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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(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

2. Malcolm Butler steals Super Bowl XLIX

This play is one of the most recent on the list, and one of the most controversial in league history.

The Seattle Seahawks look poised to win their second straight Super Bowl. Earlier on the drive, Jermaine Kearse had just made an incredible reception in which the ball bounced all over the place. It looked as if the Patriots were about to be victims of an incredible catch once again. While inside the five, it seemed imminent that Marshawn Lynch was going to get the ball and fall into the end zone to win the game for Seattle.

Instead, the Seahawks decided to pass from the one yard-line. Wilson looked for a quick slant, but the pass was undercut by Patriots rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler, who intercepted the pass and sealed the win for New England.

While it’ll never be known for certain what would have happened if Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll decided to run, it is all but certain that Seattle would have scored with less than 30 seconds remaining. Instead, the Patriots won their fourth Super Bowl of the Brady-Belichick era, and Malcolm Butler’s name became synonymous with one of the most clutch plays of all time.

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