The 50 Most Historically Significant NFL Moments of All-Time

Over the course of NFL history, there have been quite a lot of memorable moments that we'll never forget. 

Some of these illustrious moments were given names such as "The Drive" or "Music City Miracle," or some are just remembered solely on how significant that moment was. 

In that spirit, here are the 50 most historically significant NFL moments of all-time. 

The Immaculate Reception

I am far from being a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, but watching this play develop and happen gives me the chills.

I love how in the live broadcast, the ball just deflects and goes off the screen and then all of a sudden you see Franco Harris running like a madman out of nowhere. 

The Steelers ended up winning the AFC divisional playoff game, and some people argue that this was the birth of Pittsburgh's NFL dominance. 

Barry Sanders Performance on Thanksgiving Day 1997

Barry Sanders is an all-time great.

Just sit back and watch his dominance on Thanksgiving Day against the Chicago Bears. Detroit ended up destroying the Bears, 55-20. 

Marlin Jackson Rips the Heart out of the New England Patriots

Marlin Jackson capped off an incredible 18-point comeback against the New England Patriots with his interception late in the game against Tom Brady.

With the victory, the Indianapolis Colts moved onto the Super Bowl and ultimately won it. 

Santonio Holmes Game-Winning Catch in Super Bowl XLIII

This is the most impressive catch that I have ever seen in my life. 

I was pulling for the underdogs in this one, the Arizona Cardinals, but Santonio Holmes' incredible efforts on this play was well-rewarded with a Super Bowl ring. 

The Longest Play in NFL History

Antonio Cromartie is a decent cornerback but one hell of a return man. 

One-hundred and nine yards, you have got to be kidding me! 

Desmond Howard's Kick Return in Super Bowl XXXI

Desmond Howard shattered the New England Patriots' hopes in Super Bowl XXXI with this incredible kick return for a touchdown.

Howard ran 99 yards after Curtis Martin ran in an 18 yard touchdown to give the Patriots new life. 

Terry Bradshaw to Lynn Swann in Super Bowl X

This incredible pitch and catch from Terry Bradshaw to Lynn Swann ultimately sealed the deal in Super Bowl X. 

With 4:25 left in the game, Pittsburgh was facing a 3rd-and-6 with the lead 15-10, but Bradshaw simply gunned this ball to Swann for which was ultimately the difference in their 21-17 victory. 

Cam Newton's Record-Breaking NFL Debut

Cam Newton throw more yards than Peyton Manning did in his NFL debut? You bet he did. 

Newton threw for an incredible 422 yards as well as accumulated three touchdowns on the day. 

Peyton Manning's 49th Touchdown Pass in 2004

Peyton Manning is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. 

Manning's record-breaking 49th touchdown pass came against the San Diego Chargers back in 2004 when he hooked up with Brandon Stokley to help lead the way to the clinching the third seed in the AFC. 

Dan Marino's Fake Spike to Beat the New York Jets

Who needs a field goal? Why not go for the touchdown and the victory? That's what Dan Marino did against the New York Jets. 

The fake spike will be forever remembered as one of Marino's greatest moments in the NFL. 

Philadelphia's 4th-and-26 Against the Green Bay Packers

How is this possible? A 4th-and-26? How did Donovan McNabb find a way to complete this? 

With the first down, the Philadelphia Eagles went onto kick a field goal and the one in overtime to knock off the Green Bay Packers in the 2004 playoffs. 

Super Bowl I

The very first Super Bowl in NFL history had to be on this list. This was the start of something truly special and an American tradition—in fact, a near national holiday. 

In Super Bowl I, the Green Bay Packers destroyed the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10. 

The Miracle at the Meadowlands

Back in 1978, Herm Edwards was the man—that's all I have to say. 

The Longest Field Goal in NFL History

Tom Dempsey holds the longest field goal in NFL history, which is now tied with Jason Elam.

Dempsey drilled this 63-yarder to give the New Orleans Saints the win over the Detroit Lions.

Tom Brady's Record Touchdown Pass to Randy Moss in 2007

This was quite the finish to one hell of a perfect 16-0 regular season.

