Top 30 plays in NFL history

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 30: Running back John Riggins #44 of the Washington Redskins runs 43 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter as tight end Clint Didier #86 of the Redskins and defensive back Glenn Blackwood #47 of the Miami Dolphins pursue the play during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl on January 30, 1983 in Pasadena, California. The Redskins defeated the Dolphins 27-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – FEBRUARY 07: The Indianapolis Colts fights for a loose ball against the New Orleans Saints after an onside kick to start the second half during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) /

Of all the miraculous plays in the history of the NFL, there can only be a select few that are recognized as the best in the history of the league.

There are a great number of plays that are etched into the fabric of the NFL and its history. Powerful runs, athletic catches, and passes that thread the needle- these are the best plays in NFL history.

What are the best plays in NFL history?

30. The Saints’ surprise onside

While Sean Payton and the Saints weren’t the first team to pull off a surprise onside kick in the Super Bowl- Bill Cowher did it in Super Bowl XXX against the Cowboys. That said, New Orleans is the first team to utilize a surprise onside kick and win.

Coming out of halftime of Super Bowl XLIV, the Saints were trailing Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts 10-6. Payton decided to run the surprise onside kick to begin the second half, which the Saints recovered. The Saints got the ball and drove down the field, resulting in a Drew Brees touchdown pass to Pierre Thomas.

The Colts would answer with a touchdown of their own before the Saints kicked a field goal and scored another touchdown. A successful two-point conversion after a Jeremy Shockey touchdown gave New Orleans a seven point lead with just under six minutes to play. On the ensuing Colts’ possession, Manning threw a pick-six to Tracy Porter, sealing the win for the Saints.

If not for the onside kick to begin the half, the Saints don’t get that instant boost in momentum, and quite possibly are still without a Super Bowl.

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