealed the Redskins first Super Bowl triumph, and their first NFL title in 40 years, it’s an easy choice for this list. 

Dallas Cowboys: The First Hail Mary

When: NFC Divisional Playoff, 1974

Opponent: Minnesota Vikings

Play: 50-yard touchdown pass from Roger Staubach to Drew Pearson

No franchise has a richer history than the Dallas Cowboys, so this is a difficult choice.

But the Staubach-to-Pearson connection holds a special place in the game’s history that still resonates today.

For one, the win over Minnesota started Dallas’ string of three NFC titles in four years. And since every Minnesota fan claims (with pretty good reason) that Pearson pushed off the defender, it’s got that sexy “controversy” attached to it.

Finally, as the play that gave birth to the household term “Hail Mary”, it’s unforgettable. 

Detroit Lions: Barry Sanders’ Greatest Run

When: NFC Divisional Playoff, 1991

Opponent: Dallas Cowboys

Play: 47-yard touchdown run by Barry Sanders

(First full run of above highlight video)

The most memorable Lion of all time is Barry Sanders so we thought it only fitting that his greatest run land the Lions entry on this list.

There are a handful of runs by Sanders that could be considered his greatest. The one against the Patriots in 1994, where he turned around the defender twice, or the long run against Tampa without a shoe, or the one against the Bears in 1993 that defied logic.

But for my money, the one that came in his only playoff victory is still his most amazing.

It showed off his incredible stop-on-a-dime ability, his knack for turning nothing into a touchdown, and the breakaway speed that people sometimes forgot. 

Minnesota Vikings: Favre’s Miracle

When: Week 3, 2009

Opponent: San Francisco 49ers

Play: 32-yard touchdown pass from Brett Favre To Greg Lewis

Maybe this is another entry blinded by the recent nature of the play.

But there’s no denying how electrifying and thrilling Favre’s last second, game-winning touchdown pass was, even if it came early in the season.

The touchdown—nabbed by a player signed off waivers two weeks earlier—proved that the Vikings made the right decision coaxing Favre out of retirement and set in motion a great season that ultimately ended with more heartbreak. 

Chicago Bears: Gale Sayer’s Sixth Touchdown

When:  Week 13, 1965

Opponent: San Francisco 49ers

Play: 85-yard punt return for a touchdown by Gale Sayers

This great franchise has plenty of memorable moments: Walter Payton breaking Jim Brown record in 1984, William “The Refrigerator” Perry’s touchdown in Super Bowl XX and Devin Hester returning the opening kickoff of Super Bowl XLI for a touchdown come to mind.

But “The Kansas Comet” still delivered the most memorable play of anyone to ever wear the Bears navy blue and burnt orange.

Considering it was the rookie’s sixth touchdown of the day on a terribly sloppy, ugly Wrigley Field track, it defied logic. 

Green Bay Packers: The Ice Bowl

When: 1967 NFL Championship  Game

Opponent: Dallas Cowboys

Play: One-yard touchdown run by Bart Starr

In terms of athleticism or excitement, admittedly a one-yard quarterback sneak can’t compare to one of Ahman Green’s 98-yard touchdown or Antonio Freeman’s incredible overtime game winning catch over Minnesota in 2000.

But when Bart Starr closed out the Ice Bowl, with his quarterback sneak on third-and-goal from the one with 16 second and no timeouts remaining, it sealed the Packers’ fifth NFL title in seven years, clinching their dynasty. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ronde Barber Seals a Trip to the Super Bowl

When: 2002 NFC Championship Game

Opponent: Philadelphia Eagles

Play: 92-yard interception return for touchdown by Ronde Barber

The Bucs probably would have beaten the Eagles in the 2002 NFC Title Game anyway—they were up by 10 points with only a few minutes remaining.

But just in case the Eagles had any hopes of bidding farewell to Veterans Stadium with a victory instead of a stunning defeat, Tampa’s Ronde Barber stomped them out.