Tom Brady connected with Randy Moss for his record 50th touchdown pass of the season, while Moss reeled in his record 23rd touchdown pass.

How amazing is that? Two illustrious records broke in one play. 

Garrison Hearst's 96 Yard Touchdown

Garrison Hearst broke tackle after tackle to give the San Francisco 49ers the victory over the New York Jets on opening day.

This one of the greatest runs in the history of football. 

Lawrence Taylor Ends Joe Theismann's Career

Poor, Joe Theismann. 

As soon as you saw Lawrence Taylor jump up calling for help and putting his hands on his head, you knew something was seriously wrong. 

DeSean Jackson's 65 Yard Punt Return Against the New York Giants

What were you doing, Matt Dodge? Where the hell were you doing? 

Well, I guess you can't put all the blame on Dodge, as it was probably the worst punt coverage that I have ever seen in my life. 

LaDainian Tomlinson's 29th Touchdown

LaDainian Tomlinson certainly makes a case for being of the greatest running backs to ever play the game. 

L.T. finished this season with an amazing 31 total touchdowns. 

Tom Brady's Five Touchdowns in One Quarter

Five touchdowns in one quarter? You may think it's impossible, but Tom Brady didn't—he made it happen in a winter wonderland against the Tennessee Titans back in 2009. 

The Drive II by Tim Tebow

I am not a Denver Broncos fans, but I am a Tim Tebow fan—probably his biggest fan.

Tebow proved to the NFL that he is a winner with his incredible 20-yard game-winning touchdown run which capped off a remarkable 95-yard drive. 

The Music City Miracle

Do I really need to say anything about this one? I mean, "He's got something, he's got something! He's got it!"

Scott Norwood's Choke Job in Super Bowl XXV

I feel terrible for Scott Norwood—however, it's his own fault, all he had to do was kick this 47-yard field goal to win the Super Bowl.

Norwood obviously missed and is forever a hero in the eyes of all New York Giants fans. 

Drew Bledsoe's Injury in 2001

Thank you, Mo Lewis—you just started the NFL's latest dynasty with this bone-crushing hit on Drew Bledsoe.

Bledsoe went down and Tom Brady came in to lead the New England Patriots to ultimately three Super Bowls in four years. 

The Catch

I really think Joe Montana was just throwing this ball away—what do you think? 

Either way, Montana is the greatest quarterback to ever play the game and he is truly a winner. He defines clutch.  

The Start of a Dynasty

Adam Vinatieri and the New England Patriots pulled off the impossible in Super Bowl XXXVI against the St. Louis Rams.

The Patriots came into the game as huge underdogs and proved to the world that they're worthy to be considered an elite team. 

Tracy Porter's Pick Six Against the Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning, meet Tracy Porter, someone that you will be having nightmares about for the rest of your life. 

Tracy Porter Intercepts Brett Favre in the NFC Championship Game

First off, I want to say that I absolutely love the announcer. This is gold right here.

But in regards to the moment, Tracy Porter will go down as a playoff hero for the New Orleans Saints in their Super Bowl run in the 2009 season. 

Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress to Upset the Undefeated New England Patriots

How? How in the world did the New York Giants pull this off? 

With the Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress touchdown, the New York Giants were able to knock off the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. 

Joe Namath's Guarantee

This is something that we all wish that we can do: Guarantee something truly remarkable. 

Joe Namath will forever be remembered as a legend and a folk-hero in New York City. 

Adam Vinatieri's Two Field Goals in the Snow Against the Oakland Raiders

Adam Vinatieri picked up the New England Patriots and put them on his back with his two remarkable field goals in blizzard-like conditions against the Oakland Raiders.

With the overtime victory, the Patriots moved onto the AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Brett Favre to Greg Lewis in 2009

Favre did it.

This was the start of an incredible season for Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings, as they marched to the NFC title game. 

The Longest Touchdown in Super Bowl History

I still have no idea how now one was able to catch James Harrison. The Arizona Cardinals had so many chances, but none of their speedsters were able to drag him down.

This was the worst possible thing that could have happened to Kurt Warner and the Cardinals. 

