What are the Top Five Best Plays of All-Time in the NFL?

There are so many big time plays in the NFL that are memorable, but I think there are five that stick out more than any other. I wanted to list my top five best NFL plays of all time, and I know it is subjective, but I figured it would be fun to share some big time plays. Let’s look at my top 5 best plays of All-Time in the NFL!

1. The Immaculate Reception (1972)

• Player: Franco Harris
• Game: AFC Divisional Playoff Game, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Oakland Raiders
• Description: With the Steelers trailing 7-6 and facing fourth down, quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw a pass intended for John Fuqua. The ball was deflected and caught inches from the ground by Franco Harris, who ran it into the end zone for a touchdown, leading the Steelers to a 13-7 victory.

2. The Catch (1982)

• Player: Dwight Clark
• Game: NFC Championship Game, San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys
• Description: With the 49ers trailing late in the game, Joe Montana scrambled and threw a high pass to the back of the end zone. Dwight Clark made a leaping grab, securing the 49ers’ 28-27 win and propelling them to their first Super Bowl appearance.

3. The Helmet Catch (2008)

• Player: David Tyree
• Game: Super Bowl XLII, New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
• Description: In one of the most improbable plays in Super Bowl history, Giants quarterback Eli Manning escaped multiple defenders and heaved a deep pass. David Tyree caught the ball against his helmet, securing a crucial first down that set up the Giants’ game-winning touchdown and ended the Patriots’ perfect season.

4. Music City Miracle (2000)

• Player: Kevin Dyson
• Game: AFC Wild Card Game, Tennessee Titans vs. Buffalo Bills
• Description: With 16 seconds left and the Titans trailing, Lorenzo Neal received a kickoff, handed it to Frank Wycheck, who then threw a lateral across the field to Kevin Dyson. Dyson sprinted 75 yards for a touchdown, securing a 22-16 victory for the Titans.

5. The Minneapolis Miracle (2018)

• Player: Stefon Diggs
• Game: NFC Divisional Playoff Game, Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints
• Description: With 10 seconds left and trailing 24-23, Vikings quarterback Case Keenum threw a sideline pass to Stefon Diggs. Diggs leapt to make the catch, avoided a tackle, and ran 61 yards for a game-winning touchdown as time expired, giving the Vikings a stunning 29-24 victory.

These plays are celebrated for their extraordinary circumstances, incredible athleticism, and significant impact on the outcomes of their respective games and seasons.