The helmet catch, the great escape, Super Bowl 42, it’s one of the most iconic games in football history and possibly sports history, not to mention one of the New York Giants’ greatest moments
This season will make 15 years since the New York Giants defeated the undefeated New England Patriots to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
New York entered the postseason as an NFC wild-card team that season at 10-6. Meanwhile, the Patriots of course the undefeated No. 1 seed went 16-0 in the regular season and won two more in the playoffs.
The game featured some all-time names as the Patriots had of course Coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. They also had Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Rodney Harrison, Teddy Bruschi, Junior Seau and others. The Giants had Coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning. The team also featured Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Brandon Jacobs and of course Michael Strahan.
It was a star-studded game but no one gave the New York Giants a chance.
For New York Giants fans, anyway, this was the greatest super bowl of all time and the helmet catch is the greatest play of all time.
If you don’t agree it is at the very least top 5.
When you think about all-time NFL moments some of the first that come to mind are the “Helmet Catch”, the Malcolm Butler end zone interception, the Santonio Holmes catch, the Bills field goal wide right, the Immaculate reception, the Tuck Rule play, the John Elway helicopter play and of course the ending to the Rams-Titans Super Bowl.
What also made the Tyree catch so special was he wasn’t the player you would expect. He was a little-used player for the New York Giants. Tyree also caught the first NY Giants touchdown of the game. If that wasn’t enough Eli Manning and David Tyree have the same birthday. Another way they are linked in NY Giants lore together forever.
It wasn’t just the “helmet catch” it was the “great escape” as well. When it looked like the Patriots had Eli Manning sacked on 3&5 he escaped and heaved the football down the field where David Tyree made the incredible helmet catch. The NY Giants would continue to drive down field and eventually, Plaxico Burress would catch game-winning touchdown.
Last year Tom Brady had a documentary coke put about his career. Brady described how difficult that loss was on him. He still thinks about that Super Bowl more than any other.
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Super Bowl 42 will always be remembered as one of the greatest games ever.
We may never see a bigger upset in an NFL playoff game. We may never see a bigger catch in the moment and this game will be talked about forever.