The Crowning Achievement of Every NFL Franchise

It has been said that football, the NFL in general, transcends entertainment. It isn't something that the majority of us don't follow as a hobby or watch on our leisure time.  

Instead, football is a passion for us—it represents what is good about the American story and the history of this proud nation. From the Lambeau crazies in Green Bay to the Dog Pound in Cleveland. From the Black Hole in Oakland to the shirtless nuts all sprawled about in freezing winter weather along the east coast: football is America!

Many of us remember the seminal moment when we were growing up, either watching our team win the championship with our father, listening to it on the radio or being at the ultimate game. It was a part of our childhood and still brings back some of the fondest moments that we have. 

The NFL has just recently become "America's Pastime," surpassing baseball. However, the tradition of greatness that each franchise stands for can be seen throughout the NFL today. From "Curly's Packers" and "Halas' Bears" to "Walsh's 49ers" and "Belichick's Patriots," these memories define where the game came from and where it is going to go in the future.

Today, I am going to take a nostalgic look at the greatest moment from each franchises history. You will see moments that stopped time during the "progressive '50s," a team that re-united a broken city, and a man among boys stand strong in the face of defeat. 

Arizona Cardinals: The Impossible Dream Is Realized

2008 NFC Championship Game vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The Cardinals hadn't won a championship of any kind since they defeated the very same Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL Title Game some 50 years earlier. Prior to defeating the Carolina Panthers the week earlier, the Cardinals had one playoff win since 1948. 

Those 60 years spanned the cities of Chicago, St. Louis and Phoenix.

For all intent and purposes this was a dormant franchise, pretty much irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. This all changed in 2008 when a "washed up" quarterback, Kurt Warner, led Arizona to a 9-7 record and the NFC West title.

Arizona, who was an underdog in every postseason game they played, defeated the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers to make it to the NFC Championship against Philadelphia. The Eagles, who had been to the rodeo before under Donovan McNabb's leadership, were supposed to end Arizona's dream of a first Super Bowl appearance.

The Cardinals jumped out to a 24-5 halftime lead on three Kurt Warner touchdown passes to Larry Fitzgerald. It looked like the impossible dream was going to be realized. However, Philadelphia answered with 19 unanswered points—capped off with a 62-yard touchdown pass to DeSean Jackson towards the start of the fourth quarter—and took a 25-24 lead.

Arizona answered in an emphatic way by driving down the field on a 14-play drive, which ended on a touchdown pass with less than three minutes remaining in the game.

It was over; Arizona would go to their franchise's first-ever Super Bowl.  

Atlanta Falcons: The Dirty Bird Rises in Atlanta

1998 NFC Championship Game at Minnesota Vikings

Like Arizona, the Atlanta Falcons had existed in mediocrity for the better part of their history. This was a team that found itself stuck behind both the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams for most of the 1980s and early 1990s. 

Atlanta had won one playoff game over the course of the last 20 seasons and were spiraling towards the division cellar after making a rare playoff appearance in 1996. 

It was an unlikely figure, former seventh-round pick Jamal Anderson, that would lead them out of obscurity and into the promised land. The 1998 season saw Anderson gain over 1,800 yards rushing and score 14 touchdowns as Atlanta finished the regular year with a franchise-best 14 wins and the NFC West title. 

Still, they didn't have many believers as the Falcons would have to host the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round that season. They would intercept Steve Young three times in route to a 20-18 victory over San Francisco.

The following week, Atlanta capped off the best season in their history by defeating the then 16-1 Minnesota Vikings on the road. Morten Anderson nailed a 38-yard field goal in overtime, sending Atlanta to their first Super Bowl. Chris Chandler earned game MVP honors by throwing for 340 yards and three touchdowns.  

It was an amazing end to a great season, however, Atlanta would see defeat against Denver in the Super Bowl a couple weeks later. 

Baltimore Ravens: Ray Lewis and Co. Put the D in Victory

Super Bowl XXXV vs. New York Giants

The Baltimore Ravens, as they are known now, moved from Cleveland (Browns) in 1996, five seasons prior to their first Super Bowl appearance. A city that had a tremendous history with the Colts was ready to embrace a new franchise. However, the Ravens failed to have a winning season in their first four years in Baltimore. 

The fan base was growing weary. 

Then came 2000, when Baltimore's killer defense would tear apart the rest of the league. They finished No. 1 in the NFL in scoring defense, averaging just over 10 points per game. In fact, 11 opponents failed to 10 ten points on them in a game that season. Simply remarkable. 

Baltimore finished the regular year with a 12-4 record, earning a Wild Card spot in the AFC Central. Many people had questions as to whether their offense could pull it off. After all, they had switched from Tony Banks to the enigma that was Trent Dilfer halfway through the season. 

After giving up a total of 16 points in sweeping through the AFC playoffs, Baltimore would take on a New York Giants team that had just white-washed Minnesota 41-0 in the NFC Championship Game. 

While Super Bowl XXXV wasn't fun to watch if you loved offense, Baltimore's defense would come in and dominate. Led by eventual MVP Ray Lewis, the Ravens surrendered a total of 152 yards against New York in one of the most impressive defensive showings in Super Bowl history. Baltimore ended up pounding the Giants 34-7 for their first Super Bowl title. 

This also started a run of double-digit victories in six of the Ravens' next 11 seasons, which is likely to continue this year. 

