5. Ray Lewis’ Emotional Farewell Run (2013 Playoffs)

Ray Lewis, one of the most iconic linebackers in NFL history, ended his storied 17-year career with an unforgettable playoff run in 2012 that symbolized his leadership and passion for the game. The Baltimore Ravens, galvanized by their legendary linebacker, delivered one of the most memorable postseason performances in NFL history. The journey to Super Bowl XLVII was filled with defining moments, none more dramatic than their clash with the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. In a game now immortalized in NFL lore, quarterback Joe Flacco launched a 70-yard touchdown pass to Jacoby Jones, a play famously dubbed the “Mile High Miracle,” with less than a minute remaining in regulation. The improbable score tied the game and sent it into overtime, where the Ravens eventually triumphed in double overtime on Justin Tucker’s game-winning field goal.

Lewis’s presence during that playoff run was as impactful off the field as it was on it. His fiery speeches and emotional resolve inspired his teammates to rise to the occasion in every game. The defense, anchored by Lewis, delivered clutch performances throughout the postseason, including a commanding effort in the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots. Each step brought the Ravens closer to their ultimate goal, and Lewis’s determination to end his career with a championship became the team’s unifying force.

The run culminated in a thrilling victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, often referred to as the “Harbaugh Bowl” due to the sibling rivalry between head coaches John and Jim Harbaugh. The Ravens’ triumph marked their second Lombardi Trophy and provided a fitting conclusion to Lewis’s career. In his final game, Lewis proved once again why he was the emotional and strategic leader of the team, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest defenders and motivators the sport has ever seen. His retirement capped a career that redefined the middle linebacker position and left an indelible mark on NFL history.

4. Patrick Mahomes’ AFC Championship Heroics (2020)

Trailing by 10 points in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs faced an uphill battle. The 49ers’ dominant defense, led by Nick Bosa and Richard Sherman, had stifled Mahomes for much of the game, forcing turnovers and keeping the Chiefs’ explosive offense in check. As time ticked away, it seemed like San Francisco was poised to secure their sixth Super Bowl title. However, Mahomes, known for his poise under pressure, refused to let the moment overwhelm him.

In a stunning turn of events, Mahomes orchestrated a series of clutch drives that swung the momentum in Kansas City’s favor. He connected with Tyreek Hill on a critical 44-yard pass on third-and-15, a play that reinvigorated the Chiefs’ offense and set up a touchdown pass to tight end Travis Kelce. Minutes later, Mahomes delivered another pinpoint throw to Damien Williams, who found the end zone to put Kansas City ahead. The back-to-back touchdowns highlighted Mahomes’ brilliance and the Chiefs’ ability to thrive under pressure.

The Chiefs ultimately secured a 31-20 victory, capping their comeback with a late rushing touchdown by Williams to seal the game. The win ended a 50-year Super Bowl drought for Kansas City and marked the culmination of an extraordinary season. Mahomes, who was named Super Bowl MVP, further solidified his status as a generational talent with his remarkable performance, becoming the youngest quarterback to achieve both an NFL MVP award and a Super Bowl title. The game not only showcased Mahomes’ leadership and skill but also cemented the Chiefs’ place as a dominant force in the NFL.

3. The Minneapolis Miracle (2018 NFC Divisional Round)

In one of the most unforgettable finishes in NFL playoff history, Case Keenum and Stefon Diggs delivered a play for the ages during the 2018 NFC Divisional Round. With just 10 seconds remaining on the clock and the Minnesota Vikings trailing the New Orleans Saints 24-23, the game seemed all but over. Facing a desperate third-and-10 from their own 39-yard line, Keenum dropped back and launched a high pass toward the right sideline. What happened next would stun fans and cement the moment in playoff lore.

Diggs leaped into the air to make the catch at the Saints’ 34-yard line, but instead of stepping out of bounds to stop the clock, he spun toward the end zone. The Saints’ safety had misjudged the tackle, leaving Diggs with an open field ahead. As time expired, Diggs sprinted into the end zone for a miraculous 61-yard touchdown, giving the Vikings a 29-24 victory. The euphoric moment erupted into chaos as fans, players, and broadcasters alike struggled to comprehend what they had just witnessed. The play instantly became known as the “Minneapolis Miracle.”

This iconic moment didn’t just propel the Vikings to the NFC Championship; it also showcased the emotional highs that define NFL playoff football. For Minnesota, it was a triumphant culmination of perseverance and hope, while for New Orleans, it was a heartbreaking end to a hard-fought game. The Minneapolis Miracle remains one of the most dramatic and memorable plays in NFL history, symbolizing the unpredictable magic of the postseason.

2. Malcolm Butler’s Goal-Line Interception (Super Bowl, 2015)

With just 26 seconds remaining in Super Bowl XLIX, the Seattle Seahawks stood on the verge of back-to-back championships. Trailing 28-24, they were just one yard away from the end zone and had one of the most dominant running backs in the league, Marshawn Lynch, in their backfield. The game seemed poised for a dramatic Seattle victory as fans held their breath, waiting for the decisive play. But instead of handing the ball to Lynch, the Seahawks opted for a pass, a decision that would lead to one of the most shocking moments in NFL history.

As Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson dropped back and fired a quick slant pass toward wide receiver Ricardo Lockette, Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler anticipated the route perfectly. With incredible precision, Butler cut in front of Lockette and made a stunning interception at the 1-yard line, securing the Patriots’ victory. The play not only ended Seattle’s hopes of a second consecutive championship but also etched Butler’s name into NFL lore. His split-second decision and flawless execution turned a seemingly inevitable Seahawks touchdown into a game-saving defensive stand for New England.

The interception immediately sparked heated debates across the sports world about Seattle’s decision to pass instead of running the ball with Lynch. While the Seahawks’ coaches defended their strategy, critics and fans questioned what could have been. For the Patriots, the play became a defining moment in their dynasty, further solidifying Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s legacies. For Butler, it was a career-defining highlight that showcased the unpredictability and drama of the Super Bowl, making it one of the most iconic plays in NFL history.

1. Patriots’ 28-3 Comeback (Super Bowl, 2017)

Arguably the greatest comeback in NFL history, Super Bowl LI will forever be remembered for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots’ stunning 28-3 deficit against the Atlanta Falcons. With just under a quarter remaining, the Patriots seemed on the verge of a humiliating defeat. The Falcons’ offense had been clicking on all cylinders, and their defense was stifling Brady and the Patriots’ high-powered attack. But in one of the most remarkable turnarounds in sports history, the Patriots didn’t give up.

As the game entered the fourth quarter, Brady began to orchestrate a flawless series of drives. One of the most iconic moments came when Julian Edelman made an unbelievable, nearly impossible catch off a deflection, keeping the Patriots’ momentum alive and putting them within striking distance. Brady’s leadership and unshakeable poise fueled the comeback, and the Patriots, with the help of James White’s two rushing touchdowns, including the game-winning score in overtime, completed the incredible turnaround. In the end, the Patriots won 34-28, making it the first Super Bowl ever to go into overtime.

This historic victory not only gave the Patriots their fifth Super Bowl title but also solidified Tom Brady’s status as the greatest quarterback of all time. The comeback against the Falcons became the ultimate symbol of resilience and determination, and the game’s dramatic finish set a new benchmark for overcoming adversity in sports. For the Patriots, it was a crowning achievement, and for Brady, it was yet another chapter in a legendary career that continues to inspire athletes and fans alike.