ESPN ranked the 10 most memorable trick plays in Super Bowl history, citing momentum shifts or championship-winning impact, as part of its promotional countdown to Super Bowl LXI on Feb. 14, 2027.
The list highlights high-risk, high-reward decisions that succeeded under pressure. ESPN noted such plays can catch opponents off guard and alter game trajectories — or backfire with lasting scrutiny.
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No. 1 was the "Philly Special" from Super Bowl LII on Feb. 4, 2018. With the Philadelphia Eagles leading the New England Patriots 15–12 and facing fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line in the second quarter, coach Doug Pederson opted to go for a touchdown instead of a field goal. Quarterback Nick Foles lined up next to tackle Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce snapped directly to running back Corey Clement, who pitched to tight end Trey Burton, who passed to Foles in the back of the end zone. The touchdown gave Philadelphia a 22–12 halftime lead. The Eagles won 41–33 for their first Super Bowl title.
No. 2 was the "Ambush" onside kick in Super Bowl XLIV on Feb. 7, 2010. Trailing the Indianapolis Colts 10–6 at halftime, New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton called for an onside kick to start the third quarter. Rookie punter Thomas Morstead executed it; the ball bounced off Colts receiver Hank Baskett’s hands, and safety Chris Reis recovered it. Quarterback Drew Brees led a 59-yard touchdown drive capped by a 16-yard pass to Pierre Thomas. The Saints outscored Indianapolis 25–7 in the second half and won 31–17 — their first Super Bowl victory.
No. 3 was Antwaan Randle El’s 43-yard touchdown pass to Hines Ward in Super Bowl XL on Feb. 5, 2006. With the Pittsburgh Steelers leading the Seattle Seahawks 14–10 late in the fourth quarter, Randle El took a reverse handoff from Jerome Bettis and threw deep to Ward. The play occurred during a first-and-10 at the Seahawks’ 43-yard line. It helped secure the Steelers’ fifth Super Bowl title.
The remaining entries include: Robert Newhouse’s 35-yard touchdown pass to Golden Richards in Super Bowl XII on Jan. 15, 1978; Phil Simms’ flea-flicker to Phil McConkey in Super Bowl XXI on Jan. 25, 1987; Deon Figures’ onside kick recovery in Super Bowl XXX on Jan. 28, 1996; Tom Brady’s pass to Mike Vrabel in Super Bowl XXXVIII on Feb. 1, 2004; Jauan Jennings’ 21-yard touchdown pass to Christian McCaffrey in Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024; and William Perry’s touchdown run in Super Bowl XX on Jan. 26, 1986.
ESPN’s Super Bowl Top 10 series runs every other Sunday leading to Super Bowl LXI on Feb. 14, 2027. The rankings cover categories including best catches, performances, and biggest upsets.
