NFL: The One Play in Every Team's History That Forever Haunts Fans

There are plays made in the NFL that will never be forgotten, such as Joe Montana to Dwight Clark for "The Catch" or Franco Harris' "Immaculate Reception." These are some of the greatest plays in NFL history.

There are also plays that fans can't wait to forget about. Unfortunately, that play can never be forgotten.  It will forever haunt them in their dreams and tears will form in their eyes as they begin to think about it.

So, go grab a box of Kleenex and enjoy a good cry. Here is the one play that will forever haunt every NFL franchise.

Atlanta Falcons

Most haunting play: Michael Vick's 88-yard TD pass against Washington in 2010

Michael Vick's entire 2010 season was haunting to the Falcons faithful. Watching their old quarterback make one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history must have been difficult.

However, during Week 10 against the Washington Redskins, Vick put on a spectacular performance that left Atlanta fans wondering what could have been had Vick not gone to jail. On the first play of the game, Vick threw a deep pass to DeSean Jackson that was caught for an 88-yard touchdown.

The Eagles went on to crush the Redskins 59-28 in that game.

Arizona Cardinals

Most haunting play: Santonio Holmes' Super Bowl XLIII catch

The Arizona Cardinals were so close to a Super Bowl victory, they could basically taste the Lombardi Trophy on their lips. After fighting back to gain the lead with a little over two minutes left in the game, Ben Roethlisberger went to work.

A holding play on the Steelers' final drive had them pinned back at their own 12-yard line. Pittsburgh drove down the field with ease and a 40-yard completion to Santonio Holmes left the Steelers on the 6-yard line of Arizona. 

Two plays later, Roethlisberger finds Holmes in the back of the end zone. Holmes drags both feet and the Steelers take a 27-23 lead with only 35 seconds left.

This was one of the greatest catches in Super Bowl history and one that will surely sting Cardinals fans for years to come.

Baltimore Ravens

Most haunting play: Steve McNair's interception on the 1-yard line during 2006 playoffs

No one expected the Baltimore Ravens to do much when they picked up Steve McNair before the 2006 season. They had just come off a 6-10 season and it appeared as if McNair was nearing the end of his career.

However, the Ravens went from 6-10 to 13-3 and a first-round bye in the playoffs. Earning the second seed, their first game was against the Indianapolis Colts at home. In a complete defensive struggle where neither team scored a touchdown, no play was as costly as McNair's interception on the 1-yard line. 

Had McNair not thrown that touchdown and Baltimore punched in the touchdown, who knows what could have happened in that game.

Buffalo Bills

Most haunting play: Scott Norwood's "Wide Right"

When the Bills advanced to their first-ever Super Bowl during the 1990 season, there was talk of a future dynasty. With players like Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas and Jim Kelly, Buffalo had put together one talented team.

With only eight seconds left and Buffalo down by a point, Scott Norwood walks onto the field. He is looking at a 47-yard field goal. The ball is snapped, Norwood kicks and it sails wide right, barely missing.  Time expires and the New York Giants win Super Bowl XXV.

This loss was the first of four-straight Super Bowl losses for the Buffalo Bills. If Norwood makes this field goal, it could have been the first of four-straight Super Bowl victories. 

Carolina Panthers

Most haunting play: John Kasay kicks the ball out of bounds during Super Bowl XXXVIII 

There aren't many haunting moments in this young franchise's career, but this moment will always be remembered by Carolina fans.

After the Panthers scored with 1:08 remaining in the game, it appeared as if New England and Carolina would be heading to overtime. On the ensuing kickoff, John Kasay kicked the ball out of bounds. That resulted in the Patriots getting the ball on the 40-yard line. With a short field, Tom Brady marched his team down the field and Adam Vinatieri made a field goal as time expired.

Kasay is still the kicker for Carolina and hopefully he can one day redeem himself for this foolish play.

Chicago Bears

Most haunting play: Rex Grossman throws pick-six in Super Bowl XLI

For those of you who don't know me, I personally think Rex Grossman is one of the worst quarterbacks to ever play the game. While this moment was terrible for Bears fans, I loved every second of it.

