The Super Bowl – the biggest event in the US sporting calendar – does not fall short of incredible moments that have fans on the edge of their seats.
From high-pressured performances on stage to the gruelling chase of the ball – the 57th edition of the Super Bowl will be no different as the Eagles and Chiefs go head to head.
Before the big game, let’s take a trip down memory lane and look back at the most iconic moments in NFL history.
Santonio Holmes scores in the last few seconds
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes. Pic: AP
Super Bowl XLIII, Tampa Bay, 2009 saw the Pittsburgh Steelers claim a dramatic victory against the Cardinals.
With 35 seconds left on the clock, a perfectly placed ball in the back corner of the end zone was grabbed in a victorious occasion by Santonio Holmes – breaking the hearts of many Cardinals fans, as the Steelers took the win.
The Blackout Bowl in 2013
San Francisco 49ers cheerleaders perform during a power outage at the Superdome in 2013. Pic: AP
Super Bowl XLVII had a 34-minute delay due to a power outage, plunging parts of the Superdome into darkness.
At the height of a nail-biting clash between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers most of the lights in the 73,000-seat building went out.
Officials revealed that an “abnormality” in the power system triggered an automatic shutdown, which forced backup systems to kick in, according to the official NFL site.
Taking a knee
San Francisco 49ers Eric Reid (35) and Colin Kaepernick (7) take a knee during the National Anthem at an NFL football game in 2016
A protest against racial injustice and police brutality.
The act of solidarity first started in 2016 with quarterback Colin Kaepernick taking a knee, followed by other players.
This was in response to former President Donald Trump‘s remarks and the oppression against black people across the country.
During the Super Bowl half-time show in 2022, rapper Eminem took a knee.
Eminem and Dr Dre perform in the half-time show during the NFL Super Bowl in 2022. Pic: AP
As speculation began about over NFL resisting the gesture, the football league quickly pushed back and denied the reports.
“We watched all elements of the show during multiple rehearsals this week and were aware that Eminem was going to do that,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said.
Malcolm Butler’s goal-line interception
Malcolm Butler pulled off an incredible catch to win the Super Bowl for New England Patriots (L). Pic: AP
Super Bowl XLIX saw an unforgettable save that had the crowds roaring.
With a few seconds left on the clock, New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler brilliantly caught the ball in the end zone to deny Seattle Seahawks.
“Unreal,” shouted the commentator as Butler sealed the Patriots’ victory.
The Wide Right or 47 Wide Right by Scott Norwood
Super Bowl XXV might seem like a distant memory, but it is indeed a scene many fans remember.
It was ready, set, go for a field goal attempt by the Bills.
Norwood was ready to make his move but ended up kicking the ball wide right.
“It is no good,” the commentator said as the victory was given to the Giants in a 20-19 win.
Read more:
Dr Dre joined by hip-hop royalty during half-time show
The First Overtime
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady. Pic: AP
Super Bowl LI saw a tie at 28-28 between the Falcons and Patriots.
After a nerve-wracking coin toss, the Patriots became were victorious within four minutes of overtime.
James White ran with the ball through the field and grappled through the crowd for the final touchdown.
An epic win that will surely be remembered.
Destiny’s Child reunite
Beyonce reunites with, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Pic: AP
Beyonce always has a way of capturing the hearts of her fans and her reunion with Destiny’s Child in 2013 will live long in the memory.
Queen Bey took centre stage with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams for the half-time show of Super Bowl XLVII.
It was a blast from the past, as fans were heard roaring to the sound of their famous track Bootylicious.
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake
Janet Jackson performed with Justin Timberlake. Pic: AP
Justin Timberlake rocked the stage with his Rock Your Body hit song, along with Janet Jackson at the Super Bowl XXXVIII half-time show.
Towards the final few seconds of the song, Timberlake ripped Jackson’s top open, briefly exposing her breast on stage.
Dubbed “nipplegate”, Timberlake infamously described it as an unintended “wardrobe malfunction”.
CBS, which had aired that year’s Super Bowl, was fined $550,000 by the Federal Communications Commission – but it was later was overturned.
David Tyree’s Helmet Catch
New York Giants receiver David Tyree (85) holds on by his fingertips to a 32-yard pass. Pic: AP
Super Bowl XLII 2008 shocked many with the New York Giants Tyree’s epic helmet catch that is seen as one of the greatest plays in NFL history.
In the heat of the game, with two minutes to spare, the ball shot its way through the field after a forward pass.
Tyree took a perfectly timed leap, catching the ball and pressing it against his helmet.
The Coin toss
Billie Jean King flips the coin before the NFL Super Bowl 56 football game. Pic: AP
In 2022, Tennis legend Billie Jean King conducted the coin toss ahead of the Super Bowl LVI.
King was honorary coin toss captain along with members of the California School for the Deaf-Riverside Cubs and members of the girls’ youth tackle football players from the Inglewood Chargers and the Watts Rams.
King conducted the toss to mark the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the landmark sports gender equality legislation.
Title IX was passed in 1972 as part of the Education Amendments, which abolishes sex-based discrimination in school, universities and other educational programmes.
And finally….
Every single puppy bowl ever.
