The Greatest Super Bowls

The Super Bowl has cemented itself as one of the premier sports events in the world, not just for the football action but for its cultural impact, halftime shows, and commercials. Over the decades, some games have stood out for their drama, athletic prowess, and unforgettable moments. Here, we delve into what many consider to be the best Super Bowl games of all time, based on excitement, competitiveness, and historical significance.

Super Bowl III - January 12, 1969

• New York Jets vs. Baltimore Colts

• Score: 16-7

This game was pivotal for the NFL-AFL merger. The Jets, representing the then-upstart AFL, were heavy underdogs against the favored NFL's Colts. Joe Namath famously guaranteed a win, and he delivered, leading his team to a shock upset that legitimized the AFL and paved the way for the modern NFL. This game isn't remembered for its high score but for its monumental impact on the sport.

Super Bowl XIII - January 21, 1979

• Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys

• Score: 35-31

A clash of titans, this Super Bowl featured two of the most dominant teams of the '70s. It was a back-and-forth affair with four lead changes. Terry Bradshaw threw for four touchdowns, while Roger Staubach led a valiant effort for the Cowboys. The game ended with a Steelers' interception in the end zone, sealing a high-scoring thriller. It's remembered for the offensive prowess displayed by both teams and for being one of the first truly "modern" style Super Bowls.

Super Bowl XXIII - January 22, 1989

• San Francisco 49ers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

• Score: 20-16

This Super Bowl is iconic for one of the greatest quarterback performances in history by Joe Montana. With the game tied and less than three minutes left, Montana led a 92-yard drive, culminating in a touchdown pass to John Taylor with just 34 seconds remaining. His calm under pressure, famously captured by his "The Drive" before the touchdown, is etched in NFL lore.

Super Bowl XXXIV - January 30, 2000

• St. Louis Rams vs. Tennessee Titans

• Score: 23-16

This game is remembered for "The Tackle," one of the most dramatic finishes in Super Bowl history. With the Titans trailing by 7 and just seconds left, Kevin Dyson caught a lateral pass but was tackled at the 1-yard line by Mike Jones of the Rams, securing the victory. The game itself was a showcase of offensive ingenuity with the Rams' "Greatest Show on Turf" against a resilient Titans defense.

Super Bowl XXXVI - February 3, 2002

• New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams

• Score: 20-17

This game marked the beginning of the Patriots' dynasty and Tom Brady's legendary career. A last-second field goal by Adam Vinatieri, in a blizzard, clinched the victory. It was an upset, with the Patriots being underdogs against the high-octane Rams. The game is celebrated for its defensive battle and the emergence of Brady, who threw for 145 yards and a touchdown in his first Super Bowl start.

Super Bowl XLII - February 3, 2008

• New York Giants vs. New England Patriots

• Score: 17-14

Perhaps one of the most dramatic Super Bowls ever, this game ended the Patriots' perfect season. The defining moment was David Tyree's "Helmet Catch," an improbable reception that set up the game-winning touchdown pass from Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress. The game was a defensive struggle until the final minutes, making the Giants' victory even sweeter.

Super Bowl XLIII - February 1, 2009

• Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals

• Score: 27-23

This game featured one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history: Santonio Holmes' game-winning touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone, toe-tapping in bounds with 35 seconds left. The Cardinals, led by Kurt Warner, had come back from a double-digit deficit, making this one of the most exciting finishes in Super Bowl history.

Super Bowl LI - February 5, 2017

• New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons

• Score: 34-28 (OT)

The "28-3" comeback. The Patriots, down 25 points in the third quarter, mounted the largest comeback in Super Bowl history to force overtime, where they scored a touchdown to win. Tom Brady’s leadership, combined with strategic coaching from Bill Belichick, turned what seemed like an inevitable Falcons victory into one of the greatest games ever played.

Super Bowl LII - February 4, 2018

• Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots

• Score: 41-33

Nick Foles, the backup quarterback, led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl championship in a high-scoring affair. Foles was named MVP, throwing for 373 yards and three touchdowns, including a trick play touchdown pass to himself. The game was a showcase of offensive play-calling and resilience.

Are you rooting for the Eagles tomorrow or this?

Each of these Super Bowls offers something unique - from historical significance, unforgettable plays, to monumental comebacks. They encapsulate the essence of what makes the Super Bowl not just a game but a cultural phenomenon. While opinions on the "best" game might differ, these matches have left an indelible mark on the sport, remembered for their moments of sheer human drama and athletic excellence. Whether it's through dramatic comebacks, last-second heroics, or the crowning of new legends, these games are a testament to the unpredictable beauty of football.