Chicago was down 22-17 heading into the fourth quarter. Things were looking promising for the Bears to make a comeback. That was until Grossman threw an interception to Kelvin Hayden which was returned for a 56-yard touchdown giving the Colts a 29-17 lead. The Bears were never able to recover and went on to lose Super Bowl XLI.

This game was the beginning of the end of Grossman's career in Chicago. 

Cincinnati Bengals

Most haunting play: Joe Montana passes to John Taylor to win Super Bowl XXIII 

During the 1988-1989 season, the Cincinnati Bengals had one of the most high-powered offenses in the NFL. Led by NFL MVP Boomer Esiason, the Bengals ended up sending six offensive players to the Pro Bowl that season.

Cincinnati was up 16-13 with only 3:10 remaining in the game. San Francisco had the ball on its own 8-yard line. Joe Montana led an 11-play drive that covered 92 yards, which ended with Montana finding John Taylor in the end zone with only 34 seconds remaining. That touchdown put the 49ers up 20-16, which is the score the game would end with.

There isn't much the Bengals could have done to win this game. Many feel that this game was the greatest Super Bowl ever played.

Cleveland Browns

Most haunting play: Earnest Byner and "The Fumble"

It may be surprising to find out that the Cleveland Browns weren't always as terrible as they are today.  During the late 1980s, the Browns were a very competitive football team.

With only 1:12 remaining in the 1988 AFC Championship game, the Browns were down by a touchdown to the Denver Broncos after a John Elway touchdown pass. Cleveland marched back down the field and had the ball on the 8-yard line. 

Bernie Kosar handed the ball to Earnest Byner, and it appeared as if Byner was going to score the game-tying touchdown. Unfortunately, Byner was stripped by Jeremiah Castille and the Browns lost the game 38-33.

Even though Byner had a fantastic overall game which included two touchdowns, he will forever be remembered for "The Fumble."

Dallas Cowboys

Most haunting play: "The Catch" by Dwight Clark

"The Catch" is widely known as one of the greatest plays in NFL history.

During the 1982 NFC Championship game, the Dallas Cowboys held a six-point lead heading into the final moments of the game.  On a 3rd-and-3 situation, Joe Montana took the snap, dropped back and found Dwight Clark in the back of the end zone. Clark made the catch with only his fingertips and gave the 49ers the lead with only 51 seconds remaining.

It took Dallas awhile to recover from this play, but the Cowboys eventually got over it and have been one of the better franchises in the NFL since.

Denver Broncos

Most haunting play: John Elway's last play of Super Bowl XXXIII

Ever since John Elway retired from the Denver Broncos, they have never been the same. After Elway retired in 1999, the Broncos have yet to go back to the Super Bowl.

Elway left the game of football as a champion. He was the most beloved Bronco player to ever play the game. Neither Brian Griese, Jake Plummer, Jay Cutler or Kyle Orton have been able to even come close to replacing Elway. 

I can guarantee Tim Tebow won't replace Elway either.

Detroit Lions

Most haunting play: Last play of 0-16 season in 2008

Even though the Detroit Lions made the record books after their 15th loss of the season, the 16th loss hurt even more.

Detroit played its last game of the 2008 season in Green Bay. The Lions were competitive for a while and were actually tied with the Packers heading into the fourth quarter. Green Bay went on to score 17 points in the fourth quarter, capped off by a long Donald Driver touchdown, and gave Detroit the first ever 0-16 season.

It is amazing to think that Detroit might actually make some noise this season, considering it is only two years removed from the worst season in NFL history.

Green Bay Packers

Most haunting play: 4th-and-26

The Green Bay Packers had just come off a great victory over the Seattle Seahawks before heading to Philadelphia for a showdown with the Eagles.

The Packers were up 17-14 late in the fourth quarter. After a sack on second down and an incomplete pass by Donovan McNabb on third down, it appeared as if Green Bay had its ticket punched to the NFC Championship game. Unfortunately, on fourth down with 26 yards to go, McNabb finds an open Freddie Mitchell for a first down.

