20 Super Bowl Moments That Left Fans Speechless

Let's look back at these Super Bowl surprises.

Cyra Sanchez
February 6, 2025
7 min read

20 Super Bowl Moments That Left Fans Speechless — Pressmaster on Pexels

Super Bowl has provided some of the most jaw-dropping moments, from David Tyree’s helmet catch to Malcolm Butler’s game-winning interception. They are unforgettable plays, defining legacies, and cemented into football history. Fans around the world remain glued to their televisions for such moments, whether they are last-second heroics or jaw-dropping upsets.

1. The Helmet Catch (Super Bowl XLII, 2008)

NFL on FOX on Wikimedia Commons

In a play that almost seemed against the laws of physics, Eli Manning ducked under at least two defenders, turned, and heaved a prayer of a pass. David Tyree jumped and caught the football against his helmet for a big first down. This miraculous catch would help propel the New York Giants to a shocker win over the previously undefeated New England Patriots.

2. The Philly Special (Super Bowl LII, 2018)

US Bank Stadium - West Facade on Wikimedia Commons

The Philadelphia Eagles were feeling frisky and pulled off a gutsy and surprising trick play on fourth down close to the goal line. Tight end Trey Burton threw a touchdown pass to quarterback Nick Foles in a play where the defending New England Patriots were caught off guard. This audacious call became a touchstone of the Eagles’ first Super Bowl title.

3. Malcolm Butler’s Game-Saving Interception (Super Bowl XLIX, 2015)

Tembela Bohle on Pexels

As the Seattle Seahawks prepared to score a game-winning touchdown, rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler made a jaw-dropping interception at the goal line. This surprising move sealed the win for the New England Patriots. That split-second recognition and instinct transformed a Super Bowl comeback for the ages.

4. Janet Jackson’s Halftime Show Controversy (Super Bowl XXXVIII, 2004)

Bookkeeperoftheoccult on Wikimedia Commons

Janet Jackson’s performance with Justin Timberlake ended with a wardrobe malfunction in a moment that incited widespread discussion. The controversy resulted in new broadcast standards and increased scrutiny of live performances. The event was one of the most talked about moments in Super Bowl history.

5. The Comeback (Super Bowl LI, 2017)

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet on Wikimedia Commons

The Atlanta Falcons raced to a 28-3 lead against the New England Patriots, but Tom Brady made the greatest comeback in NFL Super Bowl history, sending the game to over time. The Patriots’ tenacious march ended in a 34-28 triumph, the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history.

6. The Guarantee (Super Bowl III, 1969)

Jeno’s on Wikimedia Commons

New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath made a bold guarantee of victory over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. Namath’s bravado was borne out, and the Jets won, 16-7. This game helped legitimize the AFL-NFL merger and raise the profile of the Super Bowl.

7. Prince’s Rain-Soaked Performance (Super Bowl XLI, 2007)

Pepsi on Wikimedia Commons

On a rainy day, Prince gave a phenomenal halftime performance ending with “Purple Rain.” He did so in a driving downpour that gave his performance a theatrical touch. Prince’s performance is frequently touted among the best in Super Bowl history.

8. The First Overtime (Super Bowl LI, 2017)

Super Bowl LI on Wikimedia Commons

It also marked the first time in Super Bowl history the game went to overtime. The New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons went to overtime tied after regulation. Add that with the Patriots clinching the victory with a touchdown in the extra period and you’ve got yourself a game for the ages.

9. Whitney Houston’s National Anthem (Super Bowl XXV, 1991)

Arista Records on Wikimedia Commons

Whitney Houston gave a resounding performance of the national anthem during the Gulf War. Her performance made her a person of national unity-tagged deeply with people. Houston’s performance is considered one of the most unforgettable in Super Bowl history.

10. The Blackout (Super Bowl XLVII, 2013)

Austin Kirk on Wikimedia Commons

A sudden blackout knocked the lights out at the stadium in the third quarter. The unexpected delay lasted 34 minutes, which was an unusual pause in the championship game. The incident provided an unexpected subplot to the match-up between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers.

