Five Most Memorable Plays in Super Bowl History

There is no bigger stage in all of sports. Fans from all over the world tune in to watch the Super Bowl. This is a game where great players become legends and good teams take the next step and become championship-level teams. As Super Bowl XLVI quickly approaches, I wanted to take a look big at the biggest plays in the history of the Super Bowl. There are so many great plays that it is hard to pick just five, but I've put together a list of five plays that top the list of most memorable plays in the history of the Super Bowl.

Five Most Memorable Plays in Super Bowl History

5. Super Bowl X- Lynn Swann's Juggling Catch: Lynn Swann put on a show in Super Bowl X, and he was named the Most Valuable Player of the game. It was his juggling 53-yard reception that will go down as one of the best plays in the history of this huge game. Swann tipped the ball to himself and was somehow able to catch it while falling to the ground. This catch proved to be crucial as the Steelers edged the Cowboys 21-17.

4. Super Bowl XXIII- Montana to Taylor: The Cincinnati Bengals were in control after taking the lead with just over three minutes left, but the San Francisco 49ers had plenty left in the tank. Joe Montana was already nicknamed "Joe Cool", and he showed exactly why as the 49ers went on a 92-yard scoring drive to beat Cincinnati in the last minute. It was a ten-yard touchdown to John Taylor in back of the end zone with 39 seconds left that sealed the deal for San Francisco.

3. Super Bowl XLIII- Harrison Rumbles for 100 Yards: The Arizona Cardinals appeared ready to take a 14-10 lead into halftime over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but James Harrison had other ideas. The clock ran out while Harrison was running it back, which meant if he didn't take it all the way back the Steelers would get no points out of this amazing play. Some terrific blocking and amazing running by a big linebacker resulted in Harrison sliding into the end zone just before Larry Fitzgerald tackled him. This play was a 14 point swing in a game that was decided in the last minute.

2. Super Bowl XLII- David Tyree's Helmet Catch: The Patriots looked as if they were going to run the table, but David Tyree made an incredible play that changed the complexion of the game. The Giants had third and 20 to go, and Eli Manning just chucked one up for grabs only to see it end in Tyree's hands that were pinned against the top of his helmet. Instead of fourth and 20 the Giants had a huge first down that led to them beating the previously unbeaten Patriots.

1. Super Bowl XXIV- Mike Jones Tackle: The St. Louis Rams led 23-16 with ten seconds left when Steve McNair delivered a strike on a slant pattern to Kevin Dyson. Dyson darted toward the end zone only to be tackled by Mike Jones at the one yard line. This tackle has become known as simply "The Tackle."The image stays in my mind as clear as can be even to this day. Dyson reaching out the ball as Jones drags him down and denies the Titans a game tying touchdown. There are plenty of touchdown-saving tackles in the NFL, but none has even been bigger than this one!

Sources:

ESPN.com "Montana to Taylor Caps Super Bowl Winning Drive"

CBSSports.com "One Play One Tackle Puts Rams on Top"