Buffalo Bills: Biggest Comeback in Playoff History Adds to Legacy

1992 AFC Wild Card Playoffs vs. Houston Oilers 

I could have easily picked any one of the four consecutive AFC Championship games that Buffalo won from 1990-1993. Instead, I decided to pick what many consider to be the greatest comeback in the history of the NFL. 

Buffalo had finished the regular season with an 11-5 record after losing three of their final five games. This caused them to have to play in a Wild Card playoff game that season. Many people expected Warren Moon and the Houston Oilers to come into Buffalo and take this game. After all, Houston has finished much better than the Bills, winning four of their last five games. 

It sure looked like that was going to be the case, especially after they had defeated Buffalo in the regular season finale 27-3 to qualify to the playoffs. 

Houston jumped all over Buffalo 35-3 in the third quarter as the game appeared to get out of hand. Boos were being heard from all over Rich Stadium as a shocked fanbase endured the massacre. 

With Jim Kelly out to injury and long-time backup Frank Reich thrown into service, it appeared there was no denying the obvious. However, Buffalo would score 38 of the game's final 41 points, capped off by a 38-yard field goal by Steve Christie in overtime. Reich's four second-half touchdown passes became a masterpiece of their own, but none of this would have been possible if Houston hadn't completely melted down as the game progressed. 

It became known as the "comeback" as Buffalo would make an unprecedented third consecutive trip to the Super Bowl. 

Carolina Panthers: 1996 Divisional Playoffs, Young Panthers Roar

1996 NFC Divisional Playoffs At Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys were the defending Super Bowl Champions and had won three of the last four titles. They featured four future Hall-of-Fame players in Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders. On the other hand, Carolina was in just their second season of existence in the NFL. 

There was absolutely no way the young Panther squad could go into the "Big D" and compete with "America's Team," right? Wrong!

Carolina had finished the regular season with seven consecutive wins and were as hot as any team in the NFL. Their 30-24 Week 15 victory over another powerhouse, the San Francisco 49ers, made this team believe in itself, and that is all they needed. 

The Panthers intercepted Troy Aikman three times and defeated the heavily-favored Cowboys 26-17 for the franchise's first-ever playoff victory. 

Chicago Bears: Super Bowl XX, the Shuffle Becomes America's Dance

Super Bowl XX vs. New England Patriots 

The 1985 Chicago Bears were arguably the best football team ever built. This is a team that went 15-1 during the regular season, outscoring their opponents by an average of 16.1 points per game. In fact, they finished second in scoring offense and first in scoring defense. 

The team boasted five future Hall-of-Fame players and a Hall-of-Fame coach. Their only loss of the regular season came in a game against the Miami Dolphins, in which Jim McMahon was injured. 

So, there was no surprise that they were the odds-on favorites to win the Super Bowl in 1985. Following their remarkable regular season, Chicago set a modern NFL record by shutting out their first two postseason opponents: New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams. They gave up just over 300 yards of combined offense in the two games and forced a total of four turnovers. 

Following the destruction of their NFC opponents, Chicago would take on an upstart New England Patriots club that had won 12 of their last 14 games overall. Still, the Bears were heavily favored. 

Super Bowl XX ended up being the most lopsided game in Super Bowl history at that time. Chicago won 46-10 as the Bears defense allowed a total of eight rushing yards and forced six turnovers. 

Fittingly, Richard Dent won the game's Most Valuable Player after acquiring two sacks, but it was a total defensive onslaught. 

The 1972 Miami Dolphins and 1994 San Francisco 49ers, among others, have legitimate arguments as the best team ever assembled. However, this Chicago Bears unit was so dominating it is hard to look past them. 

Cincinnati Bengals: The Freezer Bowl Freezes out Fouts and the Chargers

1981 AFC Championship Game vs. San Diego Chargers

Prior to the 1980s and since that decade, there hasn't been much to go right for the Cincinnati Bengals. They had not won a playoff game until the 1981 season after being in the NFL for 14 seasons, and since 1990 the Bengals have had only two winning campaigns. 

Still, this team surprised a lot of people with their success in the 1980s. And it all began in the year of my birth: 1981.

Cincinnati finished the regular season 12-4 behind great quarterback play from Ken Anderson and an offense that saw them score over 420 points. The San Diego Chargers finished 1981 with a 10-6 record and were decided underdogs. 

The story of the AFC Championship Game was the weather situation in Ohio. The temperature was negative nine degrees with windchill hitting negative 37 during game time. It is safe to say that a team from California wasn't ready for the climate. 

The Cincinnati Bengals took full advantage, forcing four turnovers, two of them coming off interceptions of Dan Fouts. They would go onto to win the coldest game in NFL history 27-7 to go to the Bengals' first Super Bowl. 

Two weeks later Cincinnati would falter against the San Francisco 49ers in much more hospitable conditions. But, for a franchise that had struggled for so long, this one win meant so much to the fans and the city. 

Cleveland Browns: 1964 NFL Championship, Yes Cleveland Has a Sports Title

1964 NFL Championship Game: Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Colts

The Baltimore Colts were led by Johnny Unitas, Lenny Moore and Raymond Berry. The Cleveland Browns had their own stars in Jim Brown and Paul Warfield. This NFL Championship Game was going to be something for the ages, right? 

Well, Jim Brown combined for a total of 140 yards and Frank Ryan tossed four touchdown passes, Meanwhile, Johnny Unitas was held for less than 90 passing yards, and Raymond Berry had 40 total yards as the Browns shutout the favored Colts 27-0 to win the title. 