The Eagles would go on to win this game, but lose in the next round to the Carolina Panthers.

Houston Texans

Most haunting play: Vince Young rushes for 39-yard touchdown in OT

The Houston Texans are the youngest NFL franchise and as such, they don't have too many haunting plays in their short history.

The only play that came to mind was back in 2006 during Vince Young's rookie season. The two teams were tied at 20 heading into overtime. On third down, Vince Young rushed for a 39-yard touchdown to give the Titans a victory.

This loss dropped the Texans to 4-9 on the season.

Indianapolis Colts

Most haunting play: Aaron Bailey's dropped pass in AFC Championship game

Before Peyton Manning, the Indianapolis Colts had a pretty good quarterback by the name of Jim Harbaugh.

Harbaugh led the Colts to the AFC Championship game in the 1995 season where they faced off against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Down by four points with time left for one last play, Harbaugh throws a Hail Mary to Aaron Bailey. Bailey had a great chance to catch the football and it almost appeared as if he had actually caught the pass, but the referees ruled the pass incomplete.

The Steelers advanced to the Super Bowl where they lost to the Dallas Cowboys.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Most haunting play: Kevin Dyson's 80-yard punt return in 1999 AFC Championship game

The Jacksonville Jaguars were the most successful young franchise in NFL history. In only their second season, the Jaguars made the playoffs.

They would go on to make the playoffs for the next three years and would have an NFL best 14-2 record during 1999 season. Playing at home against the Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville held a 14-10 lead heading into the half. The Titans took sacked Mark Brunell for a safety and then Kevin Dyson returned the punt that followed 80 yards for a touchdown.

That touchdown put the Titans up 26-14, and they went on to win the game by a score of 33-14.

Kansas City Chiefs

Most haunting play: Len Elliot misses third field goal in 1996 playoff game

Heading into the playoffs, the Kansas City Chiefs had the best record in the AFC and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Chiefs defense held the Indianapolis Colts to only 10 points during the AFC divisional round game.  Elliot had already missed two field goals when he took the field to attempt to tie the game with only 37 seconds left. The third time wasn't a charm for Elliot as he missed another field goal and the Colts went to the AFC Championship.

That was the last season that Elliot ever played in the NFL.

Miami Dolphins

Most haunting play: Dan Marino's last play as a Dolphin

Much like the Denver Broncos, the Miami Dolphins have had a difficult time finding a successful replacement for Dan Marino.

In fact, the Dolphins have been through 15 different starting quarterbacks since Marino retired following the 1999 season. None of them have yet to live up to the high expectations that Marino set for Miami quarterbacks.

Minnesota Vikings

Most haunting play: Gary Anderson's missed field goal in 1998 NFC Championship game

During the 1998 season, the Minnesota Vikings boasted the most high-powered offense in the league with Randall Cunningham and Randy Moss.

Gary Anderson had made all 35 of his field-goal attempts and all 59 of his extra points during the 1998 regular season. With 2:07 remaining against the Atlanta Falcons, Anderson took the field to attempt to give the Vikings a 30-20 lead in the fourth quarter. Had Anderson made the field goal, Minnesota would have certainly made the Super Bowl, but Anderson missed.

Atlanta drove down the field to tie the game and Morten Andersen kicked a game-winning field goal in overtime.

New England Patriots

Most haunting play: David Tyree makes catch with head

The New England Patriots were so very close to perfection. They were looking to dethrone the 1972 Dolphins and become only the second team to ever have a perfect season.

All was looking well for New England as they had a 14-10 lead and only 1:15 remaining in the game. On third down, Eli Manning avoided the pass rush and found an open David Tyree in the middle of the field.  Tyree jumped and made a one-handed catch on his helmet for a gain of 32 yards and a first down. It was the most spectacular catch of the decade.

Manning eventually found Plaxico Burress for the go-ahead touchdown and New England's perfect season came tumbling down.

New Orleans Saints

Most haunting play: Marshawn Lynch's 67-yard touchdown run

It was hard to narrow down just one play that will forever haunt New Orleans fans. That isn't because there have been so many haunting plays in the Saints history. In fact, there have been very few.

