The Most Inspiring Moment in Every NFL Franchise's History

There are plenty of NFL moments that inspire us and remind us why we love the game of football so much.

Some teams, such as the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers, have inspiring moment after inspiring moment in their franchise's history. Other teams, like the Detroit Lions, have to dig deep to find that moment that keeps fans loyal.

So grab a tissue box and let the tears flow as we look at the most inspiring moment in every NFL franchise's history.

Arizona Cardinals: Retiring Pat Tillman's Jersey

There are few NFL stories as inspiring as Pat Tillman's story.

Tillman was a fantastic football player who was loyal to the Arizona Cardinals. In just his third season, Tillman was voted to the All-Pro team and it appeared as if the future was bright for the Cardinals' young safety.

However, after the attacks of September 11th, Tillman decided that serving his country was more important than football. He enlisted in the U.S. Army the following spring to fight overseas.

On April 22, 2004, Tillman was killed in friendly fire. His jersey was retired in September of 2004 in an emotional ceremony.

Atlanta Falcons: Gary Anderson's Missed Field Goal

With Gary Anderson, who hadn't missed a field goal the entire 1998 season, setting up for a game- clinching 38-yard field goal, things didn't look very good for the Atlanta Falcons.

This was their first real chance to make the Super Bowl, and with under four minutes remaining, their dream season was about to be shattered.

However, Anderson missed the field goal, and in that brief moment, new life was breathed into the Falcons. They were inspired by the miss, took full advantage and went on to defeat the Minnesota Vikings to land a spot in Super Bowl XXXIII.

Baltimore Ravens: Winning Super Bowl XXXV

After the Baltimore Colts left Baltimore for Indianapolis in 1984, it wasn't for another 11 years that the city got back an NFL franchise. 

That franchise was the Baltimore Ravens, who in just their fifth year back ended up winning Super Bowl XXXV. They did it with one of the better defenses to ever play the game, led by none other than Ray Lewis.

This lasting moment brought glory back to a city that was used to victory.

Buffalo Bills: Frank Reich's Comeback

It was during the 1992 season that Frank Reich orchestrated one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history.

Reich spent the majority of his career with the Buffalo Bills as the backup to Jim Kelly, but during a playoff game against the Houston Oilers, Reich came in for an injured Kelly with the Bills down by a score of 35-3. 

The Bills outscored the Oilers by a score of 38-3 in the second half and overtime to steal away the victory. It was easily the best game of Reich's career and one of the most exciting games in Buffalo's history.

Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton's First Start

With such a new franchise, there weren't many inspiring moments to choose from for the Carolina Panthers. Sure, I could have gone with their run to the Super Bowl in 2003, but nothing about that season screamed inspiring to me.

What must have been inspiring for this franchise was the first game of Cam Newton's career when he literally shocked the entire football world. No one knew what to expect from Newton in his first season, but after watching that game, it was pretty clear that this kid was going to be a star.

The future looks extremely bright in Carolina thanks to Newton.

Chicago Bears: Walter Payton Breaks Record

It was on October 7, 1984 that Walter Payton broke Jim Brown's career rushing yards record. Not only was it one of the greatest moments in Chicago Bears history, it was one of the greatest moments in NFL history.

There has never been another player quite like Payton, who was an incredible football player, as well as an incredible man off the field. He set the example of how a player should be viewed when not on the field.

He also happens to be one of the greatest running backs to ever play the game, and his run that actually broke Brown's record inspired the city of Chicago to forever remember him.

Cincinnati Bengals: Trading Carson Palmer

Hear me out for a second on this one. There aren't many NFL franchises who have had as little success as the Cincinnati Bengals.

Now some would place their struggles at the feet of their owner Mike Brown. When Carson Palmer demanded a trade from Cincinnati in order to keep him from retiring, Brown wouldn't give in to his demands.

However, Brown finally found a quality trade and proved that he was ready to do what was necessary to make the Bengals a winning team. After Palmer was traded, the entire city of Cincinnati was ecstatic at the direction their team was going.