This is still the last major sports title that the city of Cleveland has ever won. You can thank Earnest Byner and Edgar Renteria for that. 

Dallas Cowboys: Super Bowl XXX, Dallas Avenges Previous Super Bowl Defeats

Super Bowl XXX vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Some franchises just have too many options, and it becomes extremely hard to pick out one defining moment. I had this issue with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers and these Dallas Cowboys. 

That said, Super Bowl XXX has to be their seminal moment as a franchise. The Pittsburgh Steelers had beaten Dallas in both of their previous Super Bowl matchups, both in a matter of four years, Super Bowl X and XIII. Additionally, the Steelers were a perfect 4-0 in the big game. 

The year was 1995, Dallas had won two of the previous three Super Bowls and Pittsburgh hadn't been to a Super Bowl in 15 years. This game matched up two of the league's most storied franchises. 

Dallas had gone through the regular season with a third consecutive 12-win season. They were headed by the "triplets" on offense, and Emmitt Smith was coming off his single greatest season as a pro. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, was a team built from scratch. It consisted of journeymen veterans and young up-and-coming stars.

There was no reason to believe that the Steelers could hang with Dallas in the Super Bowl. Still, the memories of Lynn Swann and Terry Bradshaw enabled the Cowboys to feel a need for revenge when it came time for Super Sunday.

It wasn't the normal playmakers who had success for Dallas in this game, which is what makes it so much more amazing. Troy Aikman threw for just over 200 yards, Emmitt Smith averaged just 2.6 yards per rush and Michael Irvin only had four receptions.

Then came the play that came to define Neil O'Donnell's career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and gave Larry Brown a huge payday with Oakland a few months later. Pittsburgh had come scratching back from a 20-7 halftime deficit to pull the game within three, before Brown picked him off for a second time.

Dallas converted both those interceptions into touchdowns, which was the difference in a 27-17 win. The Cowboys became the first team to win three Super Bowl titles in four seasons.

Denver Broncos: John Elway's Monkey Says Goodbye

Super Bowl XXXII vs. Green Bay Packers

Prior to the 1997 season, John Elway had led the Denver Broncos to nine winning seasons and three Super Bowl appearances, but a championship was elusive. Denver had been outscored 136-40 in their last three Super Bowls under Elway, who was entering the twilight of his career. 

It took the former Stanford star to find a running game with Terrell Davis before he was able to have a complete team and win the title. 

That season was 1997. Denver finished 12-4 and earned a Wild Card spot out of the AFC West. It didn't seem like there were many expectations that this season was going to be any different. Kansas City finished 13-3 that season to earn the division crown. Denver, on the other hand, had lost two of their final three games, having to settle for second place. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars proved no test for Denver in the Wild Card playoffs, so it was on to Arrowhead for the test against the division champions. Denver would go into Kansas City and win the game 14-10, the next week they took care of business against Pittsburgh by forcing Kordell Stewart into four turnovers. This wrapped up the AFC Title for the Broncos, who would now take on the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers. 

Brett Favre's Packers came in as the favorites, but it was Terrell Davis who stole the show. He ran for over 150 yards and scored three touchdowns to earn the MVP award. 

Denver would go onto to win back-back titles the next season by defeating the Atlanta Falcons in John Elway's final game. 

Detroit Lions: 1957 NFL Championship Game, Tobin Rote Does It Again

1957 NFL Championship Game vs. Cleveland Browns

A lot of you Lions fans who are excited about the success of your team this season do not remember the team's last title. To be real, it happened a quarter-century before I even came into existence. But for you older fans, enjoy the video that I have embedded; hopefully it brings back some good memories. 

This was a time when the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions were the two best teams in the entire NFL. They had played for the title four times in seven seasons in the 1950's, with 1957 being the final matchup. 

For Detroit, future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Bobby Layne was injured, so the game would rest on the shoulder of of former Packers All-Star Tobin Rote. The backup quarterback threw for four scores and ran for another one, while Detroit's defense held Jim Brown to just 69 yards on 20 rushes.

The Lions would go on to win the game 59-14, marking their third title in six seasons. Detroit hasn't seen a championship since. 

Green Bay Packers: A Starr Is Born and a Trophy Is Named After Lombardi

Super Bowl I vs. Kansas City Chiefs

This game wasn't even known as the Super Bowl yet; rather it was hailed as the first AFL-NFL Championship Game. The Green Bay Packers had won three NFL titles under Vince Lombardi, with Bart Starr as the quarterback. Meanwhile, Len Dawson had led the Kansas City Chiefs to an AFL title in 1962. 

This game pitted the best from each league and started what we now call the Super Bowl era, which currently transcends sports. 

The game itself wasn't anything to write home about. Green Bay, the huge favorites from the NFL, destroyed Kansas City 35-10. Bart Starr threw for 250 yards and Max McGee caught seven passes for 139 yards. 

More than the outcome of the game was the fact that this began an era in football where it would eventually become America's pastime and the most popular sport in the world. Vince Lombardi would later have the trophy named after him and Bart Starr will always be remembered as the first Super Bowl MVP. 

Houston Texans: David Carr Shows Dallas Who the King of Texas Really Is

Houston Texans' Inaugural Game vs. Dallas Cowboys in 2002

We don't have a lot to work with in regards to the newest franchise in the NFL. Houston has yet to make it to the playoffs in their nine seasons of existence. Still, their first game was an in-state matchup against "America's Team," the Dallas Cowboys, and it was one for the ages.

