Fansided

Top 30 plays in NFL history

By Jarrett Bailey

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)
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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NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 26: A statue titled ‘Rebirth,’ which depicts former New Orleans Saint Steve Gleason blocking a punt against the Atlanta Falcons during the first football game after the Superdome re-opened for the first time after Hurricane Katrina is seen before a game between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 26, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 26: A statue titled ‘Rebirth,’ which depicts former New Orleans Saint Steve Gleason blocking a punt against the Atlanta Falcons during the first football game after the Superdome re-opened for the first time after Hurricane Katrina is seen before a game between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 26, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

23. Steve Gleason’s blocked punt

This play was so much bigger than football. It sent a message to a city that was healing from a national tragedy. The message? We’re going to be okay.

In 2006, the Saints returned to the Superdome after a year away following Hurricane Katrina. They had a new head coach in Sean Payton and a new quarterback in Drew Brees. Along with their new regime, they were given a new hope in their first true home game in over a year.

The game was more of a spectacle than anything. U2 and Green Day performed before the game, and President Bush flipped the coin before the game started.

Then, in the first two minutes of the game, the roof nearly popped off the dome. The Falcons setup for a punt that was blocked by Steve Gleason and recovered for a Saints touchdown. For it to happen in that game, in that moment- there are few plays in NFL history that will make you as emotional as this play. Gleason didn’t just help the Saints win a football game, he helped New Orleans get back on its feet.

The Saints won the game 23-3, which put them at 3-0 on the year, and began their amazing Cinderella story of a season.

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