Cleveland Browns: Cleveland Gets Back Its Team

When Art Modell robbed the city of Cleveland by moving the Browns to Baltimore, everyone was left in a state of shock.

It took three years for Cleveland to get the Browns back, and that moment must have been so inspiring to fans. Few franchises have as passionate of fans as the Browns do, and you can just imagine what they must have been feeling when it was announced in 1999 that Cleveland would once again have a football team.

Of course, things haven't gone very well since the Browns have come back, but the team seems to be moving in the right direction at least.

Dallas Cowboys: The Hail Mary Pass

With a franchise as rich as the Dallas Cowboys, it is difficult to pick just one inspiring moment.

It seemed fitting to choose a play with one of the greatest Cowboys ever in Roger Staubach. During a 1975 playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, the Cowboys were down by four points with only a few seconds remaining in the game.

Staubach dropped back and launched a 50-yard Hail Mary, which was caught by Drew Pearson. That play was the first one dubbed a "Hail Mary" and reinforced Staubach's nickname of "Captain Comeback."

Denver Broncos: Elway Finally Wins a Super Bowl

Few quarterbacks in NFL history have ever been adored by a franchise as much as John Elway was loved by the Denver Broncos.

Even when Elway was unsuccessful for so many years at bringing a championship to Denver, his fans remained loyal. It wasn't until 1997 that Elway finally got a Super Bowl ring, as the Broncos beat the Green Bay Packers.

Elway's diving, spinning touchdown run will forever be remembered. Finally getting that ring meant so much to Elway and the fans of Broncos.

Detroit Lions: Beating Dallas' Hall of Fame Trio in Playoffs

Going up against Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin must have been rather frightening back when all three of these Hall of Fame players were in their prime.

However, during the 1991 playoffs, the Detroit Lions not only went up against this trio, they absolutely destroyed that trio. They wound up blowing out the Dallas Cowboys by a score of 38-6 on their own field.

It was a great victory, made even more fantastic by the fact that it was the first playoff win for Detroit since 1957.

Green Bay: Brett Favre Plays After His Dad Dies

I'm thankful that I've never had to experience having a parent pass away, and I can't even imagine how painful it must be.

I also can't imagine how much courage it would take to play a professional football game one day after the passing of my father. Back in 2003, on Monday Night Football, that is exactly what Brett Favre did.

He stepped onto the field against the Oakland Raiders and put together one of the most impressive performances in NFL history. He had four touchdowns in the first half, 399 total passing yards and finished the game with the highest quarterback rating of his career.

It was a truly inspiring night in Oakland.

Houston: First Franchise Playoff Berth

This inspiring moment took place in Week 14 of the current season, but it has been a long road to get here for the Houston Texans.

After a win over Cincinnati Bengals, the Texans clinched their first-ever playoff berth. For a team with such a passionate fanbase, it must have been quite the moment to see them finally make the playoffs.

Indianapolis Colts: Winning "The Greatest Game Ever Played"

To be part of a game referred to as "The Greatest Game Ever Played" is quite the honor. However, to win "The Greatest Game Ever Played" is even greater.

That is what the Baltimore Colts (I know, it's kind of cheating since it's not Indianapolis) did in 1958 when they beat the New York Giants in the first-ever overtime game in the NFL. Johnny Unitas was the star of the game, and after this game was when Unitas became such a football icon.

This game is often credited with making football popular to the common person.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Humiliating Dan Marino

It's common knowledge that Dan Marino is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game.

However, he ended his career with one of the worst losses in NFL history. Thanks to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who had only been an NFL franchise for five years, Marino's last game was a loss by the score of 62-7.

This moment took the Jaguars from a young franchise to a legitimate force in the NFL.

Kansas City Chiefs: Derrick Thomas' Jersey Is Retired

On December 6, 2009, the Kansas City Chiefs retired the jersey of Derrick Thomas, one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.

Thomas died early in life after suffering severe injuries from a car accident. Since Thomas was only 32 years old when he passed away, it was very likely that he would have broken the record for career sacks.

Few players had as much of an impact on a franchise as Thomas did, and the halftime ceremony when his jersey was retired was extremely inspiring to the people of Kansas City.