Houston came in as 14-point underdogs against a team that had won three Super Bowl titles over the last decade. The Texans won their first game ever when Davis Carr connected with Corey Bradford on a 65-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to take a 17-10 lead. 

Dallas, led by Quincy Carter, was unable to answer, and the Texans won their inaugural game against the Dallas Cowboys. 

Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts: 1958 NFL Championship, Ameche the Giants Killer

1958 NFL Championship Game, Baltimore Colts vs. New York Giants

This game has been called the "greatest ever played." It pitted the heavily-favored Baltimore Colts with the likes of Johnny Unitas, Alan Ameche, Lenny Moore and Raymond Berry against the New York Giants, who had won the NFL title in 1956.

It was the 26th annual NFL Championship Game but was the first one to be aired nationally when NBC picked up the rights for the game. Many historians believe that this was the game that set the NFL on the path to becoming the most-watched sport in the world. 

The game was tied at 17-17 after regulation, thus marking the first time that a NFL Championship game had gone into overtime. Following a three-and-out by the New York Giants, Baltimore would begin a drive that was heard around the world. 

They set forth on 13-play, 80-yard drive that was capped off by a one-yard touchdown run by Alan Ameche on third down. Following the game-winning score, hundreds of fans mobbed the Baltimore Colts from the east end zone of Yankee Stadium. 

Not only was this the biggest game in Baltimore Colts history, it probably has to go down as the most important game in the history of the NFL. For that, it has to be No. 1. 

Jacksonville Jaguars: Dolphin Destruction in Florida

1999 AFC Divisional Playoffs: Miami Dolphins at Jacksonville Jaguars

The Miami Dolphins had controlled football in Florida since they came into existence in 1966. The Jacksonville Jaguars were just in their fifth year of existence as a franchise. Despite all this, Jacksonville came into the playoffs as huge favorites to defeat Dan Marino and the Dolphins.

Jacksonville had made the playoffs in each of their previous three seasons, setting an expansion-team record. Miami, on the other hand, was nearing the end of their run with Marino. 

The two came together on the just 15th day of the new millennium, and the history of the NFL would be forever changed. 

The Jaguars jumped out to a 24-0 first-quarter lead behind two offensive and a defensive touchdown. They tacked on another 17 points in the second stanza before Dan Marino threw a touchdown pass to bring the score to 41-7 at halftime. 

Even with Mark Brunell pulled from the game, Jay Fiedler came in to throw two second-half touchdown passes and lead Jacksonville to three more scores. By the time the final second ticked off, Jacksonville had the biggest victory in NFL playoff history, beating the Miami Dolphins 62-7. 

Jacksonville went on to lose to Tennessee the next week, but this one game represented a historic milestone for the young franchise. 

Kansas City Chiefs: Super Bowl IV, the Lenny and Otis Show

Super Bow IV: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Minnesota Vikings

Kansas City had played in the first-ever Super Bowl a couple years back but lost to a much better Green Bay Packers team. This season they would act the part of champions during the regular season. 

The Chiefs finished 1969 with a 11-3 record, two of their losses coming against division-rival Oakland. They finished second in scoring offense and first in scoring defense. 

However, the ultimate test would come against the AFL's best team, the Oakland Raiders, in the Conference Championship Game. Kansas City avenged two regular-season losses by defeating the Raiders in Oakland, 17-7. 

Then a week later it was the heavily-favored Minnesota Vikings who would feel the wrath of this Kansas City team still upset over the loss to Green Bay a few seasons back. The Chiefs intercepted Joe Kapp twice, and Otis Taylor caught six passes, including a touchdown, to lead them to the Super Bowl title 23-7. 

This is still the only Super Bowl that Kansas City has won. 

Miami Dolphins: Super Bowl VII, Fins Show the Skins What Perfect Means

Super Bowl VII: Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Redskins

Not only was Miami looking to become the only undefeated team in NFL history, they were looking to avenge a Super Bowl loss at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys a season earlier. 

Miami wasn't just the best team in the NFL in 1972, they dominated in every possible way. The Fins outscored their opponents by an average of 15.2 points per game that season in route to first in both offense and defense. 

Their top-ranked offense was led by a three-headed running back group that consisted of Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick and Mercury Morris, who combined for for over 3,000 total yards and 25 touchdowns. Their defense consisted of a bunch of no-names led by five-time Pro Bowler Jake Scott. 

After running the table with a 14-0 regular season record, the Dolphins' first playoff test came against the Cleveland Browns. Miami was losing 14-13 in the fourth quarter when the run game set sail and Jim Kiick scored on a eight yard touchdown to give Miami a 20-14 win. A week later, Miami took care of business against Terry Bradshaw and the Pittsburgh Steelers, scoring on three touchdown runs. 

Now it was on to the Super Bowl after two surprisingly close AFC playoff games. Miami dominated the first half of the Super Bowl against Washington, jumping out to a 14-0 halftime lead. Following a scoreless third quarter, Washington made it a game by blocking a Miami field goal attempt and returning it for a touchdown. This play became known as the Garo's Gaffe."

However, Miami would hold on to the 14-7 lead behind solid defensive play and running down the clock on the ground. At the end, the Dolphins became NFL's first and only truly "perfect team," finishing the season 17-0.