Marshawn Lynch's 67-yard touchdown run during the 2010 playoffs gets the nod here. Not only did Lynch and the Seahawks pull one of the greatest playoff upsets in NFL history, but Lynch's run was the greatest I have ever seen. If you have never seen this run, watch it and be prepared to be amazed.

New Orleans was hoping to repeat as Super Bowl Champions, but Lynch had a different idea as he ran over every defensive player on the field.

New York Giants

Most haunting play: DeSean Jackson pulls "Miracle at the Meadowlands II"

The New York Giants could have basically clinched a playoff spot with a victory of the Philadelphia Eagles. They were 9-4 heading into the game and were tied with Philadelphia for the division lead.

With a 21-point lead and only eight minutes left in the game, no one thought the Philadelphia Eagles could come back to win the game. However, Michael Vick rallied back to tie the game at 31 points. With only 14 seconds to go, the New York Giants were pinned back and forced to punt. DeSean Jackson returned that punt for 65 yards and even had the awareness to run across the goal line to run out the clock.

The Giants lost the following week to Green Bay and barely missed the playoffs with a final record of 10-6.

New York Jets

Most haunting play: Jets give up huge play to Ed McCaffrey in AFC Championship game

The Jets are another team that doesn't have a large amount of haunting moments. Even the one I chose doesn't have the same type of excitement as the other plays on this list.

Heading into the 1998 playoffs, the New York Jets had the second best record in the AFC. In the Championship game against the top-seeded Denver Broncos, the Jets had a 10-0 lead heading in the third quarter. The lead didn't last long as the Broncos went on to score 23 unanswered points. The 47-yard touchdown catch by Ed McCaffrey was the first big play the Broncos had and was the catalyst to the Broncos victory.

The Broncos went on the win the Super Bowl that year while the Jets were at home watching.

Oakland Raiders

Most haunting play: "the tuck rule"

During the 2002 playoffs, the Oakland Raiders were on the verge of a victory over the New England Patriots.

When Charles Woodson sacked Tom Brady and caused a fumble, it appeared as if Oakland was going to win the game 13-10. However, the fumble was reviewed and the officials stated that the fumble was actually an incomplete pass. This "the tuck rule" is controversial, and to say Oakland fans were outraged would be a major understatement.

The Patriots kept the football and Adam Vinatieri went on to kick the game-tying and game-winning field goals.

Philadelphia Eagles

Most haunting play: McNabb's final interception in Super Bowl XXXIX

Even though Donovan McNabb was having a terrible game against New England in Super Bowl XXXIX, the Eagles still had a chance to win the game. 

Down only three points with 46 seconds left in the game, Philadelphia had the ball on its own 4-yard line.  The Eagles didn't move the ball at all and on third down, McNabb threw his third interception of the game into Rodney Harrison's arms. With only nine seconds left and no timeouts, the Patriots ran out the clock and won the game.

McNabb has been unfairly criticized for the majority of his career, but this is one game where that criticism is justified.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Most haunting play: 1998 Thanksgiving Day game coin toss

Even though a coin toss seems like the most trivial matter in a football game, in 1998 the Pittsburgh Steelers saw just how important a coin toss could be.

Heading into Detroit for a Thanksgiving Day game, the Steelers had a record of 7-4.  he game went into overtime and in order to decide who would receive the ball first, a coin toss took place. Jerome Bettis called tails and the coin landed on tails. Unfortunately, Phil Luckett, the referee, though Bettis said heads and gave the Lions the choice to kick or receive. The Lions got the ball first and scored to end the game.

This loss was the first of five-straight losses for the Steelers, who ended the season 7-9.

San Diego Chargers

Most haunting play: Nate Kaeding misses third straight field goal

Nate Kaeding is one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history. It is too bad for Chargers fans that he had his worst game during the 2009 playoffs.

Kaeding missed a 37-yard and a 50-yard field goal in the AFC Divisional round playoff game. With the Chargers only down by three points against the New York Jets, Kaeding went on to miss his third attempt of 40-yards. The Jets went on to win the game by a score of 17-14.

