Top 25 Touchdown Catches in NFL History

I have always loved catching a football. When I was in grade school, I would run routes for hours with my dad, envisioning myself receiving passes from the newest Colts rookie, Peyton Manning. My idol was always Marvin Harrison, and I always felt disappointed when teams ran the ball.

What I'm trying to say is: I really appreciate a good catch, especially the incredible ones.

This list won't be based on importance or magnitude of the touchdown catch (for that, Adam Lazarus has a great piece on the top postseason touchdown catches). Instead, we'll be focusing on the amazing catches, the ones that make your jaw drop instantly.

If you have more to add, be sure to comment and leave a link to the video if you can.

25. Larry Fitzgerald

Video at 0:25.

Any time a Hail Mary is caught, as a fan (or a player), you're stunned. Most of the time, Hail Marys are lucky. Somebody falls, a lucky bounce, a missed tip.

While those types of catches are great, Larry Fitzgerald's catch against San Fransisco at the end of the half was all Fitzgerald. In this case, there was nothing the defense could do. Three defenders tried to go up for it, but Fitzgerald had the positioning—and the jump—to make a play on it.

24. Randy Moss

Randy Moss just makes it look easy.

For a long time, I was considering not putting this catch in the Top 25, but then I realized it was because of the lack of reaction.

After leaping up, twisting in the air, and snagging the ball with one hand, Moss calmly walks to the stands and gives the ball to a fan. It wasn't the first highlight of his career, and it certainly wouldn't be the last.

23. Chad Ochocinco

I'm always amazed if at some point in the video, I can see the player suspended in midair, catching the ball with one hand. The concentration and athleticism that it takes to complete that catch is phenomenal.

In this catch, the corner has perfect coverage, but Carson Palmer threw it to where only Chad Ochocinco had a shot at it.

However, the catch is arguably not the best part of this video. Chad Ochocinco wants to jump into the "Dawg Pound" after his leaping grab, but Anthony Collins holds him back. If you look closely, you can see the fans in the stands making "push away" motions.

22. Randy Moss

Again, this catch looks so nonchalant it was tough to even include it.

But the one-handed catch, while keeping his stride, is incredible. The fact it was over Darrelle Revis makes it even better. Plus, any time something makes Rex Ryan visibly angry, that's fine by me.

Seriously though, how can you not have deep safety help on Randy Moss? Even if it is Revis covering him, Moss is arguably the most dangerous deep threat in the history of the NFL. No excuse to not have safety help on him.

21. Brandon Stokley

What a way to start the 2009 season.

In an otherwise boring game, Brandon Stokley came up with the winning 84-yard touchdown with 11 seconds left in the game. Not only was he in the right place at the right time, but he had the speed left to outrace the defense down the sideline, and then made the smart play by burning time off of the clock before entering the endzone.

The only reason this miraculous play isn't higher is the fact that the catch itself was fairly easy—Stokley happened to be in the perfect spot for the tip.

20. Andre Johnson

Any time you can tip a ball to yourself, it's impressive.

But here, Andre Johnson tips it up and catches it with one hand while sprinting full speed into the corner of the end zone, just inches away from being out of bounds.

Oh, and he did all this after a pass interference call. After having two drops earlier on the drive, I'd say that one makes up for it.

19. Mark Clayton

Catch at 1:53.

Not only is Mark Clayton's catch impressive, as he lunges up and out, catching it with one hand, but the fact he can keep his balance after it is unbelievable. The cornerback falls just trying to keep up with him!

The 70-yard-touchdown catch just added to his career day, where Clayton had also thrown a touchdown pass earlier in the day.

18. Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards made some incredible plays while in Cleveland—he made some bone-headed ones as well, but this is not one of them.

One-handed is impressive enough, but Edwards had to completely stop and change direction in order to catch this ball. And the throw wasn't a fade pass either, but a well-thrown ball that was just off target.

17. Greg Lewis

The problem with Brett Favre's waffling decisions about retiring is it will cause him to be remembered for his offseason drama rather than for plays like this.

A perfect throw, where only his receiver Greg Lewis could get it, for a 30-yard winning touchdown with two seconds to go. And Lewis makes a great play, stretching out to make the tough grab, and having the mind to keep his feet just in bounds.

16. Lee Evans

Buffalo's offense has been anemic for years, but this is one highlight fans won't forget.

Reminiscent of the infamous helmet catch, Lee Evans controls it just in time, drags his feet, and makes the beautiful touchdown grab. It also looks like the reason he can't bring his other hand up is because the corner was so tight on him, but he made the catch regardless.

15. Victor Cruz

Who the heck is Victor Cruz?

This may be a preaseason game, but it's as pretty a reception as you'll see in a long time.

