20 Most Jaw-Dropping Touchdowns in Super Bowl History

The best exhibition of agility, planning, and spectacular events in American football is a Super Bowl touchdown. Some scores over the game's history stand out as amazing exploits that have the fans' imagination ablaze. These legendary events not only affected the game's result but also came to define the Super Bowl history.

Tricia Quitales
February 6, 2025
7 min read

20 Most Jaw-Dropping Touchdowns in Super Bowl History — Unknown User on Pexels

Although the Super Bowl is renowned for its excitement, certain touchdowns that are so pure and brilliant are remembered. From amazing catches to explosive runs, these 20 jaw-dropping touchdowns are indelibly engraved in football history. These touchdowns, whether they are a last-minute play or an unanticipated display of ability, have come to represent sporting brilliance. This list guides you through the top 20 most amazing touchdowns that have astounded viewers and fundamentally altered our perspective of the big game.

1. James Harrison’s 100-Yard Interception Return

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Still among the most unforgettable defensive plays in NFL history is James Harrison’s amazing 100-yard intercept return in Super Bowl XLIII. Harrison grabbed off Kurt Warner’s pass right before halftime, sidestepped several Cardinals, and ran down the field to score. This touchdown altered the flow of the game and enabled the Steelers to win their sixth Super Bowl.

2. Joe Namath’s Guarantee & Super Bowl III Touchdown Pass

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Joe Namath famously assured everyone of winning in Super Bowl III, and he supported that audacious assertion with a historic touchdown pass to wide receiver Don Maynard. Leading the Jets to a startling upset over the much favored Colts, Namath’s cool leadership and confidence shone. A pivotal event in the Jets’ first-ever Super Bowl victory, the touchdown defines the game of the century.

3. Lynn Swann’s Gravity-Defying Catch

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One of the most amazing events in the history of Super Bowl is Lynn Swann’s jumping, acrobatic catch. Completely extended, Swann collected a pass from Terry Bradshaw while under close protection and kept superb control. His touchdown catch underlined not only his physical prowess but also the Steelers’ supremacy, which helped them defeat the Cowboys 21-17.

4. The “Philly Special”

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With their “Philly Special,” a trick play resulting in a touchdown throw from tight end Trey Burton to quarterback Nick Foles, the Philadelphia Eagles stunned the world in Super Bowl LII. Perfectly performed at a turning point in the game, the drama showed Eagles’ inventiveness and bravery. The touchdown enabled the Eagles to beat the Patriots, securing their first Super Bowl victory.

5. Scott Norwood’s Missed Kick

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Though not a touchdown, Scott Norwood’s legendary miss in Super Bowl XXV set off an amazing series of events. Norwood’s 47-yard field goal effort flew wide right as the Buffalo Bills trailed the New York Giants by one point. Should he had succeeded, it would have been the game-winning touchdown; instead, the Giants declared triumph in one of the closest games ever in Super Bowl history.

6. Jerry Rice’s Record-Breaking Performance

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Late in the game, Jerry Rice caught a touchdown pass from Joe Montana to give the San Francisco 49ers the lead in Super Bowl XXIII. Rice earned the Super Bowl MVP for his outstanding performance that helped the 49ers beat the Bengals 20-16. This touchdown was among the best in Super Bowl history thanks to his skill, accuracy, and timing.

7. Santonio Holmes’ Toe-Tapping Catch

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The Pittsburgh Steelers won their sixth championship with Santonio Holmes’ toe-tapping catch in the end zone corner of Super Bowl XLIII. Holmes caught the football remarkably, maintaining his feet in bounds and bending his body to get it. With the Steelers defeating the Cardinals 27-23, his performance while under pressure solidified his position in Super Bowl history.

8. Marcus Allen’s 74-Yard Run

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Among the best individual efforts in the history of Super Bowl XVIII is Marcus Allen’s explosive 74-yard scoring run. Allen used vision, patience, and speed to bust the Washington defense for a game-changing score even though he was ordered to turn around his field. His touchdown guaranteed the Raiders their third Super Bowl title and allowed them to achieve a commanding 38-9 triumph.

