There are a number of iconic sporting leagues around the world, but few can match the NFL in terms of size and popularity. After all, it the premier competition in football and draws huge crowds to watch games in person and on TV.
One reason for the NFL’s status as a top sporting league is the logos, colors and uniforms that the teams who compete it in wear. Who can fail to be impressed by the bold red and gold of the 49ers’ uniforms for example or the eye-catching design of the Miami Dolphins’ logo? This is not the only reason why the NFL continues to keep our attention and attract fans though.
Sports betting and big moments key for the NFL
Sports betting is something which is perfectly suited to football and which has really helped it grow over time. By giving people who might not have been into football an introduction to it, sports betting has enabled the NFL to pick up more followers. When you also consider the extra entertainment that betting at the top NFL apps and sportsbooks for 2023 can add to any game in the new season, it is clear the positive impact betting has on the league’s popularity.
As you would expect, the on-field action is also something which plays a key role in this league’s enduring legacy. While hard-hitting tackles are always something to cheer, it can be awe-inspiring touchdowns to consider the most impressive of these that help make the sport so appealing. These can be especially good to look back on now that we are in off-season and waiting for the drama to get underway again in 2023.
Here is our list of the top four touchdowns of all time in the NFL:
1. The immaculate reception
There could only really be one winner when it comes to the most memorable NFL touchdowns ever. Anyone who even has a passing interest in the sport knows about this play and the circumstances which led to Franco Harris running in his controversial touchdown.
For anyone who is new to the NFL, this moment occurred in a December 1972 AFC divisional playoff game between the Steelers and the Raiders. Going into the last few seconds of the match, the Steelers were trailing 7-6 and made one last desperate play to turn things around.
Quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw a pass towards his teammate John Fuqua. Instead of it getting to Fuqua though, it bounced off the helmet of Raiders player Jack Tatum and was grabbed by Steelers fullback Harris before it hit the ground. Quick to capitalize on this, Harris ran from deep to make the touchdown and hand his side a last gasp victory.
2. The catch
Just like ‘The Immaculate Reception’, you know a touchdown is legendary when it has its own name! ‘The Catch’ occurred in the 1981 NFC Championship Game between the 49ers and the Cowboys at Candlestick Park. It is remembered not only because it was a game-winning score in the last minute of play but also for the almost unbelievable catch Dwight Clark made to bag the points.
Heading into the closing stages of the game, the 49ers were losing but were pressing the Cowboys hard to get ahead. Joe Montana took the ball and somehow threw a huge pass forward under great pressure.
Most people thought the ball was going to sail out of play, but Clark leapt high at the back-right corner of the endzone to make the touchdown. The sight of Clark leaping above Cowboys defender Everson Walls helped make this a top moment in the sport’s history, as did the fact it came at the end of a 14-play move engineered by Montana.
3. The immaculate interception
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team with a lot of history in the NFL, so it is no surprise to see one of their players crop up again on our list. This truly magical touchdown happened during the 2009 Super Bowl game, where the Steelers took on the Cardinals. The Steelers eventually won 27-23 and this victory was greatly helped by one of the best touchdowns you will ever see in a Super Bowl.
With only 18 seconds left in the first half and the game still delicately poised, the Cardinals had a first and goal at Pittsburgh. Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner threw a pass out wide towards one of his receivers, but hadn’t seen Steelers linebacker James Harrison rushing towards his target.
This allowed Harrison to intercept Warner’s pass and set off on an impressive 100-yard maze run to score a touchdown. As he started to tire and the clock ticked towards zero, Harrison was tackled by Cardinal’s receiver Steve Breaston. This merely knocked him into the endzone though for the touchdown!
4. Drew Pearson catches a ‘Hail Mary’
The 1975 NFC Divisional Playoff game involved the Cowboys taking on the Vikings in a fiercely contested encounter. Heading into the last 30 seconds, Dallas was losing by four points and seemed unlikely to find a way back into it.
No one told quarterback Roger Staubach though and he sent a huge Hail Mary of a pass downfield for his teammate Drew Pearson to grab. This was no easy task though and the eventual catch Pearson made was something special. He took the ball between his hand and hip, before running clear to score a touchdown. This gave Dallas the win and broke the hearts of watching Minnesota fans.
Top touchdown moment for NFL fans to savor
If you are a huge NFL fan and are looking for ways to fill your time before the season begins again in 2023, remembering some of the greatest touchdowns ever can fill the time. This not only makes you feel better and gain a deeper understanding of the league’s history but also stops you from getting bored while there are no games on. There is no doubt that the four examples above are all iconic moments in their own right and are worth remembering.
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