14 of the greatest Super Bowl moments (that would have been incredible to see live!)
Super Bowl memorries
While watching all the Super Bowl action unfold on television is great, not even the highest of hi-def flat screens could replace the experience of seeing the Big Game from the stands.
Through all the storied moments since the first Super Bowl, few have created lasting reactions like these…that wold have been incredible to see live.
Max McGee catching history — 1967
Simply being at the first Super Bowl, which took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, would have been monumental. But one specific play that stands out among the rest was Max McGee’s touchdown catch, the first in SB history.
Namath's "guaranteed" win — 1969
What did Joe say?!
The on-field tension that must have been escalating after “Broadway” Joe Namath guaranteed a win over Baltimore Colts—the favorites—in Super Bowl III had to have been incredible. And to fulfill the guarantee while earning MVP honors? Can’t say we’re not a tad envious of the fans who made it to Miami that day.
Swann's acrobatics — 1976
Super Bowl X had two historic franchises facing off, which alone would have been worth the price of admission. But a chance to see Lynn Swann’s acrobatic catches? Today, they are replay marvels, so to see that type of athleticism from the stands … yes, please!
Madden's sendoff — 1977
John Madden was the NFL—to the youngest of football generations to the oldest. And what a thrill it would have been to see him hoisted and carried off the field after the Oakland Raiders defeated the Vikings in Super XI.
Montana to Taylor — 1989
We would have purchased Super Bowl XXIII tickets for the possibility of seeing the “Ickey Shuffle” —but alas, it would be the game-winning drive that ended with Joe Montana hitting John Taylor on a 10-yard score that would have been the highlight worth seeing.
Whitney's Anthem — 1991
Many would remember Super Bowl XXV for Scoot Norwood’s wide-right miss — a 47-yard field go that sailed and gave the Giants the win over the Bills. But the legendary moment happened before the game when Whitney Houston belted a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner that still creates goosebumps today.
The Titans come up short — 2000
Mike Jones tackling Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson one yard shy of the end zone on the final play of Super Bowl XXXIV goes down as one of the most memorable moments in sports history — any sport. Honestly, we’d have settled for the 73-yard bomb that Kurt Warner tossed to Isaac Bruce for the go-ahead lead. But this all-time stop remains in a class by itself … well, maybe sharing space with a catch that we’ll get to in a moment.
Prince — 2007
Very few people could steal the show from Peyton Manning — Prince’s Super Bowl XLI halftime performance would be one of those rare occasions.
David Tyree uses his head...literally — 2008
Other than the Titans-Rams final play in 2000, few SB moments would have been more remarkable to see live than David Tyree’s “Helmet Catch” in 2008. Not only did the wild snag help end the Tom Brady-led Patriots’ perfect season, but it created one of the lasting images in sports history.
James Harrison. Could. Go. All. The . Way! — 2009
Sure, a lot of fans will point to Santonio Holmes’ 6-yard TD catch to seal the win for the Steelers as an impressive memory. But if we’re talking “You had to be there” moments, then you can’t argue with the longest score in SB history— a 100-yard scamper by LB James Harrison.
Malcolm Butler interception — 2015
To be in a packed University of Phoenix Stadium, thinking—like everyone else—that the ball was going to Seattle’s “Beast Mode” Marshawn Lynch…only to witness New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler intercept a pass to seal a Super Bowl XLIX victory. The mix of confusion and elation would have been epic!
"28-3" — 2017
So, this is a little bit of a stretch, seeing as this nod constitutes an entire half of football as the “moment.” But to be at the game—the comeback of all comebacks—that has since been an all-time meme/reminder/punchline/the works? The New England Patriots’ 34-28 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI is on our list!
Nick Foles and the "Philly Special" — 2018
Eagles QB Nick Foles: “You want Philly Philly?”
Eagles head coach Doug Pedersen: “Yeah, let’s do it.”
Us: “Did you just see that — on 4th-and-goal!”
The rest is history.
A historical flyover — 2021
Let’s not forget one of the greatest spectacles that must be experienced in person—the Military Flyover. Any of them throughout SB history are breathtaking, powerful moments, but the flyover in 2021 came with a unique story that set it apart from the others. It was the first flyover of a major sporting event that featured a B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress—a true sight to behold! (For the Tom Brady fans, you could also add in the bonus of seeing the GOAT win a record-setting seventh Super Bowl ring.)