Miami Dolphins: The Perfect Season

The 1972 season for the Miami Dolphins still inspires people to this day. It was the only truly perfect season in NFL history in the Super Bowl era.

This season is still held on to by the players of that team and fans of the Dolphins. While teams have come close (2007 New England Patriots), they all have yet to match the perfection of Miami.

Until another team goes undefeated throughout the season and the playoffs, this season will continue to inspire people.

Minnesota Vikings: Randy Moss' First Game Against Green Bay

When Randy Moss was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1998, no one thought he would have the impact he had in his rookie season. In fact, his rookie season is often considered the greatest rookie season in NFL history.

In Week 5, against the Green Bay Packers, Moss put on a show that could only be described as inspiring. His five receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns was a performance that will never be forgotten by either the Vikings or the Packers.

It brought a whole new era of football to the Vikings franchise.

New England Patriots: Beating the "Greatest Show on Turf"

"The Greatest Show on Turf" was supposed to be unbeatable, especially on turf.

However, the New England Patriots, with a young Tom Brady, did exactly that in Super Bowl XXXVI. The Patriots held the St. Louis Rams to a measly 17 points during the game.

This game started the legend of Brady, as he led a last-minute drive to set up Adam Vinatieri's game-winning field goal. New England's win started the newest dynasty in NFL history.

New Orleans Saints: Coming Back Home

No other NFL franchise's fanbase has known difficult times like the fans of the New Orleans Saints.

After the horrible and devastating destruction of Hurricane Katrina, the Saints were literally without a home field. It wasn't until 2006 that the Saints were back in the Superdome for their first home game since Katrina.

To say that the stadium was electric would be a major understatement. Before a sold-out audience, the Saints dismantled the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 23-3.

That game was the highest-rated program that ESPN has ever aired. It is possibly the most inspiring moment in NFL history.

New York Giants: David Tyree Catches with His Head

The New York Giants were supposed to have no chance at beating the 2007 New England Patriots who were entering the Super Bowl with an 18-0 record.

Not only did New England boast one of the greatest offenses the NFL had ever seen, their defense wasn't too shabby either. It was classic David vs. Goliath.

Late in the fourth quarter, with the game close, Eli Manning evaded the rush and tossed a deep pass to David Tyree. Tyree leaped in the air and made the catch by using his helmet as his other hand.

The Giants would go on to score a touchdown and finish one of the biggest upsets in NFL history.

New York Jets: Joe Namath Guarantees a Victory

In today's world of sports, it's common to hear players guarantee a victory.

However, few ever make the guarantee before the championship game, and even less pull through on their guarantee. 

Joe Namath guaranteed a victory over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III and came through on his guarantee. Namath and the New York Jets beat the Colts 16-7 in a major upset.

Oakland Raiders: A Win for Al Davis

Al Davis was one of the most recognizable owners in the NFL. You either loved him or hated him, but you had to respect the passion in which he ran his team.

Earlier this year, Davis passed away unexpectedly. On the following day, the Oakland Raiders took on the Houston Texans. With only 10 men on the field, Michael Huff intercepted a late pass to seal the win for Oakland and Davis.

After the game, the scene of Hue Jackson crying in the locker room was one of the most inspiring moments ever.

Philadelphia Eagles: The Miracle at the Meadowlands

Before DeSean Jackson, there was Herman Edwards and the original "Miracle at the Meadowlands."

With a lead late in the fourth quarter, the New York Giants decided to attempt a handoff rather than simply kneel the ball and let the time run out. The events that happened on that play are hard to believe.

Quarterback Joe Pisarcik bobbled the exchange to Larry Csonka and fumbled the football. The ball was picked up by Edwards and ran back for a 26-yard touchdown.

This game caused the Giants' season to collapse, while the Philadelphia Eagles went on to make the playoffs.

Pittsburgh Steelers: The Immaculate Reception

It's been called the most controversial play in NFL history.

"The Immaculate Reception," as seen in the video above, involved a last-second pass that appeared to be incomplete until Franco Harris snatched the ricocheted pass right before it hit the ground and ran it in for a touchdown.

