For NFL fans, every unforgettable touchdown, game-winning pass, and legendary play is a moment to be cherished. But blackout restrictions can often leave fans on the sidelines, missing out on these iconic moments. Now fans can enjoy the best of NFL history and live games from anywhere in the world—no blackouts, no interruptions.
Whether it’s Joe Montana’s famous “The Catch,” David Tyree’s impossible Helmet Catch, or Marshawn Lynch’s Beast Quake, using PureVPN you can make sure you don’t miss any of the excitement. Here, we revisit five defining plays that every fan should relive.
1. The Catch – 1982 NFC Championship Game
The Catch: Joe Montana to Dwight Clark
In a game that would go down in history, the San Francisco 49ers squared off against the Dallas Cowboys with a Super Bowl berth on the line. The fourth quarter was ticking away, and the 49ers trailed. Then, in a moment of pure magic, Joe Montana rolled right, nearly stumbling under pressure, and lofted a high pass to Dwight Clark in the end zone.
Clark leapt, fingers outstretched, snagging the ball with a grace that left fans speechless. Known simply as The Catch, it’s a play that transformed an era and defined a generation of 49ers fans.
2. The Helmet Catch – Super Bowl XLII
The Patriots were one game away from a perfect season when they faced the Giants in the 2008 Super Bowl. With time running out and the Giants down, Eli Manning escaped what seemed like an inevitable sack, heaving the ball downfield.
David Tyree, surrounded by defenders, leapt into the air and miraculously pinned the football against his helmet as he came crashing down.
This insane play set up the game-winning touchdown and handed the Patriots a crushing defeat, sending shockwaves through the sports world.
3. Beast Quake – 2011 NFC Wild Card Game
Seattle’s raucous home crowd is famous, but on this January night, their noise registered as seismic activity. When Marshawn Lynch took a handoff and stormed 67 yards downfield, breaking tackle after tackle, it was pure, unfiltered NFL at its finest. As Lynch leaped into the end zone, the stadium erupted with such force that it measured on the Richter scale, forever cementing “Beast Mode” in NFL lore.
4. Miracle at the Meadowlands – 1978
Some games end with a fumble and no one even remembers. But in 1978, the Giants’ decision to run the ball instead of kneeling sparked a historic play. When a botched handoff led to a fumble, Philadelphia’s Herman Edwards scooped up the ball and raced into the end zone.
That improbable touchdown secured the win for the Eagles and led to a dramatic change in how teams play out final seconds when holding a lead.
5. The Music City Miracle – 2000 AFC Wild Card Game
Trailing with seconds to go, the Tennessee Titans found themselves on the brink of defeat against the Buffalo Bills. As the kickoff sailed downfield, it was quickly tossed across the field in a lateral to Kevin Dyson, who sprinted down the sideline to score the game-winning touchdown. In just seconds, a simple kickoff return had turned into the most amazing plays in NFL history.
6. The Minneapolis Miracle – 2018 NFC Divisional Playoff
With the game on the line and just seconds left, the Minnesota Vikings were desperate for a miracle against the New Orleans Saints. Case Keenum fired a pass to Stefon Diggs, who dodged a would-be tackler and bolted downfield to clinch the game.
It was a heart-stopping, impossible moment that sent the Vikings to the NFC Championship and left fans in utter disbelief.
These moments are why we watch sports—for the thrill, the drama, and the memories that stick with us forever. For those times when blackout restrictions or travel might interfere, make sure you’re prepared to catch every second of NFL history in the making.
Sure, here are three more iconic moments that would be great additions to the list for NFL fans:
7. The Immaculate Reception – 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff
Some plays are so unbelievable they become legend. Down 7-6 with 22 seconds left, the Pittsburgh Steelers were desperate against the Oakland Raiders. Terry Bradshaw heaved a pass downfield, only for it to bounce off defenders. But then, in an impossible twist, Franco Harris appeared out of nowhere, plucking the ball just inches from the turf and charging into the end zone.
This play not only gave Pittsburgh the win, but it sparked a dynasty and remains the most controversial calls in NFL history.
8. Wide Right – Super Bowl XXV (1991)
The Super Bowl stage doesn’t get more dramatic than this. Down by a single point with only seconds remaining, Buffalo Bills kicker Norwood lined up for a 47-yard field goal that would have won them the title. But as he kicked, the ball sailed just wide of the right upright, handing the Giants the victory and marking the most heartbreaking losses in Super Bowl history.
This miss is etched in NFL memory as the play that began a string of near-miss Super Bowls for Buffalo.
Enjoy Every Game Without Blackouts
As NFL fans know all too well, blackout restrictions can make it tough to watch every game live, especially your favorite ones. Whether you’re traveling, located outside of your home region, or simply facing local blackouts, these restrictions can disrupt the excitement. By using a residential proxy by PureVPN, fans can bypass these frustrating limitations and ensure they’re there for every unforgettable moment.
Whether you’re reliving the NFL’s greatest hits or catching new moments in real time, there’s a special kind of nostalgia in watching these iconic plays in real time.
They’re the moments that made us leap off the couch, shout at the screen, and feel like part of something bigger.
From impossible touchdowns to game-changing miracles, these are the plays that keep us coming back, season after season.