11. The Refrigerator’s Touchdown (Super Bowl XX, 1986)

Jeno’s on Wikimedia Commons

The Chicago Bears did something unexpected and gave the football to defensive lineman William “Refrigerator” Perry close to the goal line. Perry charged into the end zone, awarding fans with his surprise contribution on offense. This moment was a manifestation of the Bears’ dominance and creativity during their championship run.

12. The Longest Kickoff Return (Super Bowl XLI, 2007)

Super Bowl XLI on Wikimedia Commons

It didn’t take long for Chicago Bears’ Devin Hester to electrify the crowd with a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to start the game. His explosive speed delivered a Super Bowl record and an early highlight. Even though the Bears eventually lost the game, Hester’s return still stands as one of the true highlights.

13. The Tackle (Super Bowl XXXIV, 2000)

Baer Tirkel on Wikimedia Commons

In the closing seconds, Tennessee Titans receiver Kevin Dyson reached for the end zone. Linebacker Mike Jones, St. Louis Rams, tackles a player at the one-yard line to preserve the game. This dramatic finish kept the Rams’ 23-16 victory in the books and is remembered simply as “The Tackle."

14. Joe Montana’s Game-Winning Drive (Super Bowl XXIII, 1989)

Kalel2007 on Wikimedia Commons

Joe Montana led the San Francisco 49ers on a 92-yard drive with just over three minutes to play. His calm demeanor in the clutch led to a touchdown pass to John Taylor. That clutch performance led to a 20-16 win against the Cincinnati Bengals.

15. The Butt Fumble’s Super Bowl Counterpart (Super Bowl XLVIII, 2014)

RYANonWIKIPEDIA on Wikimedia Commons

On a disastrous first play of the game for the Denver Broncos, the ball was snapped over Peyton Manning’s head into the end zone. The Seattle Seahawks recovered for a safety, which seemed to establish the tone for a rough outing. This blunder was one of the most lopsided Super Bowl defeats in history.

16. John Riggins’ Game-Winning Run (Super Bowl XVII, 1983)

Jeno’s on Wikimedia Commons

Washington running back John Riggins barreled his way into Super Bowl history with a pivotal fourth-quarter run. He barreled into the Miami Dolphins defense for a 43-yard touchdown on a pivotal fourth down. This iconic run won Washington its victory and helped engrave Riggins as a Super Bowl legend.

17. Garo Yepremian’s Infamous Pass (Super Bowl VII, 1973)

Smasongarrison on Wikimedia Commons

Kickers are not known for their passing, and Garo Yepremian showed why in hilarious fashion. He fired off a wild pass after a botched field goal attempt only to see it get returned for a touchdown. This blooper did not stop the Miami Dolphins from finishing their perfect season, but it was the most notorious Super Bowl gaffe of all time.

18. New Orleans’ Surprise Onside Kick (Super Bowl XLIV, 2010)

Mike Morbeck on Wikimedia Commons

Sean Payton and the Saints stunned the world by calling for an onside kick to open the second half. The aggressive play surprised the Indianapolis Colts and flipped momentum in favor of New Orleans. This audacious call ultimately led to the Saints winning their first Super Bowl.

19. The Wardrobe Malfunction (Super Bowl XXXVIII, 2004)

Bookkeeperoftheoccult on Wikimedia Commons

A shocking wardrobe malfunction happened at the halftime show performance of Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. The slip was seen by millions of viewers and sparked controversy and a significant crackdown on live television broadcasts. This moment is still one of the most infamous and talked about Super Bowl halftime show incidents of all time.

20. The Double Doink (Super Bowl XXVI, 1992)

Sea Cow on Wikimedia Commons

A Washington kicker, Chip Lohmiller, kicked a field goal that hit the upright twice and bounced in. The strange “double doink” play left fans and commentators alike shaking their heads. Although it didn’t affect the result of the game, it was one of the oddest Super Bowl-kicking moments.