Minnesota Vikings: Last Super Bowl Appearance in the Mud

1976 NFC Championship Game: Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings had been to three Super Bowls in their history, only to lose all three, all by double digits. Fran Tarkenton had an "X" on his face for being a player who couldn't win the big game. The 1976 season came in what would probably be his final chance to prove skeptics wrong at the age of 37. 

Minnesota finished the season with a 11-2-1 record behind a stifling defense that allowed barely over 12 points per game. The nucleus of that unit was nine time Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Alan Paige. On offense, the Vikings relied on a controlled passing game and smash-mouth running game led by Chuck Foreman. It wasn't pretty, but they won games. 

They took on the NFC West Champion Los Angeles Rams, who averaged over 25 points per game and were led by All-Pro running back Lawrence McCutcheon. 

The game would take place outside in Minnesota, imagine that. Rain had hit hard the previous night and the weather broke prior to kickoff. In the sloppiness of the performance, Minnesota came out ahead, 24-13 with Foreman gaining nearly 200 yards of offense. 

This was the last NFC Championship that the Minnesota Vikings would win under Tarkenton, and they have not been back to the Super Bowl since. Unfortunately, they got blown out by another California team, the Oakland Raiders, 32-14 in the Super Bowl.

New England Patriots: Moss and Brady Finish Perfect, Records Fly into Obscurity

2007 Regular Season: New England Patriots at New York Giants

Prior to the mid-1990's you probably would have had to go back to the days that this franchise called themselves the Boston Patriots to find the greatest moment in its history. Since then, there probably have been at least six or seven of said moments. 

I may get some criticism for not going with any of the Patriots' three Super Bowl Championships, and I easily could have. However, no one can deny how monumental this game actually was. 

First, New England was on the verge of finishing the regular season with the best record in NFL history. Second, Tom Brady needed two touchdowns to break Peyton Manning's single-season touchdown record. Finally, Randy Moss needed just as many touchdowns to break Jerry Rice's single-season touchdown reception record. 

Well, it all occurred on one play in one game. With the Patriots trailing 28-23 in the fourth quarter and on the verge of losing their "perfect season," Tom Brady went up top to Randy Moss and the ball traveled incomplete. 

On the very next play, Brady went towards Moss once again. This time down the right hash, he hit the future Hall-of-Fame receiver in stride, who took it the distance for a touchdown. New England took a 31-28 lead and never looked back.

On one play three of the greatest records in NFL history fell. Manning's single-season touchdown pass record was gone, Jerry Rice's touchdown record was a thing of the past, and the 1972 Miami Dolphins were no longer alone as the only undefeated team (regular season) in NFL history. 

New England wouldn't finish the postseason undefeated, as the very same New York Giants would go on to defeat them in the Super Bowl. Still, you have to look back to that night in New Jersey with awe. 

New Orleans Saints: Who Dat Nation Becomes America's Team for a Day

Super Bowl XLIV: New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts

The city of New Orleans had just been shattered with the worse natural disaster in American history a couple years before, Hurricane Katrina. More than 1,000 people died, and one of the most fabulous areas in the world was a destruction zone. 

Then, "Who Dat Nation" arrived. Six months after the disaster destroyed the city, Drew Brees went against any possible logic and signed with the New Orleans Saints; the rest was history. 

Three years later, New Orleans finished the regular season with a 13-3 record, finishing first in scoring offense. Drew Brees threw for nearly 4,400 yards and 34 touchdowns. Nothing like that ever been accomplished in the "Big Easy."

With home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, the Saints would beat off their NFC opponents in front of a passionate crowd in the very same building that thousands took refuge in during Katrina. New Orleans defeated the Arizona Cardinals 45-14 in the NFC Divisional Playoffs to set up a matchup against the Minnesota Vikings for the NFC title.

The story lines were great in this game. Minnesota had not been to the Super Bowl in over a quarter-century, New Orleans had never been there and the backdrop was the "Big Easy." New Orleans would go on to to win 31-28 in overtime.

Now Super Bowl XLIV came upon the United States, and for one day New Orleans was "America's Team'"—if you were not a fan of the Indianapolis Colts, you became a Saints fan for that day.

With the Saints up 24-17 in the fourth quarter, Indianapolis was driving and had the ball near the red zone. Peyton Mannning dropped back to pass and flung the ball into the hands of Tracy Porter, who returned the interception 74 yards for a game-clinching touchdown.

That was it, New Orleans had done the impossible and won their first Super Bowl title.

New York Giants: Manning and Co. Show the Patriots Perfection Isn't Possible

Super Bowl XLII: New England Patriots vs. New York Giants 

The New England Patriots came into Super Bowl XLII with an 18-0 record. In those 18 games, New England outscored their opponents by a whopping 335 points, the most ever in NFL history. For all intents and purposes they were the greatest team ever assembled. Tom Brady and Randy Moss had just broken single-season touchdown records against these very same Giants weeks earlier.  

No chance, right? It just couldn't happen. No way that a team that went 10-6 during the regular season and struggled through two consecutive single-digit playoff victories could match whits with the "great" New England Patriots. 

With New England leading 14-10 late in the fourth quarter, it looked like they were on the verge of football immortality. The Giants wouldn't have any of it. On third down near midfield, Eli Manning dropped back and was nearly sacked, he stumbled backwards and threw a desperation pass in the air. David Tyree jumped what seemed like 10 feet in the air and came down with the ball. It was the single greatest catch that most of us had ever seen, and it prolonged the drive. 

