The 'Miracle on Ice'. The 'Shot Heard 'Round the World'. Sometimes, a sporting event takes on so much importance that it transcends the game itself, and these legendary contests go down in history with their own unique nickname. The NFL has had no shortage of incredible games and miraculous finishes - here are the five that every true fan should remember.
1. The Music City Miracle
Who would've thought that one of the first games of the new millennium would end up going down as one of the very best? In a playoff game on January 8, 2000, in what would become known as the Music City Miracle, the Buffalo Bills took a 16-15 lead over the Tennessee Titans by nailing a field goal with 16 seconds left in the game.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Titans ran one all the way back, including a lateral pass across the entire field. At first glance, it looked as if it had gone forward, but the call stood upon further review.
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfz4JViRkoA[/embed]
2. The Immaculate Reception
Regarded by many as the greatest and most controversial play of all time, the Steelers won this 1972 AFC divisional playoff game against the Raiders with a game-winning reception thrown by Terry Bradshaw. Meant for John Fuqua, and eventually caught by fullback Franco Harris, this clip will be watched and re-watched for the ages.
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMuUBZ_DAeM[/embed]
3. The Catch
Why even bother with a fancy nickname? Over 30 years later, if you talk about "The Catch" people instantly remember what play you're talking about.
Joe Montana connected with Dwight Clark in the NFC Championship Game between the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers on January 10, 1982. In San Francisco and around the league, the play became known simply as "The Catch."
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFsBSbx5UKY&t=50s[/embed]
4. The Greatest Game Ever Played
The first NFL playoff game to go into sudden death overtime, the 1958 NFL Championship Game took place at Yankee Stadium. The game was televised nationally by NBC and is considered a major catalyst in the rise in popularity that football enjoyed thereafter.
The Giants had the first shot at winning the game in overtime, but were stuffed and went three and out. Baltimore then drove 80 yards in 13 plays, directed by Johnny Unitas. Colts RB Alan Ameche scored on a third down 1-yard touchdown run to win the game, 23–17.
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uodpgtgyBrY[/embed]
5. The Ice Bowl
The game-time temperature at Lambeau Field was about −15 °F with an average wind chill around −48 °F for the 1967 NFL Championship Game. To put the dagger in all of this, Lambeau's turf-heating system malfunctioned, which created a sheet of ice for the Cowboys and Packers to play on.
Seven members of the performing University of Wisconsin band were transported to local hospitals for hypothermia and during the game, an elderly fan died from the extreme cold.
The officials were unable to use their whistles and were forced to submit to voice commands to officiate the game.
The Packers ended up beating the Cowboys, 21-17.
CBS announcer Frank Gifford said on air, "I'm going to take a bite of my coffee."
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUr3gc3Mleg [/embed]
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