Sports have an incredible ability to inspire, unite, and create memorable moments that echo through time. Whether through awe-inspiring displays of skill, strategic brilliance, or sheer tenacity, some plays redefine their sports and change the way we view competition. In this article, we celebrate the "Top 100 Sports Plays That Changed the Game," diving into each iconic moment with detailed descriptions, links for further exploration, and more!
1. The Immaculate Reception (1972)
Sport: Football
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Impact: The moment that shifted the NFL’s perception of the Steelers, this legendary catch by Franco Harris in the playoffs against the Oakland Raiders is one of the most debated plays in NFL history.
Learn more about the Immaculate Reception here.
2. Michael Jordan’s “The Shot” (1989)
Sport: Basketball
Team: Chicago Bulls
Impact: Jordan’s game-winning jumper over Craig Ehlo in the first round of the NBA playoffs not only secured a victory but cemented his legacy as “the GOAT.” The shot is immortalized in NBA lore.
Watch Michael Jordan’s “The Shot” here.
3. Kirk Gibson’s Walk-Off Home Run (1988)
Sport: Baseball
Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Impact: A hobbled Gibson’s dramatic game-winning home run in Game 1 of the World Series ushered in a new era of playoff heroics, symbolizing hope and determination.
Watch the full highlight here.
4. The Catch (1981)
Sport: Football
Team: San Francisco 49ers
Impact: Joe Montana’s strike to Dwight Clark in the 1981 NFC Championship Game is simply known as "The Catch," marking the beginning of San Francisco’s dynasty.
Explore more about “The Catch”.
5. USA Hockey’s Miracle on Ice (1980)
Sport: Hockey
Team: USA
Impact: In a stunning upset, the U.S. hockey team defeated the Soviet Union in the 1980 Olympics, symbolizing hope during a time of political tension.
Discover the Miracle on Ice backstory here.
6. LeBron James’ Block (2016)
Sport: Basketball
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Impact: LeBron’s historic chase-down block in Game 7 of the NBA Finals was a pivotal moment that helped secure the Cavaliers’ first championship, highlighting athleticism and tenacity.
Check out the highlight of LeBron’s block here.
7. The "Hail Mary" Pass (1975)
Sport: Football
Team: Dallas Cowboys
Impact: Roger Staubach’s famous "Hail Mary" pass to Drew Pearson in the playoffs redefined desperation plays and added a new phrase to the football lexicon.
Learn more about the history of the Hail Mary here.
8. The Heisman Trophy Presentation (1935)
Sport: College Football
Impact: Jay Berwanger became the first recipient of this prestigious award, changing the way we honor collegiate athletes and highlighting their importance to the sport.
More about the Heisman Trophy’s history.
9. Tiger Woods’ Chip-In at the 16th (2005)
Sport: Golf
Impact: Woods’ remarkable chip-in at the 2005 Masters exemplified clutch performance and remains one of the defining moments in golf history.
Watch the iconic chip-in here.
10. The Flea Flicker (1968)
Sport: Football
Team: San Diego Chargers
Impact: This innovative play showcased the creativity in football play-calling, leading to new strategic possibilities within the game.
Learn how to execute a flea flicker here.
11. Serena Williams’ Comeback Win (2017)
Sport: Tennis
Impact: Williams fought back from a set down to defeat her sister Venus in the Australian Open final after returning from maternity leave, redefining resilience in sports.
12. The Boston Red Sox Break the Curse (2004)
Sport: Baseball
Impact: The Red Sox’s historic comeback from a 0-3 deficit to win the ALCS and subsequent World Series marked the end of an 86-year championship drought.
Read about the Curse of the Bambino.
13. Usain Bolt’s 100m World Record (2009)
Sport: Athletics
Impact: Bolt’s electrifying performance at the Berlin World Championships changed sprinting forever, as he clocked 9.58 seconds, setting a new standard for excellence.
14. The "Play" (1982)
Sport: Football
Team: Stanford vs. Cal
Impact: This wild game-ending play with multiple laterals has gone down as one of the most chaotic and memorable moments in college football history.
15. The Miracle at the Meadowlands (1978)
Sport: Football
Team: New York Giants
Impact: A catastrophic fumble by the Giants in the last moments allowed the Philadelphia Eagles to score a game-winning touchdown and introduced fans to the concept of "prevent defense."
Find out more about this historic moment.
16. Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs (1973)
Sport: Tennis
Impact: This match not only propelled women’s sports into the spotlight but also sparked discussions about gender equality in athletics.
Watch the historic match highlights.
17. The First "Dunk Contest" (1984)
Sport: Basketball
Impact: The inaugural NBA Slam Dunk Contest provided a platform for players to showcase their creativity and artistry, becoming a fan-favorite event.
Learn more about the dunk contest history.
18. Miami Heat’s “Big Three” Assemble (2010)
Sport: Basketball
Team: Miami Heat
Impact: The formation of the “Big Three” with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh changed team-building strategies and set off a trend in forming superteams.
Learn about the Big Three’s journey.
19. The Hand of God Goal (1986)
Sport: Soccer
Player: Diego Maradona
Impact: Maradona’s controversial goal using his hand in the World Cup still sparks debates about fair play while establishing him as one of the sport’s legendary figures.
20. The Rumble in the Jungle (1974)
Sport: Boxing
Fight: Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman
Impact: Ali’s historic victory over Foreman not only reclaimed the heavyweight title but also became a crucial moment in sports history, showcasing strategy and resilience.
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100. The First Olympic Games (776 BC)
Sport: Multiple
Impact: The first recorded Olympic Games set the standard for international sporting competition, allowing athletes to showcase their skills and foster unity.
Learn more about the history of the Olympics.
Final Thoughts
The top 100 sports plays showcased in this countdown represent unforgettable moments that transcended their respective sports. They have not only influenced athletes and fans alike but have also left indelible marks on culture and society. Each play illustrates the emotion and excitement that sports can bring, inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of human achievement. Whether you experienced these events live or through the lens of history, these iconic plays are reminders of the enduring spirit of competition.