Then with just over 30 seconds remaining Eli Manning connected with Plaxico Burress in the left corner of the end zone for a touchdown to give the Giants a lead they would never relinquish. 

The greatest upset in the history of the Super Bowl (sorry New York Jets fans) was now complete, and New York had done the impossible. 

New York Jets: Broadway Joe Tells the NFL Glamour Works Too

Super Bowl III: New York Jets vs. Baltimore Colts 

The AFL champion had lost the first two Super Bowls to the NFL by a combined 68-24. It was apparent what league ruled American football. The American Football League just couldn't compare to the National Football League, and many people were becoming skeptical that this game would last. 

Well, did it ever. 

"Broadway" Joe Namath was the quarterback for the AFL Champion New York Jets. Prior to the big game he had guaranteed a victory. This remarkably ignorant comment became locker room material for Johnny Unitas and the heavily-favored Baltimore Colts. Additionally, New York tabloids took to the comment in mass, complaining that Namath was among the most ignorant professional athlete in the world. 

Well?

The 12-3 New York Jets had just barely beaten the upstart Oakland Raiders in the conference championship game; Baltimore on the other hand, had finished their season 13-1 and just destroyed the Cleveland Browns in the conference title game.

Joe Namath wasn't scared, rather he loved the underdog role, as evidenced in this photo of him sitting pool-side when guaranteeing the win.

Despite calling for the victory, Namath didn't throw a touchdown in the Super Bowl and completed just over half of his passes. This was better than how Johnny Unitas fared, however; he only threw for 110 yards with an interception and zero touchdowns. 

The game came down to defense and field goals. After taking an initial 7-0 lead on a Matt Snell touchdown run, the Jets would convert three consecutive drives into field goals for a 16-0 lead. The Baltimore Colts and rest of the nation were in complete shock. Baltimore would tack on a touchdown, but the game was already settled. The Jets had fulfilled Namath's guarantee and defeated the mighty Baltimore Colts. 

Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders: Big Al Gets the Title He Deserves

Super Bowl XI: Oakland Raiders vs. Minnesota Vikings

When Al Davis became the head coach of the Oakland Raiders in 1963, they had just finished a 1-13 season. It would take time, but Mr. Davis would commit to excellence. 

Over the next 13 years the Raiders would become one of the winningest teams in football, but that elusive Super Bowl title didn't come. Still, Al Davis stuck with his man John Madden. 

Then in 1976, the Raiders had arguably their best season before or since, going 13-1 during the regular season. They weren't dominant by any stretch of the imagination, winning nine games by single digits. This was a direct reflection of John Madden, who was hand-picked by Al Davis to be their head coach years before despite criticism that the former had never even been a coordinator in the league. Well, this loyalty paid off. 

Then the Super Bowl came in Pasadena, California. It pitted the Minnesota Vikings and Frank Tarkenton against the upstart Oakland Raiders. Not many people outside of Northern California had heard of Clarence Davis or Mark Van Eeghen, but they would prove to be the difference in a Super Bowl filled with stars—they ran for a combined 210 yards to give the Raiders a 32-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. 

A promise that Al Davis had made some 14 years earlier had come to fruition: Oakland finally had their Super Bowl title.

Philadelphia Eagles: Miracles Can Happen in the Meadowlands Too

1978 Regular Season: Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants

I could go back to the 1950s and 1960s with Norm Van Brocklin, but this game meant so much more for the city of Philadelphia. Yes, it was a regular season game, and feel free to disagree with me. 

The Eagles had just completed 11 consecutive seasons of futility. In fact, they had won 42 games over the last decade without making the playoffs. Philadelphia entered the game with a 6-5 record and a chance to make the playoffs.

The New York Giants were winning 17-12 and had the ball with less than a minute left, while Philadelphia didn't have a timeout. The game was pretty much over until John McVay and the New York Giants made the odd decision not to kneel on the ball. Instead, they ran a run play to Larry Csonka on second down. Quarterback Joe Pisarcik fumbled the handoff, and Eagles cornerback Herman Edwards returned it 26 yards for the game-winning touchdown. 

It might not compare to the games of the 1950s and 1960s, but this one did a whole lot for an Eagles franchise bordering on irrelevancy. They would go on to lose in the first round of the playoffs against the Atlanta Falcons in a heart-breaker. 

But, it gave the "city of brotherly love" some reason to actually love once more. 

Pittsburgh Steelers: Immaculate Reception Begins a Dynasty

1972 AFC Championship Game: Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers

Now, I have no idea why none of the six, count them six, Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl titles don't sit atop this list, but they just pale in comparison, if you ask me. 

The year was 1972; Pittsburgh had seen just four winning seasons since their creation in 1933 as the Pirates. This team had been a bottom feeder for so long, and no one expected that to change either. 

However, one play came to define the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise. 

Pittsburgh had finished 1972 with a surprising 11-3 record behind fourth-year head coach Chuck Knoll, who went 12-30 in his first three seasons. Steelers starting quarterback Terry Bradshaw had also thrown nearly 30 more interceptions than touchdowns in his first two seasons after being selected No. 1 overall from Louisiana Tech in 1970. 

It just didn't make sense that they had the nucleus to succeed, and "Steel City" fans were becoming upset at the franchise. 

