Best Super Bowl Moments of the 21st Century

Standard
Samuel Striker Football

Flickr Cc via Bismarck Pro

Samuel Striker is President at KMG Consultants, a sales and business consulting firm located in Southfield, MI.

Although this year’s game wasn’t much of a competition, it still had its share of memorable moments. Ever since the year 2000, the Super Bowl especially has had its share of memorable moments. Here are a few standouts:

The St. Louis Rams Stop the Tennessee Titans Short in Super Bowl XXXIV

Down 23-16, Steve McNair and the Titans offense drove to the Rams’ 10-yard line and called a timeout. Trailing by a touchdown, they knew they needed to get in the end zone to win. After the ball was snapped, McNair found WR Kevin Dyson who was 2 ½ yards from the goal line. Rams LB Mike Jones tackled Dyson at the one-yard line, preserving the Rams victory. The image of Dyson stretching the ball towards the goal line has become a staple of NFL highlights.

Adam Vinatieri’s Last Second Field Goal in Super Bowl XXXVI

As time was expiring, Patriot kicker Adam Vinatieri made a game-winning field goal 48 yards from the goal posts. The kick would beat the heavily favored St. Louis Rams: the team was a 14-page favorite by the bookies in Vegas. Second-year quarterback Tom Brady led the game winning drive, and ever since has become one of the best quarterbacks in the league, as well as a definite NFL Hall of Famer.

David Tyree’s Helmet Catch in Super Bowl XLII

Facing the record-breaking Tom Brady and the Patriots was a daunting task, but thanks to preparation and a couple of great plays, the Giants went on to beat the juggernaut Patriots. Down 14-10 late vs. the 18-0 patriots, Giants QB Eli Manning scrambled around a fierce defensive line and threw up a downfield pass to WR David Tyree. Although Patriots S Rodney Harrison blanketed him, Tyree made the catch by planting the ball on his helmet. Erasing a 4th-and-20, the Giants went on to score and beat the undefeated Patriots.

New Orleans Saints Try an Onside Kick in Super Bowl XLIV

The Saints first Super Bowl appearance was one to remember. Facing the elite quarterback Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts was no easy task, and the Saints were prepared for it. With a 10-6 halftime Colts lead, the Saints decided to try a trick up their sleeve: an onside kick to open the half. If the kick wasn’t perfect, things could have gotten disastrous. Fortunately, the Saints recovered and drove for a go-ahead touchdown. They ended up winning the game too.

Percy Harvin’s Kickoff Return in Super Bowl XLVIII

Although the Seahawks had a steady lead going into the 2nd half, Percy Harvin’s touchdown sealed the deal for Seattle. Grabbing a pooch kick from 87-yards out, Harvin accelerated past Broncos defenders to bring it to the house. The Seahawks then went up29-0, destroying all hope of a miraculous comeback by the broncos in the second half. The play was also important since Harvin didn’t play much for Seattle during the season, after signing a six-year, $67 million contract. This might have made the money worth it after all.

Be sure to check out my other post on Super Bowl ads.

Follow Samuel Striker on Tumblr to keep up with his most recent updates.