While the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't win the Super Bowl because of this play, it was a game-winning touchdown in the playoffs against a heated rival in the Oakland Raiders.

San Diego Chargers: The Epic in Miami

Against the Miami Dolphins in the playoffs, Kellen Winslow put together one of the most impressive single-game performances in NFL history.

He had 13 receptions for 166 yards and a touchdown. On top of his offensive production, he also blocked a game-tying field goal to give the San Diego Chargers the victory.

What makes all this even more impressive was the fact that Winslow was suffering from dehydration, severe cramps and a pinched nerve. The image of him literally being carried off the field by his teammates is one of the most epic, and inspiring, moments in NFL history.

San Francisco 49ers: The Catch

The image of Dwight Clark making a leaping catch in the back of the end zone is one that we've all seen thousands of times. It's the play commonly known as "The Catch" that is the most inspiring moment in the San Francisco 49ers' history.

With time running out against the Dallas Cowboys, who the 49ers hated, Joe Montana found Clark for a six-yard touchdown pass with less than a minute remaining to give San Francisco the playoff win.

Not only did this single play give the 49ers a win over Dallas, it also put them in the Super Bowl, which they won against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Seattle Seahawks: 2006 NFC Championship Game

The Seattle Seahawks aren't known as one of the more successful NFL franchises. Since they became an NFL team in 1976, they've only appeared in one Super Bowl.

That Super Bowl was in the 2005-06 season after the Seahawks beat the Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers in the playoffs to have the chance to face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

While they ultimately lost the Super Bowl in controversial fashion, their NFC championship game victory was the greatest win in franchise history.

St. Louis Rams: One Yard Short

With Kurt Warner leading the way, the St. Louis Rams made an improbable run to Super Bowl XXXIV.

Their matchup was against the Tennessee Titans, who had quite the epic journey just to get to the playoffs. It seemed like it was their destiny to win the Super Bowl that year.

And with six seconds remaining, and the ball at the Rams' 10-yard line, trailing by a touchdown, it appeared as if they were going to fulfill their destiny. However, when Steve McNair found Kevin Dyson on a slant, linebacker Mike Jones made the greatest tackle in the history of the Rams' franchise.

He wrapped Dyson up and kept him one yard short of a game-tying touchdown. It was the last play of the game and gave St. Louis their first ever Super Bowl victory.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Beating the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers basically traded four draft picks and cash to the Oakland Raiders for head coach Jon Gruden, it seemed like quite the crazy move.

While Gruden was a successful coach, he was no Hall of Fame-caliber coach. However, during his first season with the franchise, he led Tampa Bay to Super Bowl XXXVII, where he would have the opportunity to take on his former team.

Not only did Gruden beat the Raiders, he absolutely destroyed them by a score of 48-21. It was the first Super Bowl win for the Buccaneers, and it must have been a sweet one, especially for Gruden.

Tennessee Titans: Music City Miracle

I briefly mentioned earlier how the 1999 playoff run to the Super Bowl by the Tennessee Titans seemed like one that was destiny.

Well, it all started with a play simply known as the "Music City Miracle" against the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.

With only 16 seconds left in the game, the Bills kicked the ball to the Titans, and it was fielded by Frank Wycheck.

Wycheck ran, turned and lobbed a pass across the field to Kevin Dyson. Dyson caught the ball and ran it in for a 75-yard game-winning touchdown.

It was one of the most improbable game-winning plays in NFL history.

Washington Redskins: John Riggins' Touchdown Run

In Super Bowl XVII, the Washington Redskins were in a close game against the Miami Dolphins.

On 4th-and-inches, John Riggins took a handoff, broke a tackle and took it for a 43-yard touchdown run. With only 10 minutes remaining in the game, that touchdown was the turning point of the game, as the Redskins went on to win the Super Bowl.

It was the first championship for the Redskins since 1942, and that single play by Riggins completely turned around the franchise in Washington. In fact, Washington would go on to win two more Super Bowls in the next nine years.