5. Super Bowl XLIII (2009): Steelers, 27 Cardinals, 23
This game was a back and forth battle until the very end when Santonio Holmes caught the would be game winning touchdown with just over 40 seconds left in the game. This Super Bowl had some huge plays, which included a Larry Fitzgerald 64 yard touchdown, James Harrison 100 yard pick six that ended the 2nd quarter, and Santonio Holmes’ game sealing touchdown. It was one of the more exciting games, especially in the 4th quarter when you couldn’t tell who was going to win until ultimately the Steelers went home Super Bowl champs!
4. Super Bowl XLII (2008): Giants, 17 Patriots, 14
The Giants spoiled the Patriots perfect season after Asante Samuel dropped a would be game sealing interception which to the spectacular David Tyree helmet catch where Eli Manning somehow avoided getting sacked several times on a 3rd and 5 with 1:15 to play in the game. Plaxico Burress ended up catching the game winning touchdown, leaving just 35 seconds on the game clock. Brady attempted a few deep bombs to Randy Moss that came close to being caught but weren’t. The Patriots missed their perfect season and the Giants went home Super Bowl champions in one of the best games ever.
3. Super Bowl XXXVI (2002): Patriots, 20 Rams, 17
Super Bowl XXVI was the start to the Patriots’ dynasty and Tom Brady’s legacy. In this game the Patriots managed to beat the heavy favorite “Greatest Show on Turf” Rams in a classic Super Bowl. John Madden was calling for the Patriots to kneel the ball and play for overtime, but Bill Belichick had a different idea. Tom Brady marched the Patriots down field, leading to an Adam Vinatieri 48 yard game winning field goal as time expired, making the Patriots Super Bowl champions for the first time in franchise history.
2. Super Bowl XXXIV (2000): Rams, 23 Titans, 16
Football is a game of inches, and that’s just what it came down to in one of the most intense games in Super Bowl history. The Titans had a chance to tie the game (assuming they make the extra point) on a Kevin Dyson catch where he got tackled 1 yard short of the endzone. It was a heartbreaking end for the Titans’ season. The Titans were able to hold Marshall Faulk in check as he averaged just 1.7 yards a carry. Unfortunately for the Titans, Kurt Warner passed for over 400 yards and Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt were practically unguardable, each going over 100 yards with a receiving touchdown. Eddie George gave his all, rushing for 2 touchdowns and 95 yards, while Steve McNair did all he could on the last drive to keep the Titans hopes alive, avoiding would be tacklers on a 3rd and 5 with :22 seconds left and finding Dyson for a 1st down on the 10 yard line. Dyson ended up getting tackled 1 yard short, and the Rams won at the end of regulation, making for one of the best Super Bowl games in NFL history.
1. Super Bowl XLIX (2015): Patriots, 28 Seahawks, 24
The Seahawks could have been Super Bowl champs in back to back seasons, if only they ran the ball. Dont’a Hightower had a huge goal line tackle on Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, stopping him at the 1 yard line. The Seahawks tried to catch the Patriots off guard throwing the ball on the 1 yard line, leading to the undrafted rookie free agent cornerback Malcolm Butler’s game winning interception. The Patriots went on to kneel the ball to kill the clock, earning their 4th Super Bowl victory in franchise history.
There have been many great Super Bowls over the history of the NFL, some of which could have easily made this list. Let us know what your favorite Super Bowl was.