It looks a heck of a lot like offensive pass interference, or illegal hands to the face, and that's the only reason this catch isn't higher, considering Cruz makes a great catch, keeps his balance, and makes it to the end zone.

14. Santonio Holmes

This controversial catch will likely be the signature moment of Santonio Holmes' career.

And it should be.

Super Bowl-winning grab with 35 seconds left, in the back of the end zone behind three Cardinal defenders? Simply incredible. Still, I know people to this day that insist that his right foot never touched.

13. Mike Thomas

I've got a soft spot for Hail Mary plays.

I never understand how defenders don't win this battle.

But in this case, the defender did exactly what he should have, bat the ball down, instead of going for an interception. Mike Thomas just happened to be in the perfect spot and had the awareness to make the catch.

I also love the announcers' initial reactions: "Knocked down ... OH HE CAUGHT IT!!!!!"

12. Antonio Bryant

On Monday Night Football, as Tampa Bay tried to make a comeback against the Carolina Panthers, Antonio Bryant made an incredible play, laying out completely to make the one-handed snag.

Not to mention he had completely changed direction to be able to reach the off-target throw.

11. Mario Manningham

To be honest, Mario Manningham should have made this catch cleanly the first time.

Still, to be able to recover and concentrate on grabbing the ball before it hits the ground is amazing. Plus he had to do it with Terence Newman draped all over him.

10. Tony Moeaki

As the announcers point out, Tony Gonzalez would have been proud. Shoot, Jerry Rice would have been proud of that one.

Tony Moeaki has to go waaayyy up there to reach that ball, but manages to pull it in with one hand, and then hold on to it as he hits the ground, just in bounds.

All this as a rookie tight end replacing Tony Gonzalez. Wow.

9. Joe Jurevicius

(First part of video)

I really wish I could find a better video for this one, because it is, quite simply, awesome.

After getting the ball punched up by the defender, Joe Jurevicius finds the ball in the air and makes the diving grab just before the second defender can get there. That right there is perseverance.

8. Justin Gage

(Catch at 1:06)

Unlike other similar plays (like Mario Manningham's), Justin Gage doesn't have the ball land right on top of him.

After getting rocked between two defenders after a 25-yard pass, the ball pops out when Gage hits the ground. But even after getting blasted by the two defensive backs, Gage has the mind to reach out and pluck the ball out of the air. And then lands on the cornerback who was attempting to get up, adding insult to injury.

7. Randy Moss

(Video at 1:34)

There's really nothing I can say for this. Randy Moss catches the ball in the crook of his arm between two defenders. Don't ask me how.

6. Torry Holt

This one is just a battle.

Though Kenny Phillips of the Giants gets the initial deflection, Torry Holt keeps his eye on the ball as he falls to the ground. He keeps it alive with his left hand, and then just out battles Phillips for the catch.

5. Marvin Harrison

The great thing about this catch? The spike at the end that hits a Patriot linebacker in the face.

Marvin Harrison has always been a favorite of mine, and this is the only time I remember him showing emotion.

Of course, he deserved it after spinning around, tipping the ball up with one hand, securing it, and dragging both feet. It's not a lucky catch, but one where Harrison knew what he had to do to make the catch, and did it.

4. Andre Davis

To be honest, I really struggled with this. I love this catch. Love it. I wish I could put it higher up on the list.

For Andre Davis to be able to reach around the defender, catch the ball with one hand, and pull it back to his body before he hits the ground is simply amazing. There are no words for something like that. It's breathtaking.

3. Tony Scheffler

This may be lucky, but it's awesome to watch.

I mean, Tony Scheffler makes the catch between two Chicago defenders by trapping the ball between his legs. What's not to love about that?

2. Immaculate Reception

You know we've got to include this on here.

I may not have been alive when it happened, but I know my history well enough for this one.

1. Antonio Freeman

This is it.

The most amazing touchdown reception I have ever seen.

Not only is the play itself incredible, but it's the winning touchdown in overtime on Monday Night Football—in a Packers vs. Vikings rivalry match. The fans goes wild as their Packers win, and the announcers are stunned.

Watch it once, and then go back and watch it again.

Notice all the little things, like the announcers' strange screaming sound when they see the replay, or the ref's laughing smile as he is stunned by the ending.

All in all just a great play to end a great game.

Reader Suggestion: Sea of Hands

Tip to Eric Mathis for suggesting the Sea of Hands catch by Fred Biletkinoff in the 1974 playoffs.

The game was the playoff game between the Miami Dolphins and the Oakland Raiders. This catch was made by Fred Biletkinoff with 35 seconds left, giving the Raiders the win.

Simply incredible. And to think the NBA has a trademark on "Where Amazing Happens."