Had Kaeding made two of the three field goals he attempted, the Chargers could have made a run at the Super Bowl that season.

San Francisco 49ers

Most haunting play: Steve Young's final concussion

In recent years, concussions in football have received much more attention than they did in the '80s and '90s.

Steve Young, one of the great quarterbacks, was a player that suffered numerous concussions over the course of his career. During Week 3 of the 1999 season, Aeneas Williams got a clear shot at Young and knocked him out of the game with a concussion. Young didn't return for that game or the rest of the season.

That play would be Young's final play in the NFL as he was forced to retire after suffering symptoms of post-concussion syndrome.  

Seattle Seahawks

Most haunting play: Al Harris returns game-winning touchdown in 2003 playoffs

Al Harris spent the majority of his career as an underrated shutdown cornerback for the Green Bay Packers. He rarely got the attention his high level of play deserved.

Back in 2003, the Seattle Seahawks and their quarterback Matt Hasselbeck came to Lambeau Field for a wild card playoff game. After heading into overtime, the Seahawks won the coin toss and Hasselbeck declared they wanted the ball because they were going to score. Well, Seattle got the ball but sure didn't score. With 4:25 seconds left, Harris intercepted a Hasselbeck pass and returned it 52 yards for the game-winning touchdown.

It was the first time in NFL history that a game was won with a defensive touchdown in overtime during the playoffs.

St. Louis Rams

Most haunting play: Adam Vinatieri kicks game-winning field goal

In the early 2000s, the St. Louis Rams were simply known as "The Greatest Show on Turf." Led by Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk and Isaac Bruce, their high-powered offense was dominating the league.

In 2001, the Rams were heavily favored over the New England Patriots. It wasn't until the fourth quarter that the Rams appeared to finally take control of the game. With 1:26 left in the game, Warner found an open Ricky Proehl in the end zone to tie the game.  

When New England received the kick deep in their own territory, everyone, including John Madden, thought that the Patriots would simply run out the clock and take the game into overtime.

Obviously that didn't happen as the legend of Tom Brady came into being in that game. Brady led the Patriots down the field and Vinatieri kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Most haunting play: Final play of Tampa's 26th straight loss

Back in 1976, a losing streak didn't garner as much attention from the media as it would today. Had Tampa Bay lost 26 straight games during the 2000s, I guarantee that more people would be aware of just how bad that team was.

Tampa Bay went 0-14 during its first season as an NFL franchise.  At that time, the Buccaneers were the only NFL franchise to ever have a winless season.  he struggles continued for the Buccaneers during the 1977 season when they lost their first 12 games of that season. It wasn't until they beat the New Orleans Saints in Week 13 that the streak ended at 26 losses.

This record of consecutive losses will never be broken.  

Tennessee Titans

Most haunting play: Kevin Dyson comes up one yard short

After an improbable run through the AFC playoffs during the 1999 playoffs that included "The Music City Miracle," the Titans faced the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV.

The game looked to be headed for a blowout when St. Louis jumped out to a 16-0 lead. However, the Titans fought back to tie the game before Kurt Warner threw a 73-yard bomb to Issac Bruce late in the fourth quarter.  

The Titans got the ball back with 1:54 remaining and Steve McNair drove them down the field. With only six seconds left in the game, McNair hit Kevin Dyson on a short pass, but Dyson came up one yard short.

I currently live in Tennessee and people still talk about being one yard short. It was one of the greatest Super Bowl finishes in recent years.

Washington Redskins

Most haunting play: Lawrence Taylor ends Joe Theismann's career

Lawrence Taylor was a dominating force back in 1985. Joe Theismann was one of the top quarterbacks in the league. When the two teams met in November of 1985, people expected an exciting game.

However, no one expected Taylor to end Theismann's career. While coming off a blitz, Taylor got a hold of Theismann and pulled him to the ground. While being driven into the ground, Theismann broke the major bones in his leg. After a replay showed just how brutal the injury was everyone knew that Theismann would never play football again.

This play, featured in "The Blind Side," is supposedly what led to the need of a dominant left tackle for every team in the NFL.