Top 10 Interceptions of All Time

Top 10 Interceptions of All Time

Hi there, I’m Emily Johnson and I’m excited to bring you the top 10 interceptions of all time. As a die-hard football fan, I’ve seen some incredible interceptions over the years and I can’t wait to share my favorites with you. So, let’s dive in!

What are Interceptions?

Before we get started, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. An interception is a defensive play in football where a player on the defending team catches a pass thrown by the opposing team’s quarterback. This results in a turnover, giving possession of the ball to the defending team.

Top 10 Interceptions of All Time

Now, without further ado, here are my top 10 interceptions of all time:

1. The Immaculate Reception – In the 1972 AFC Divisional playoff game, the Pittsburgh Steelers were down 7-6 to the Oakland Raiders with just seconds left on the clock. Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw a pass that bounced off a Raiders defender and was caught by Franco Harris, who ran it in for the game-winning touchdown. This play is still considered one of the greatest in NFL history.
2. The Pick at the Stick – In the 2013 NFC Championship game, the San Francisco 49ers were down 23-17 to the Seattle Seahawks with just over a minute left in the game. 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick attempted a pass to Michael Crabtree, but it was intercepted by Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, sealing the win for Seattle. Sherman’s infamous post-game interview added to the drama of the play.
3. The Helmet Catch – In Super Bowl XLII, the New England Patriots were undefeated and favored to win against the New York Giants. With just over a minute left in the game, Giants quarterback Eli Manning avoided multiple sacks and threw a pass to David Tyree, who caught the ball against his helmet while being tackled by Patriots safety Rodney Harrison. The play kept the Giants’ drive alive, and they went on to score the game-winning touchdown.
4. The One-Handed Wonder – In a 2014 regular season game between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys, Giants cornerback Odell Beckham Jr. made a one-handed catch while falling backwards, fully extending his arm to make the grab. The play was so impressive that it quickly went viral and is still considered one of the greatest catches in NFL history.
5. The Pick-Six – In Super Bowl XLIV, the Indianapolis Colts were down 10-0 to the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning attempted a pass, but it was intercepted by Saints cornerback Tracy Porter, who returned it for a touchdown. The play was a turning point in the game and helped the Saints secure their first Super Bowl victory.
6. The Music City Miracle – In the 1999 AFC Wild Card game between the Tennessee Titans and Buffalo Bills, the Titans were down 16-15 with just 16 seconds left in the game. Titans fullback Lorenzo Neal received the kickoff and immediately handed the ball off to Kevin Dyson, who ran it in for a touchdown. The play was controversial, with some arguing that it was an illegal forward pass.
7. The Sea of Hands – In the 1974 AFC Divisional playoff game between the Oakland Raiders and Miami Dolphins, Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler threw a pass into a crowd of Dolphins defenders. Raiders receiver Clarence Davis somehow came down with the ball, giving the Raiders the win and sending them to the AFC Championship game.
8. The Tuck Rule Game – In the 2001 AFC Divisional playoff game between the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders, the Patriots were down 13-10 with under two minutes left in the game. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady attempted to tuck the ball away after being hit by Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson, but fumbled the ball. The Raiders recovered the fumble and it appeared as though the game was over, but referees reviewed the play and determined that it was an incomplete pass due to the tuck rule. The Patriots went on to tie the game and win in overtime.
9. The Minneapolis Miracle – In the 2018 NFC Divisional playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints, the Vikings were tied with the Saints 24-24 with just seconds left in the game. Vikings quarterback Case Keenum threw a pass to Stefon Diggs, who caught the ball and ran it in for a 61-yard game-winning touchdown. The play was dubbed the Minneapolis Miracle and became an instant classic.
10. The Catch – In the 1981 NFC Championship game between the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys, 49ers quarterback Joe Montana threw a pass to Dwight Clark, who made a leaping catch in the end zone for a game-winning touchdown. The play has become known simply as The Catch and is one of the most iconic plays in NFL history.

Why These Interceptions Made the List

So, why did these interceptions make my list? Well, each one of them had a significant impact on the game in which they occurred. Some of them were game-winning plays, while others helped turn the tide of the game in favor of the defending team. Additionally, each of these interceptions was incredibly impressive in its own right, showcasing incredible athleticism, skill, and awareness on the part of the defender.

FAQs

What is the difference between an interception and a fumble?

An interception occurs when a player on the defending team catches a pass thrown by the opposing team’s quarterback. A fumble occurs when a player on the offensive team loses possession of the ball before being tackled or going out of bounds.

What is the record for most interceptions in a single season?

The record for most interceptions in a single season is 14, set by Dick Night Train Lane in 1952.

Who holds the record for most career interceptions?

The record for most career interceptions is held by Paul Krause, who recorded 81 interceptions over the course of his career.

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed my list of the top 10 interceptions of all time. Did your favorite interception make the list? Let me know in the comments!