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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TAMPA, FL – FEBRUARY 01: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers returns an interception 100-yards for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

5. James Harrison’s 100 yard gallop

It is the longest play in Super Bowl history, and it completely changed the course of Super Bowl XLIII.

The Cardinals were in prime position to take the lead before halftime. Trailing 10-7 from the Pittsburgh two yard-line, Kurt Warner faced pressure and quickly threw the pass to Anquan Boldin. Harrison had dropped back into coverage and read the pass before intercepting it. What ensued next was beautiful chaos.

Several Steelers defensive backs tried to take the ball from Harrison, who refused while shoving the likes of Deshea Townsend and Ike Taylor into Cardinals to clear a path. Larry Fitzgerald pursued Harrison for the full 100 yards, making the tackle just as the Defensive Player of the Year made it into the end zone. Instead of Arizona either tying the game or going up by four, the touchdown gave the Steelers a 17-7 halftime lead.

The second half would swing mostly in the favor of Arizona, as Larry Fitzgerald continued his historic playoff run. Unfortunately for Arizona, but the aforementioned Santonio Holmes touchdown helped give the Steelers their sixth Super Bowl in franchise history. If not for Harrison’s momentum shifting play, Arizona may have a Super Bowl banner hanging up.

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