Earlier this month, Tamba Hali announced his retirement from the NFL. His retirement immediately had Penn State fans reflecting on his time with the Nittany Lions. Hali was behind one of the most symbolic plays of Penn State’s return to national prominence a little more than 15 years ago.
On October 8, 2005, with Penn State battling favored Ohio State, Hali came off the edge and leveled Buckeyes quarterback Troy Smith (who would eventually to go on to win a Heisman Trophy during his time with the Buckeyes). Smith flipped from the hit and lost control of the football, and Penn State recovered it to help secure a major victory for former head coach Joe Paterno.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiqWvBfgcKo
Perhaps the epitome of this moment is Bevaer Stadium was rocking like it had never done in the history of the stadium, arguably. His teammates celebrated accordingly. Hali? He just calmly walked off the field as if it were just another play.
The play is referred to today as The Fumble, and it was the signature play of a season that redefined Penn State football after years of subpar performances and mediocrity. The 2005 Nittany Lions went on to claim the Big Ten championship, with this victory against Ohio State fueling the run, and Penn State would go on to finish the year with an epic Orange Bowl victory against ACC champion Florida State, coached by Bobby Bowden.
Who knows what would have happened if Hali wasn’t there for The Fumble.
Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.
[vertical-gallery id=2290]
[listicle id=293]
[lawrence-related id=2837,3068,3057,3051,3021]