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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David Tyree (R) of the New York Giants catches the ball before Asante Samuel (L) of the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLII at the University of Phoenix Stadium 03 February 2008 in Glendale, Arizona. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images) /

4. David Tyree uses his head

The play that signified the beginning of the end for the Patriots hopes of a perfect season came on third-and-five.

With just over one minute remaining in the fourth quarter, Eli Manning somehow escaped the grasps of Richard Seymour and multiple other Patriots defenders to throw up a prayer to David Tyree. The mostly unknown receiver pinned the ball to his helmet as Ronnie Harrison tried battling it away from him. Tyree kept possession of the ball, and the Giants gained 32 yards on the play.

The Giants would go on to take the lead on a Plaxico Burress touchdown reception and hold on to win Super Bowl XLII. The Patriots had multiple opportunities to win the game. Asante Samuel almost sealed the win with an interception on the Giants final drive. Tom Brady and Randy Moss almost answered back on a deep shot after the Burress touchdown.

Ultimately, the Giants pass rush turned out to be the determining factor, and New York was the one in 18-1. Without Tyree’s late-game heroics, New England would be universally recognized as the greatest team of all time.

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