Inside the redzone, Barber stepped in front of a Donovan McNabb pass and soared all the way to the goal line to clinch a victory and the Bucs first and only trip to the Super Bowl. Two weeks later, they won the world championship thanks to five more intereceptions.

Atlanta Falcons: Gary Anderson’s Shank

When: 1998 NFC Championship Game

Opponent: Minnesota Vikings

Play: Missed 38-yard field goal

This is the only entry on the list that was a failure of the opponent rather than a great play.

Nevertheless, it’s hard to imagine another play having more significance or excitement than this one.

When Anderson missed the kick it gave the Falcons new life in their quest for one of the greatest playoff upsets of all time and the franchise’s first Super Bowl berth.

New Orleans Saints: Tracy Porter’s Interception

When: Super Bowl XLIV

Opponent: Indianapolis Colts

Play: 74-yard interception return for a touchdown by Tracy Porter

It’s tough to say that the play that came a few hours earlier—the successful surprise onside kick to start the second half—was “less” memorable than this entry.

But Porter’s pick-six came at crunch time  (less than four minutes to play) with the opponent driving for the game-tying score.

And since it came at the expense of the league’s reigning and four-time MVP, Peyton Manning, it had all the elements of a play that will be recalled in the Crescent City 100 years from now.  

Carolina Panthers: Jake Delhomme’s Go-Ahead Touchdown

When: Super Bowl XXXVIII

Opponent: New England Patriots

Play: 85-yard touchdown pass from Jake Delhomme to Muhsin Muhammad

In their relatively short history, the Panthers have had some great players and great moments.

But it was their second of three fourth quarter touchdowns in Super Bowl XXXVIII that stands out.

Behind by a touchdown, quarterback Jake Delhomme unleashed a picture-perfect deep ball to Muhsin Muhammad that landed right at his fingertips and gave Carolina a 22-21 lead with seven minutes remaining.

Delhomme jarring with the Patriots sideline after the play made it even more indelible. 

San Francisco 49ers: The Catch

When: 1981 NFC Championship Game

Opponent: Dallas Cowboys

Play: Six-yard touchdown pass from Joe Montana to Dwight Clark

Although this isn’t quite the “no-brainer” it seems (Montana’s game winner to John Taylor in Super Bowl XXIII and Steve Young’s game winner to Terrell Owens in the 1998 playoffs come to mind) there’s no avoiding this pick.

The play sparked the 49ers dynasty of the 1980s. But more importantly, the play will always burned into the minds of NFL fans, regardless of whether or not they are in San Francisco, Dallas or anywhere else. 

Seattle Seahawks: Marshawn Lynch Run

When: 2010 NFC Wild Card

Opponent: New Orleans Saints

Play: 67-yard touchdown run by Marshawn Lynch

Because it was so surprising—the sub-.500 Seahawks defeating the reigning Super Bowl champs—Lynch’s game-clincher back in January deserves a spot on this list.

And with the “earthquake” that allegedly followed, it was special play. 

St. Louis Rams: The Tackle

When: Super Bowl XXXIV

Opponent: St. Louis Rams

Play: Nine-yard (not 10-yard) completion from Steve McNair to Kevin Dyson

This one is pretty simple. If Mike Jones doesn’t make that tackle, the Rams don’t win their only world title in the last sixty years.

How could we not choose that play? 

Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald’s Go-Ahead Touchdown

When: Super Bowl XLIII

Opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers

Play: 64-yard touchdown from Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald

It didn’t ultimately produce a championship, but Fitzgerald’s go-ahead touchdown in the final three minutes of Super Bowl XLIII came close.

The image of Fitzgerald racing to the endzone with two of the NFL’s best defensive players, Troy Polamalu and James Harrison, chasing him in vain remains one of  the most surprising and dramatic moments in NFL history.

Who would have thought, that with two-and-a-half minute remaining, the Arizona Cardinals would be leading the Super Bowl?