Top 10 Greatest Super Bowl Moments of All Time – The Super Bowl stands as the ultimate showcase in NFL history, where heart-stopping plays and legendary performances create memories that last a lifetime. From dramatic comebacks to game-sealing interceptions, these iconic Super Bowl highlights define the essence of American football. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the gridiron, relive the top 10 greatest Super Bowl moments that have thrilled audiences for decades. As we gear up for future championships, let’s countdown the most unforgettable plays in Super Bowl lore.
Here is the Top 10 Greatest Super Bowl Moments of All Time
10. James White’s Overtime Touchdown – Super Bowl LI (New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons)
Watch Here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Axj4FVhkoL8
In the first-ever Super Bowl to go into overtime, James White etched his name in history by scoring a 2-yard touchdown run that capped the greatest comeback in NFL postseason history. Trailing 28-3 in the third quarter, the Patriots mounted an improbable rally, with White himself accounting for a record 20 points in the game. His final plunge across the goal line sealed a 34-28 victory, handing Tom Brady his fifth ring and stunning the Falcons. This moment exemplifies resilience and clutch performance under pressure.
9. Tracy Porter’s Pick-Six – Super Bowl XLIV (New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts)
With the game hanging in the balance and less than four minutes remaining, Saints cornerback Tracy Porter jumped a route intended for Reggie Wayne, intercepting Peyton Manning and racing 74 yards for a touchdown. This play not only iced a 31-17 win for New Orleans but also delivered the city’s first-ever Super Bowl title, symbolizing hope and recovery in the post-Hurricane Katrina era. Porter’s interception remains a pinnacle of defensive opportunism in high-stakes football.
8. John Riggins’ 43-Yard Run – Super Bowl XVII (Washington vs. Miami Dolphins)
On fourth-and-1 from the Miami 43-yard line, Washington running back John Riggins broke free for a touchdown scamper that shifted the momentum decisively. Known as the “70 Chip” play, Riggins powered through a tackle by Don McNeal and rumbled into the end zone, helping secure a 27-17 victory and Washington’s first Super Bowl win. This bruising run highlighted the power of old-school football and Riggins’ Hall of Fame grit.
7. Adam Vinatieri’s Game-Winning Field Goal – Super Bowl XXXVI (New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams)
As time expired, kicker Adam Vinatieri drilled a 48-yard field goal to deliver a shocking 20-17 upset over the heavily favored “Greatest Show on Turf” Rams. This kick not only gave the Patriots their first championship but also launched the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick dynasty. Vinatieri’s poise under the brightest lights turned an underdog story into NFL legend, proving that every second counts in Super Bowl drama.
6. Mike Jones’ One-Yard Tackle – Super Bowl XXXIV (St. Louis Rams vs. Tennessee Titans)
With five seconds left and the Titans one yard from tying the game, Rams linebacker Mike Jones wrapped up receiver Kevin Dyson just short of the end zone in a play forever known as “One Yard Short.” This tackle preserved a 23-16 Rams victory, capping Kurt Warner’s fairy-tale season and denying Tennessee a miraculous comeback. It’s a testament to defensive stands that define championships.
5. Scott Norwood’s “Wide Right” Miss – Super Bowl XXV (New York Giants vs. Buffalo Bills)
In one of the closest Super Bowls ever, Bills kicker Scott Norwood’s 47-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right with four seconds remaining, allowing the Giants to escape with a 20-19 win. This heartbreaking miss kicked off Buffalo’s string of four consecutive Super Bowl losses and underscored the razor-thin margins in football’s biggest game. “Wide Right” has become synonymous with Super Bowl agony.
4. Joe Montana’s Game-Winning Pass to John Taylor – Super Bowl XXIII (San Francisco 49ers vs. Cincinnati Bengals)
Trailing late in the fourth quarter, Joe Montana orchestrated a masterful 92-yard drive, culminating in a 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor with 34 seconds left for a 20-16 triumph. This clutch performance earned Montana his third Super Bowl MVP and solidified the 49ers’ dynasty. Montana’s cool demeanor in the huddle, famously spotting comedian John Candy in the stands, added to the lore of this iconic drive.
3. David Tyree’s Helmet Catch – Super Bowl XLII (New York Giants vs. New England Patriots)
Escaping a sure sack, Eli Manning heaved a desperation pass that David Tyree miraculously pinned against his helmet for a 32-yard gain with under a minute to go. This improbable catch set up the game-winning touchdown, ruining the Patriots’ perfect season in a 17-14 upset. Tyree’s “Helmet Catch” is often hailed as the greatest play in Super Bowl history for its sheer improbability and impact.
2. Ben Roethlisberger’s Pass to Santonio Holmes – Super Bowl XLIII (Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals)
With 35 seconds on the clock, Ben Roethlisberger threaded a pinpoint pass to Santonio Holmes in the corner of the end zone for a toe-tapping touchdown catch that clinched a 27-23 win. Holmes’ acrobatic grab earned him MVP honors and gave the Steelers their record sixth Lombardi Trophy. This play showcased precision passing and receiving at its finest, turning a back-and-forth thriller into Steelers immortality.
1. Malcolm Butler’s Goal-Line Interception – Super Bowl XLIX (New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks)
In the most shocking defensive stand ever, undrafted rookie Malcolm Butler intercepted Russell Wilson at the goal line with 20 seconds left, preserving a 28-24 Patriots victory. Instead of handing off to Marshawn Lynch, Seattle’s pass call backfired spectacularly, denying the Seahawks a repeat title and fueling endless debates. Butler’s pick is widely regarded as the greatest Super Bowl moment, blending strategy, surprise, and heroism.
These top 10 greatest Super Bowl moments capture the thrill, heartbreak, and exhilaration that make the NFL’s championship game a cultural phenomenon. From underdog triumphs to dynasty-defining plays, they remind us why millions tune in every February. For more NFL insights and updates, stay tuned to US Sports Update. What’s your all-time favorite Super Bowl highlight? Drop it in the comments!
