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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Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (L) scrambles for an eight-yard gain in the second half of Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers in San Diego, CA 25 January. In the background is Green Bay Packers defender Reggie White. AFP PHOTO/Doug COLLIER (Photo by DOUG COLLIER / AFP) (Photo by DOUG COLLIER/AFP via Getty Images) /

27. John Elway’s Helicopter Scramble

The Denver Broncos were heavy underdogs to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII. Green Bay had won the Super Bowl the year before, and Brett Favre was coming off another MVP season.

All of the odds didn’t scare 37-year-old John Elway. The Broncos great had played in three Super Bowls prior to the 1997 season, losing all of them in blowout fashion. All Elway was missing in his career was a Super Bowl ring, and he was going to get one by any means necessary. On third down, no one was open for Denver, and Elway took off. The Broncos needed six, and the wily veteran got eight.

The Broncos would cap off the drive with a Terrell Davis touchdown, and would go on to beat the Packers 31-24. The future Hall of Fame quarterback did not have the most gaudy of numbers in the game, going 12-of-23 for 123 yards.

That said, Denver doesn’t win the game without Elway’s heroics. He ran for a touchdown in the second quarter to give the Broncos a 14-7 lead. Elway got his ring, and would get another the following year, retiring prior to the 1999 season as a two-time champion.

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