Pittsburgh took to the playoffs after winning nine of their last 10 regular season games behind what we now call the "Steel Curtain." Then came the matchup against an equally tough opponent, the Oakland Raiders in the conference title game. 

With Pittsburgh winning 6-0, Kenny Stabler ran for a 30-yard touchdown with 1:17 remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Raiders a 7-6 lead, making the game was pretty much over. On fourth-and-10 from their own 40 and less then 30 seconds remaining, Terry Bradshaw dropped back in desperation and thew the ball up the middle; it collided with an unnamed Steeler player and Raiders linebacker Jack Tatum, and Franco Harris picked the ball up out of mid-air and ran 60 yards for the game-winning touchdown. 

Pittsburgh did not win the Super Bowl that season, but it did set them on a collision path with one of the greatest feats in the history of the NFL. They went on to win four Super Bowls in six seasons from 1974-1979. 

San Diego Chargers: Natrone Meant Business

1994 AFC Championship Game: San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers 

The San Diego Chargers had been a successful franchise for the last 15 seasons, winning double-digit games in six of those seasons. Still, Dan Fouts couldn't get them the title under "Air Coryell," and they were facing a Pittsburgh Steelers team that had not made the Super Bowl in nearly a quarter century. 

Something had to give, and boy, did it ever. 

San Diego, coming off a 11-5 regular season that saw them win the AFC West, had just barely escaped the Miami Dolphins 22-21 a week earlier. They didn't have a whole bunch of stars, instead it was a team effort with players of average talent that led them to the AFC Championship Game. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, had finished 12-4 and were the overwhelming favorites with at home and with the weather at a surprising 59 degrees. 

The game lasted three quarters with Pittsburgh leading 13-10, but Stan Humphries connected with Tony Martin on a 43-yard touchdown pass in the fourth to give San Diego the lead. A few minutes later, Neal O'Donnell led Pittsburgh down the field for a possible game-winning touchdown drive. On fourth down with just over a minute left from the Chargers six, O'Donnell attempted a pass up the middle to Barry Foster, but it was broken up by "the great" Dennis Gibson to nail a Chargers victory and their first appearance in the Super Bowl. 

San Diego went on to lose the Super Bowl to San Francisco 49-26, but that one moment vindicated years of playoff frustration for the franchise. 

San Francisco 49ers: One Dynasty Begins, Another Ends

1981 NFC Championship Game: Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers 

There really are a lot of different choices I could have gone with here. Seriously, this is a team that dominated the landscape of the NFL for nearly two decades. During that span they won five Super Bowls. However, I am not going to go with any of those Super Bowl victories; instead, I am going to focus on a game that sent 'America's Team" packing and created a new dynasty in the NFC. 

It is the 1981 NFC Championship game, better known as "The Catch."

San Francisco had been to the playoffs four times in the last 42 seasons and just finished going 10-38 in their last three campaigns. It seemed that the 1981 season was going to be no different under third-year head coach Bill Walsh, who had a combined 8-24 record at the time. San Francisco started the season 1-2 with losses against Detroit and Atlanta. Joe Montana didn't look too impressive and was possibly looking at the pine following a two-interception performance against Atlanta in the second of those two defeats. 

After defeating the New York Giants 38-24 in the NFC Divisional Playoffs, San Francisco would have to take on the Dallas Cowboys, "America's Team," who had been to five of the last 11 Super Bowls. They were led by the respected Tom Landry. 

It was a team on the rise against a team that had dominated for so many years. 

With Dallas leading 27-21, Joe Montana would set sail for one of the greatest drives in NFL history that began at the 49ers own 11-yard line. Thirteen plays later it was third down and goal to go for San Francisco. Montana rolled right, backed up, pumped four times and then attempted to throw the ball away. Instead, Dwight Clark jumped into the air and caught the game-winning touchdown. After the extra point, San Francisco would take a 28-27 lead that they took to the locker room. 

San Francisco would go on to win the Super Bowl against Cincinnati, one of the four they won in the decade. Tom Landry and the Dallas Cowboys slipped, and their dynasty way over. 

Seattle Seahawks: Hawks Clip the Panthers for First Super Bowl Appearance

2005 NFC Championship Game: Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks

Seattle couldn't win the AFC Championship after 30 years of existence in that conference, so why not move to the NFC? Well, that didn't turn out too well either. 

Until the 2005 season. Seattle, where some say "football goes to die," was the the epicenter of the NFL world. The Seahawks, after years of futility, finally showed how great of a football city the capital of the Pacific Northwest could be. 

Seattle finished the regular season 13-3, outscoring opponents by an average of 12 points per game. In fact, over a two-game span they outscored the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers by a combined 81-3 score. This was going to be the team that did what Steve Largent and the like couldn't do, take the 'Hawks to that elusive Super Bowl. 

It was the NFC Championship, with the Carolina Panthers (13-5) visiting the Seattle Seahawks (14-3), a battle of the top  two teams in the conference. After Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander contributed a score each and the Seahawks nailed a field goal, it was Seattle with a 17-0 second-quarter lead. Carolina came back a few minutes later as Steve Smith took a short punt back 59 yards for a touchdown to get them within two scores. 

With Seattle up 20-7 in the third quarter, the Hawks would put the proverbial nail in the coffin as Hasselbeck connected with Darrell Jackson for a 20-yard touchdown and a few minutes later Shaun Alexander stampeded for a single yard, putting Seattle up 34-7. They would eventually come out ahead by the score of 34-14 and go to the team's first Super Bowl. 

