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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SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young (R) scrambles as Minnesota Vikings linebacker Broderick Thomas makes a leaping tackle during the first quarter 18 December in San Francisco. AFP PHOTO/John MABANGLO (Photo credit should read JOHN G. MABANGLO/AFP via Getty Images) /

26. Steve Young’s touchdown run vs Minnesota

This was one of the first times the 49ers got a look at what Steve Young was going to be.

In what is possibly the greatest run by a quarterback in NFL history, Young broke away from multiple Vikings and ran 49 yards for a 49ers touchdown. The score ended up being the game-winner, as San Francisco beat Minnesota 24-21.

Young evaded multiple Vikings down field before stumbling inside the five yard-line and collapsing into the end zone. After the game, head coach Bill Walsh called it “an unbelievable athletic feat” and a “tremendous effort.”

Young would go on to become one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in history, and this run was the first peak at the greatness he was about to put on display when he became the full-time starter a few years later.

What makes this play even greater is Lou Simmons’ play-by-play. He sounds both excited and exhausted. When you watch the play with Simmons’ call, you can feel the emotions he is feeling- he sounds like a fan in the booth. It brings it all together very well. When Young falls into the end zone and Simmons exclaims “Touchdown 49ers,” it’s just perfect.

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