Elway, Riggins, and Norwood (sorry) Lead Most Memorable Super Bowl Moments Ever

With over 50 Super Bowls in the history books, the NFL’s pinnacle game has had its fair share of memorable moments. The hype and build up to all of these games is always through the roof, and many of these games even meet these high expectations. The best Super Bowls are the ones with the best moments, obviously, turning each one into more than just a game, but into something magical.

Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable moments in Super Bowl history, in no particular order.

1. Doug Williams’ 4 Touchdowns - Super Bowl XXII

This was less one “moment” than a culmination of moments. Williams threw for 4 TDs after re-entering the game after taking a nasty hit in the 1st quarter. In doing so, he led the Washington Redskins to a blowout victory over the Denver Broncos on the way to winning Super Bowl MVP. The most important part? He became the first African-American quarterback to win the Super Bowl. A truly monumental moment in the history of all sports, not just football.

2. The Helmet Catch - Super Bowl XLII

The New York Giants were huge underdogs in this matchup vs. the undefeated and untied New England Patriots. Fast-forward to the 4th quarter and the Patriots clinging to a 14-10 lead with 2:42 remaining in the game. With a little over a minute left, the Patriots defensive line had Giants QB Eli Manning all but sacked on a 3rd-and-5, but he somehow escaped their grasps and threw a borderline Hail Mary pass that was caught by unheralded wide receiver David Tyree for a first down. How did he catch it? By pinning the ball literally against his helmet as he fell to the ground. Amazing play. The Giants would go on to score and eventually win the game, 17-14.

3. John Elway Taken For A Spin - Super Bowl XXXII

Elway’s place in the record books was already cemented at this point, the one glaring hole in his resume being zero Super Bowl rings. Embroiled in a tight game with the Green Bay Packers, the savvy veteran would show that he wanted to win at all costs, even if it meant sacrificing his body. With the Broncos driving and looking to go ahead in the 3rd quarter, Elway took off scrambling on a 3rd-and-6 and vaulted into the air to reach the marker and he was hit at the exact same moment causing him to helicopter into the air. An iconic Super Bowl moment.

4. Marcus Allen’s Run - Super Bowl XVIII

The Los Angeles Raiders came into this game as big underdogs to the Washington Redskins, but led by Allen’s 191 yards, they won the game going away. Of all Allen’s big plays this game, none was more impressive than his darting cutback 74-yard touchdown run through the Redskins defense. Another iconic Super Bowl moment.

5. The Tackle - Super Bowl XXXIV

This matchup between the Tennessee Titans and the St. Louis Rams came down to one final play. With the Titans driving for a game-tying touchdown with seconds remaining, Titans quarterback Steve McNair passes to wide receiver Kevin Dyson. Dyson catches the ball at the Rams 5-yard line and heads to the goal line looking to score, but at that precise moment, Rams linebacker Mike Jones wraps Dyson around the legs as Dyson stretches for the endzone. Dyson is tackled and falls about a yard and a half short for the touchdown, game over.

6. Riggins’ Run To Glory - Super Bowl XVII

This game was one of the most exciting Super Bowls in history, and it had one of the greatest runs ever in the history of the championship. The game was still up for grabs in the fourth quarter when Washington Redskins running back John Riggins, on a 4th and one, took the handoff and rumbled for more than just a first down, going 43 yards to paydirt and immortality.

7. Big Ben Finds Santonio - Super Bowl XLIII

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals. This was one of the more exciting Super Bowls in recent memory, as the underdog Cardinals came to play. This was a back and forth affair, and with the Steelers down 23-20 and driving, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger found wide receiver Santonio Holmes in the corner of the end zone and seemingly through four Arizona defenders, for the winning score. It was an improbable throw and catch, and years later it’s still almost impossible to see how Holmes kept his toes in bounds. Steelers win their sixth Lombardi Trophy.

8. Bills Almost But Not Quite - Super Bowl XXV

The first of four straight Super Bowl appearances for Buffalo, this matchup vs. the Bill Parcells-led New York Giants was easily the best chance they had at winning one. This was a nip and tuck defensive battle. Trailing 20-19 and with the ball, quarterback Jim Kelly led a furious Bills drive down to the Giants 29-yard line with eight seconds remaining. In comes Bills kicker Scott Norwood for the game-winning field goal. Norwood would barely miss (by less than a yard outside the goalpost) the 47-yard field goal wide right, and the Giants win the game. Norwood would never live that moment down, and to this day is known in some parts of Buffalo as Scott “No-good”. In fairness to him, it was far from an easy field goal.

Will this year's Super Bowl give a new entry to this list? As we get closer to the big game be sure to visit 888 Sport Blog for all your NFL betting tips, and once the game is set, be sure to come back to 888 to make all your Super Bowl bets!

*Credit to the main photo of this article belongs to Elaine Thompson/Associated Press(Tyree), Matt Slocum/Associated Press(Holmes), Elise Amendola/Associated Press(Williams), Doug Sheridan/Associated Press(Allen)