We’ve seen some amazing moments throughout NFL history, from last-second heaves to impossible feats of athleticism. These snapshots of greatness are what transform a simple game into a national obsession.
For enthusiasts looking to relive these highlights, who choose to stream the game footage via the official NFL broadcast channel, we recommend using a VPN if the media isn’t secure – it will protect their data and ensure a private connection while accessing various sports platforms. Here are a select few moments that football fans will never forget.
The Immaculate Reception (1972)
The Immaculate Reception remains perhaps the most famous play in NFL history, occurring during a divisional playoff match between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders. With only seconds remaining and the Steelers trailing, Terry Bradshaw threw a desperate pass that bounced off either a defender or a teammate – a point of contention that Raiders fans still debate today.
Fullback Franco Harris scooped the ball inches above the turf and dashed into the end zone for the winning touchdown. This single play effectively launched the Steelers’ 1970s dynasty and changed the trajectory of a previously struggling franchise forever.
“The Catch” – 49ers vs Cowboys (1982)
Few plays are so iconic that they only require two words to be identified. Dwight Clark’s leaping touchdown reception from Joe Montana in the 1981 NFC Championship Game is widely regarded as a turning point in NFL history. Facing a daunting Dallas Cowboys defense and with the game on the line, Montana rolled right and lofted a high pass toward the back of the end zone.
Clark soared into the air, snagging the ball with his fingertips. The play symbolized the end of the “America’s Team” era of Cowboys dominance and signaled the beginning of the San Francisco 49ers’ rise as a legendary powerhouse franchise.
Super Bowl LI: The 28–3 Comeback (2017)
Super Bowl LI featured a comeback so improbable that it seemed scripted. The Atlanta Falcons held a commanding 28–3 lead midway through the third quarter, and win-probability models gave the New England Patriots less than a 1% chance of victory.
What came next was the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. Led by Tom Brady’s surgical precision, the Patriots scored 25 unanswered points to force the first-ever overtime in Super Bowl history. When James White punched in the winning touchdown in the extra period, the game was cemented as one of the greatest shifts in momentum ever witnessed in professional sports.
The Helmet Catch (Super Bowl XLII, 2008)
In terms of sheer physical impossibility, David Tyree’s helmet-assisted catch during Super Bowl XLII stands alone. The New York Giants were heavy underdogs against the New England Patriots, who were attempting to complete the first 19–0 undefeated season in NFL history.
On a crucial third down, Giants quarterback Eli Manning somehow escaped a certain sack and launched the ball downfield. Tyree jumped and pinned the ball against the side of his helmet while being brought to the ground by a defender. The drive ended with a touchdown, ruining the Patriots’ perfect season and creating a highlight that remains a staple of every NFL montage.