St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams: Greatest Show on Turf Ends 50 Years of Agony

Super Bowl XXXIV: St. Louis Rams vs. Tennessee Titans

Whether it be Roman Gabriel or Eric Dickerson, the St. Louis Rams have had their fair share of super stars. Still, the Rams had never found a Super Bowl to their liking. 

Despite a 32-7 stretch from 1967-1969, the Rams never even made it to a conference title game. From 1983-1986, the Rams made the playoffs each season but won just one playoff game. 

I could continue, but let's get to the greatest show on turf. 

From 1999-2001 the Rams went 37-11 in the regular reason, even besting the three-year dynasty of the Dallas Cowboys just a few seasons before. During that span, Kurt Warner threw for 11,000 yards and nearly 100 touchdowns, people that was three seasons. 

In 1999, the Rams finished the regular season atop the NFC West with a 13-3 record. They outscored their opponents by an average of nearly 18 points per game and scored over 32 points per outing, it was just stupid good. 

Yet, Rams fans couldn't count the dice, they knew the past of this team in Los Angeles. This was the Midwest, however. The Rams would get past both Minnesota and Tampa Bay in the NFC playoffs before matching up with the Tennessee Titans. 

It was a game that matched up the Tennessee Titans (formerly Houston Oilers), who had not won a title since the 1961 AFL Championship over San Diego against the St. Louis Rams (formerly from Los Angeles), who won the NFL title some 50 years before. 

The game itself was well-played as the Rams took a 9-0 lead into the halftime on three Jeff Wilkins field goals. Torry Holt began the second-half scoring by connecting on a nine-yard touchdown pass from Kurt Warner to give the Rams a 16-0 lead. Eddie George scored two consecutive touchdowns to make it 16-13, putting Tennessee was right back in the game. Al Del Greco nailed a 43-yard field goal to tie the game with less than eight minutes remaining in the game. 

However, Kurt Warner and Isaac Bruce would show why it is called the greatest show on turf. They connected on a 73-yard touchdown pass towards the back end of the final quarter to give St. Louis a 23-16 lead. Still, Tennessee had time. Steve McNair drove them down to the Rams' 10-yard line with six second left. McNair dropped back and hit Kevin Dyson at the five-yard line. St. Louis linebacker Mike Jones tackled the Titan wide receiver two feet short of the end zone. 

The Rams had won their first Super Bowl title after two tries. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Battle of the Pirates Leads to a Downed Raider Ship

Super Bowl XXXVII: Oakland Raiders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The year was 2002, and Tampa Bay had not finished below .500 in their last four seasons. Prior to that run this franchise had two double-digit win seasons in 27 years. In fact, Tampa Bay had won a sum total of three playoff games. 

Laughing stock, no longer. Tampa Bay finished the 2002 regular season with a 12-4 record and won the newly-created NFC South division. The Buccaneers would take care of business in the NFC playoffs by outscoring San Francisco and Philadelphia by a combined 58-16 score, and it was on to the Super Bowl. 

That really didn't cause too much of an issue against the Oakland Raiders, who were making a return trip to the big game following a 20-plus year absence. Tampa Bay forced five Raiders turnovers and held Charlie Garner to 10 yards on seven rushes in route to a dominating 48-21 win. 

Finally, Tampa Bay had risen above all other failures and to the top of the football world. 

I would be flung far from the Buc ship if I had not mentioned that former Oakland Raiders coach Jon Gruden coached Tampa Bay to the victory one year after he was traded from Oakland to Tampa Bay. Lovely story!

Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers: The Cannon Goes off Against San Diego

1960 AFL Championship Game: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Oilers 

It was the Houston Oilers' first year in existence in the American Football League. They had held a chord with the powers to be in the league by saying that football could exist in Houston, while skeptical the Oilers came to be. 

Houston finished 10-4 during their inaugural campaign and to many people's surprise won the Eastern Division. However, the expansion team from Texas, led by under-performing George Blanda, would have to wrestle with the Los Angeles Chargers and Jack Kemp for the league title. 

Billy Cannon and Dave Smith combed for over 1,700 total yards during the season, but the rest of this team was not too impressive. George Blanda threw 22 interceptions and completed less than 50 percent of his passes, and their average margin of victory was less than six points per game. 

Still, Houston found themselves in a situation to win the title with gritty play. Billy Cannon had nearly 180 total yards and scored two touchdowns as Houston defeated Los Angeles 24-6. 

To this day it is the only title either the Houston Oilers or Tennessee Titans have ever won. 

Washington Redskins: Doug Williams Breaks Super Bowl Color Barrier

Super Bowl XXII: Washington Redskins vs. Denver Broncos

Black people weren't supposed to be "smart" enough to play the quarterback position. After all, none had much success (not given a chance). 

So, when Doug Williams led the Washington Redskins to Super Bowl XXII in 1987, Stanford graduate John Elway and the Denver Broncos would wipe the floor with him right? Well, Doug Williams pulled his own Jesse Owens in San Diego. It wasn't Germany, but it still mattered nonetheless. 

Washington went on to kill the Denver Broncos 42-10 by scoring five second-quarter touchdowns, the largest onslaught in NFL history. The Redskins finished with over 600 yards of offense, and Doug Williams was the key. 

He threw for 340 yards and four touchdowns to prove all skeptics wrong. It was the breaking of a color barrier some 40 years to late, but it was amazing nonetheless.