The NFL is the most popular professional sport in the United States and one of the most lucrative sports leagues in the world. The NFL has a long history, dating back to its founding in 1920. The playoffs culminate in the Super Bowl, typically held in early February. In any given NFL season, a handful of games stand out above the rest. These are the games that will be remembered long after the season is over. They are the games that defined a generation of NFL fans.
New York Giants vs. Baltimore Colts
The 1958 NFL Championship game between the New York Giants and the Baltimore Colts is often considered one of the greatest games in NFL history with all-time great players dotting both rosters. The Colts, for example, were led by the legendary Johnny Unitas at QB who worked with an offense that included RB Lenny Moore, FB Alan Ameche and WR Ray Berry with Jim Parker anchoring the offensive front. The Giants, in contrast were known mostly for their defense which included Hall-of-Famers Sam Huff, DE Andy Robustelli and DB Emlen Tunnell, while RB Frank Gifford, end Kyle Rote and OT Rosey Brown were the stars on the other side of the ball. This was the first ever sudden-death overtime game in NFL history and is widely considered one of the greatest games ever played. The game was a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final minutes, with the Colts coming out on top 23-17 in overtime when FB Allan Ameche This game was also the first NFL title game to be played on national TV and is often credited with putting the pro game on an equal footing with college football which ruled the pigskin roost at the time.
Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers
In 1982, the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers met in the NFC Championship game. The Cowboys were the defending Super Bowl champions, while the 49ers were looking to get back to the big game for the first time since 1978. The two teams had met earlier in the season, with the Cowboys coming out on top 27-21.
This time, however, it was the 49ers who would prevail. They jumped out to a 28-10 lead early in the fourth quarter and, despite a late rally from the Cowboys, held on for a 28-27 victory. It was a heartbreaking loss for Dallas but an impressive win for San Francisco.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
In 1980, the Los Angeles Rams and the Pittsburgh Steelers met in a game that fans would remember for years. The Rams were led by their star quarterback, Vince Ferragamo, while the Steelers had one of the best defences in the NFL. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. In the end, the Steelers came out on top, thanks to a late touchdown by running back Franco Harris. This victory would help propel the Steelers to their fourth Super Bowl win in franchise history.
Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Redskins
In 1972, the Miami Dolphins took on the Washington Redskins in what would be one of the most memorable games in NFL history. The Dolphins were the defending Super Bowl champions and were looking to make it back-to-back titles. The Redskins, on the other hand, were a team on the rise. Led by quarterback Billy Kilmer, they were looking to dethrone the defending champs. The game did not disappoint. It was a back-and-forth affair that saw both teams exchange leads several times. Ultimately, the Dolphins came out on top, thanks to a late field goal by Garo Yepremian. The game was not only a classic but also cemented the Dolphins as one of the league’s premier teams.
Could it happen this year?
Time will tell whether this year’s Super Bowl, scheduled for February 12th in Phoenix, will live up to any of those earlier great games but there are some potential match-ups between, for example, the Philadelphia Eagles, the league’s last remaining unbeaten team, and say Buffalo or Kansas City which would at least be in play. Fans gear up when their favorite teams play, and for a good reason. Anything could happen on the field, so stats and NFL odds are important, but they do not define the match’s outcome. This is why the history of the NFL speaks volumes about just how epic the sport is.
