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The Top 10 Greatest Football Touchdowns in History

11/04/2024

Greatest Football Touchdowns of All-time

From unforgettable plays that changed the course of games to jaw-dropping athleticism that left fans in awe, these moments define what it means to achieve greatness on the field. Each entry here showcases not only the skill of the players but also the thrill and drama of American football at its finest. Here’s a look at the greatest football touchdowns in NFL history, which will be forever etched in the memories of fans.

Franco Harris, renowned for the Immaculate Reception, one of the Greatest Football Touchdowns.

1. The Immaculate Reception – Franco Harris (1972, Steelers vs. Raiders)

This touchdown by Franco Harris is one of the greatest football touchdowns in history. In a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders in 1972, a deflected pass miraculously landed in Harris’s hands, leading him to run it in for a touchdown that would propel the Steelers into the playoffs.

  • Marked the beginning of the Steelers’ legendary 1970s dynasty
  • Showcased Harris’s incredible situational awareness
  • Often considered the most famous play in NFL history
David Tyree, celebrated for his game-changing catch leading to one of the Greatest Football Touchdowns.

The Helmet Catch – David Tyree (2008, Super Bowl XLII Giants vs. Patriots)

During Super Bowl XLII, David Tyree’s one-handed helmet catch set the stage for a game-winning touchdown by the New York Giants against the undefeated New England Patriots. While not the touchdown itself, it led to the memorable game-winning score.

  • Known for defying odds and securing a win against an undefeated team
  • Considered one of the most clutch catches in Super Bowl history
  • Cemented Eli Manning’s status as a Super Bowl MVP
Marshawn Lynch, famous for his Beast Quake run, one of the Greatest Football Touchdowns.

3. Beast Quake – Marshawn Lynch (2011, Seahawks vs. Saints)

Marshawn Lynch’s 67-yard touchdown run against the New Orleans Saints during the 2010 playoffs was a display of sheer power and determination. Known as the “Beast Quake,” this touchdown saw Lynch bulldoze through defenders, leaving a lasting impression on the NFL.

  • Defined Lynch’s “Beast Mode” persona and playing style
  • Energized the Seattle Seahawks fan base and stadium
  • Set a record for crowd noise, measuring as a seismic event
Dwight Clark, remembered for The Catch, one of the Greatest Football Touchdowns in NFL history.

4. The Catch – Dwight Clark (1982, 49ers vs. Cowboys)

Dwight Clark’s touchdown catch in the 1982 NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys is an iconic moment that secured the San Francisco 49ers’ place in Super Bowl XVI. Known simply as “The Catch,” it remains a defining moment in NFL lore and undoubtedly one of the greatest football touchdowns.

  • Marked the beginning of the 49ers’ dynasty in the 1980s
  • Showcased Joe Montana’s skill and precision as a quarterback
  • Inspired future generations with its dramatic finish
DeSean Jackson, known for his Miracle at the Meadowlands II touchdown, one of the Greatest Football Touchdowns.

5. Miracle at the Meadowlands II – DeSean Jackson (2010, Eagles vs. Giants)

In a stunning display of speed and agility, DeSean Jackson’s game-winning punt return touchdown for the Philadelphia Eagles against the New York Giants in 2010 left fans speechless. Known as the “Miracle at the Meadowlands II,” this play is an all-time classic and one of the all-time greatest football touchdowns.

  • First game-winning punt return touchdown with no time left
  • Embodied Jackson’s explosive playmaking ability
  • Secured a place in NFL history for the Philadelphia Eagles
Marcus Allen, Super Bowl MVP known for one of the Greatest Football Touchdowns.

6. Marcus Allen’s Super Bowl Run – Marcus Allen (1984, Super Bowl XVIII Raiders vs. Washington)

Marcus Allen’s 74-yard touchdown run for the Los Angeles Raiders in Super Bowl XVIII showcased his vision and athleticism. Breaking through the line and reversing field, Allen’s run remains one of the most spectacular Super Bowl plays.

  • Set a record for the longest touchdown run in a Super Bowl
  • Showed Allen’s ability to read defenses and improvise
  • Contributed significantly to the Raiders’ Super Bowl victory
Desmond Howard, known for his Super Bowl XXXI kickoff return, one of the Greatest Football Touchdowns.

7. Super Bowl XXXI Kickoff Return – Desmond Howard (1997, Packers vs. Patriots)

Desmond Howard’s 99-yard kickoff return touchdown for the Green Bay Packers against the New England Patriots was pivotal in securing their Super Bowl XXXI victory. Howard’s run electrified the stadium and ultimately earned him MVP honors.

  • First special teams player to win Super Bowl MVP
  • Demonstrated the impact of a well-timed special teams play
  • Solidified the Packers’ dominance in their Super Bowl win
Odell Beckham Jr, famous for his one-handed catch leading to one of the Greatest Football Touchdowns.

8. Odell Beckham Jr.’s One-Handed Catch (2014, Giants vs. Cowboys)

While Odell Beckham Jr.’s incredible one-handed catch against the Dallas Cowboys wasn’t one of the greatest football touchdowns, it did set up a critical scoring opportunity for the New York Giants and is often remembered as one of the greatest catches in NFL history.

  • Symbolized Beckham’s exceptional talent and athleticism
  • Became an iconic image and moment in NFL history
  • Inspired a generation of receivers with its skill and flair
Bo Jackson, known for his legendary 91-yard run, one of the Greatest Football Touchdowns.

9. 91-Yard Touchdown Run – Bo Jackson (1987, Raiders vs. Seahawks)

In 1987, Bo Jackson’s 91-yard touchdown run against the Seattle Seahawks demonstrated his speed, power, and elusiveness. Breaking multiple tackles and outrunning defenders, Jackson’s run highlighted his remarkable athletic ability and he went on to score one of the greatest football touchdowns.

  • Showcased Jackson’s unique blend of speed and strength
  • Became a staple highlight for sports broadcasts
  • Cemented Jackson’s reputation as one of football’s greatest athletes
Antonio Freeman, remembered for his Monday Night Miracle touchdown, one of the Greatest Football Touchdowns.

10. Monday Night Miracle – Antonio Freeman (2000, Packers vs. Vikings)

During a 2000 Monday Night Football game, Antonio Freeman’s unbelievable catch-and-run touchdown for the Green Bay Packers against the Minnesota Vikings left fans awestruck. On a tipped pass, Freeman caught the ball on his back and got up to score the game-winning touchdown.

  • Highlighted Freeman’s incredible focus and reaction time
  • Became one of the most memorable plays in Monday Night Football history
  • Defined Brett Favre’s resilience and connection with his receivers, creating one of the greatest football touchdowns

The Greatest Football Touchdowns

Each of the greatest football touchdowns stands as a testament to the skill, athleticism, and drama that makes American football so captivating. Whether through sheer power, incredible catches, or improbable moments, these plays have earned their place in the sport’s history.

Honorable Mentions: Touchdowns That Nearly Made the Greatest Football Touchdown List

While only ten plays could make the cut, many other unforgettable touchdowns came close to joining the ranks. Legendary moments like Julian Edelman’s improbable Super Bowl LI catch, Lynn Swann’s graceful receptions in Super Bowl X, and Tony Dorsett’s 99-yard run for the Cowboys are just a few examples. These plays may not have made the top 10 list, but they showcased incredible athleticism, thrilling fans and solidifying each player’s place in NFL history. For many fans, these near-misses are still among the greatest football touchdowns ever.

 

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