9. The “Helmet Catch” by David Tyree

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Still among the most amazing plays in NFL history is David Tyree’s venerable “Helmet Catch” in Super Bowl XLII. Tyree made an improbable helmet catch while Eli Manning was under great pressure to preserve the drive alive for a game-winning touchdown. The catch was vital in the New York Giants’ startling upset of the hitherto perfect New England Patriots.

10. Marcus Dupree’s Powerful Touchdown

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Marcus Dupree’s potent Super Bowl XLIV touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts highlighted his speed and force. Dupree burst through several tackles and drove his way into the end zone for a critical score following a handoff. With a 31-17 final score, this play marked a turning point in the Saints’ first-ever Super Bowl success.

11. Thurman Thomas’ Screen Pass Touchdown

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The screen pass touchdown that Thurman Thomas made in Super Bowl XXV was a masterclass in running back flexibility. Startled by the New York Giants’ defense, Thomas made an explosive play demonstrating his catching skills and big yardage turning ability. In a game that turned out tragically, the touchdown was vital in keeping the Bills competitive.

12. Franco Harris’ “Immaculate Reception”

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One of the most well-known plays not just in NFL history but also in Super Bowl history is the “Immaculate Reception” by Franco Harris. Harris made a spectacular catch following a deflected throw and carried the ball toward the end zone for a touchdown. The Pittsburgh Steelers won their first Super Bowl with this unlikely play, driving a 16-6 triumph over the Minnesota Vikings.

13. Desmond Howard’s Kickoff Return

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One of the most exciting events in Super Bowl history is Desmond Howard’s explosive 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in XXXI. The Green Bay Packers grabbed control of the game, thanks in part to his quickness and vision, defeating the New England Patriots. Howard’s outstanding performance confirmed his status in football history and brought him Super Bowl MVP accolades.

14. Tom Brady’s 1-Yard Touchdown Run

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In Super Bowl LI, Tom Brady’s surprising 1-yard touchdown run was pivotal in his fabled comeback triumph over the Atlanta Falcons. Brady led the charge even making a rare rushing score, with the Patriots trailing 28-3. In his historic Super Bowl victory, this touchdown was even more important as he scored in every manner imaginable.

15. Tyreek Hill’s 44-Yard Bomb

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Tyreek Hill outran the 49ers’ defense with his amazing 44-yard touchdown reception in Super Bowl LIV, highlighting his speed and agility. One of the main events in the Kansas City Chiefs’ 31-20 triumph, breaking the 50-year title drought for the club, was Hill’s spectacular play. His performance turned into a defining point for the Chiefs’ offensive prowess.

16. Malcolm Butler’s Game-Sealing Interception

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One of the most recognizable defensive plays in NFL history is Malcolm Butler’s game-sealing intercept in Super Bowl XLIX. Butler grabbed in front of a throw meant for Seahawks receiver Ricardo Lockette with just seconds remaining; it guaranteed the Patriots’ fourth Super Bowl victory. His fast thinking and courageous execution dramatically altered the direction of the game.

17. Julian Edelman’s Catch Along the Sideline

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The incredible sideline catch by Julian Edelman in Super Bowl LI opened up a crucial drive for the New England Patriots’ comeback triumph. Edelman miraculously made a great grab with his fingertips as the ball seemed to ricochet off a defender’s hands. With their eventual biggest comeback in Super Bowl history, Edelman’s amazing catch kept the Patriots alive.

18. Reggie White’s Sack-Fumble Recovery

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Super Bowl XXXI’s sack-fumble recovery by Reggie White was a historic defensive play that helped the Packers win. Renowned for his strong pass rush, White sacked quarterback Drew Bledsoe and recovered the fumble, enabling the Packers to acquire vital field position. A major turning point in the Packers’ 35-21 victory over the Patriots, White’s vital defensive performance displayed his brilliance.

19. Tedy Bruschi’s Interception

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With Tedy Bruschi’s interception in Super Bowl, the Patriots were able to hold on to their lead over the Rams. The Patriots’ game-winning run was set up by the linebacker’s crucial interception. This dramatic play was pivotal to New England’s first Super Bowl victory.

20. Timmy Smith’s 204-Yard Run

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Caped off by a 58-yard touchdown run, Timmy Smith’s incredible 204-yard rushing performance in Super Bowl XXII remains among the most outstanding single-game performance in Super Bowl history. Smith’s exceptional performance won him the Super Bowl MVP trophy, confirming his position in NFL history.