Barry Sanders Incredible Run Against the Dallas Cowboys

Just Barry Sanders being Barry Sanders.

There is no doubt in my mind that Sanders is the greatest running back in NFL history. 

The Comeback

Overcoming a 32 point deficit is pretty amazing, wouldn't you agree? 

The Buffalo Bills were trailing 35-3 in the third quarter but somehow scored an incredible 28 points in the third as well as seven in the fourth and kicked the game winning field goal in overtime to knock off the Houston Texans. 

Antwaan Randle El Touchdown Pass in Super Bowl XL

I remember watching this, and I was truly amazed. 

Ben Roethlisberger was playing like absolute garbage, so why not dial up a play with a wide receiver throwing the ball? Hell, it worked. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers went onto defeat the Seattle Seahawks to win their fifth Super Bowl. 

The Fumble

How the hell did Earnest Byner fumble? He literally just dropped the ball. 

With 1:12 left in the game, Bryner's fumble ended the Cleveland Browns' hopes for a possible Super Bowl appearance in 1988. 

The Tuck Rule

Oakland Raiders fans hate it. New England Patriots fans love it.

But guess what? It was the correct call. 

The Fridge Scores a Touchdown in Super Bowl XX

William "Refrigerator" Perry humiliated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX with his unbelievable and quite humorous touchdown run. 

The Chicago Bears ended up winning the Super Bowl, 46-10. 

The 1972 Miami Dolphins

The perfect season. 

The 1972 are arguably the greatest team to ever play in the NFL as they completed an incredible perfect 16-0 season with a Super Bowl victory over the Washington Redskins—and somehow the Redskins were favorites to win that game. 

The Ice Bowl

How cold was the Ice bowl? Well, it was said to be around minus-15 degrees at kickoff—that is ridiculously cold. 

The 1967 Ice Bowl ended with the Green Bay Packers beating the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 to move onto the Super Bowl. 

Eli Manning to David Tyree in Super Bowl XLII

This is probably the most remarkable play in NFL history.

Eli Manning's incredible pocket presence along with David Tyree's impressive concentration ultimately led to a major upset victory over the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. 

The Drive

This is just a thing of beauty. 

Sit back, relax and enjoy this piece of NFL history. 

Peyton Manning's Super Bowl Victory

Peyton Manning finally got it. He finally got it.

Now Manning has all the stats to be considered the greatest to ever play the game to go along with the greatest achievement ever—a Super Bowl ring. 

Steve McNair and the Tennessee Titans Were Just One Yard Short

This was the very first Super Bowl that I can remember watching as a kid, and I was so impressed. I will never forget this moment as Kevin Dyson came up just one yard short. 

The St. Louis Rams ended up winning Super Bowl XXXIV by just a yard. But, a win is a win, right? 

The Catch II

Terrell Owens comes up huge for the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship back in 1999 to send the 49ers to the Super Bowl in Atlanta.

Steve Young found Owens on a 25-yard strike to give the 49ers the lead. 

Brett Farve's Last Pass as a Green Bay Packer

Typical Brett Favre. This is just vintage Favre. 

Favre's last pass as a Green Bay Packer ultimately lost Green Bay the game as the New York Giants moved on to win the NFC Championship.  

Oakland Raiders Get a Phantom Roughing the Passer Penalty

What do you think? Was this a phantom call? 

Sugar Bear Hamilton simply hit Kenny Stabler as soon as he let go of the ball. To me, that's not roughing the passer. 

Either way, the Oakland Raiders moved on and scored with 10 seconds left on the clock. 

Devin Hester's Super Bowl XLI Kickoff Return for a Touchdown

This is the way to start off a Super Bowl. 

Devin Hester's incredible kickoff returned for a touchdown may have gave the Chicago Bears the early momentum, but the Indianapolis Colts ended up knocking off the Bears when it was all said and done. 

Emmitt Smith Breaks Walter Payton's Record

Walter Payton was amazing but Emmitt Smith has more rushing yards. 

Smith broke Payton's all-time rushing yards record on October 27 back in 2002 against the Seattle Seahawks.