Best Trick Plays in NFL History
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where every yard counts, creativity is often the only thing that can help a team win. In such cases, trick plays have a way of turning the tide, catching defenses off guard, and electrifying fans with their sheer audacity. Let’s dive into some of the most legendary trick plays in NFL history.
The Philly Special
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Few plays in NFL history have been as gutsy as the Philly Special. During Super Bowl LII, the Eagles faced a crucial fourth-and-goal against the Patriots. Instead of settling for a field goal, they ran a play that became the stuff of legend. Corey Clement took a direct snap and handed it to Trey Burton, who then threw a perfect touchdown pass to quarterback Nick Foles. The boldness, the execution, and the stakes cemented this as one of the greatest trick plays ever.
Music City Miracle
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The 2000 playoffs gifted us the Music City Miracle—a play as dramatic as its name suggests. With just 16 seconds left, the Tennessee Titans stunned the Buffalo Bills with a lateral pass across the field. Kevin Dyson sprinted into the end zone for a game-winning touchdown. This was a miracle that sent the Titans to the AFC Championship.
The Statue of Liberty
Credit: Youtube
During a Patriots game in 2007, Tom Brady performed a creative adaptation of this classic trick play by faking an over-the-head snap and holding the pose while sneaking the ball behind his back to Kevin Faulk, who dashed into the end zone. The strategy was simple, clever, and effective.
Fake Spike Game
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Dan Marino had a knack for pulling rabbits out of hats, and his fake spike against the Jets in 1994 is a prime example. In the waning moments of the game, Marino pretended to spike the ball to stop the clock but instead fired a quick touchdown pass to Mark Ingram. The Jets were left standing in disbelief as the Dolphins claimed victory.
The Miami Miracle
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In 2018, the Dolphins produced a play that defied belief. Trailing the Patriots with seconds to go, Miami orchestrated a series of lateral passes before Kenyan Drake outran defenders for a 69-yard touchdown.
River City Relay
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The Saints, always good for some creativity, pulled off a jaw-dropping trick play against the Jaguars in 2003. With time expiring, they executed a series of laterals that ended in a touchdown. Unfortunately, the missed extra point afterward dimmed the moment, but the play itself remains a hallmark of creativity.
The Wildcat Formation
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In 2008, the Dolphins unleashed the Wildcat offense against the Patriots and changed how teams approached offensive strategies. Ronnie Brown took direct snaps and torched the defense with his runs and handoff and left New England scrambling for answers.
Fake Punt Return
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The Rams’ 2014 fake punt return against the Seahawks was pure gold. Stedman Bailey sold the fake perfectly, appearing to go unnoticed as the actual punt soared to the opposite side. By the time the Seahawks caught on, Bailey was racing to the end zone.
Double Pass Delight
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In Super Bowl XL, the Steelers sealed their victory with a trick play designed to perfection. Antwaan Randle El, a former college quarterback, took a reverse handoff and threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Hines Ward. It was the cherry on top of a championship performance.
The Annexation of Puerto Rico
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Fans of the movie “Little Giants” will recognize this cheeky name, but the Carolina Panthers brought it to life in a game against the Texans. Cam Newton handed the ball between his legs to Richie Brockel, who took off untouched for a touchdown.
The Bumerooski
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This play has its roots in college football but found its way into the NFL with some level of adaptation. The Chargers used their own version, the “Bumerooski,” in 2006. Philip Rivers handed the ball between his legs to Lorenzo Neal, who barreled into the end zone, catching the Broncos off guard.
Fake Field Goal Touchdown
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The Buffalo Bills executed a memorable fake field goal in 2008 against Seattle. Defensive lineman Ryan Denney lined up wide, and caught the Seahawks by surprise when he took a direct snap and scored. It was a brilliant mix of misdirection and execution.
Mountaineer Shot
Credit: Facebook
The Dolphins returned to their bag of tricks in 2019 with the Mountaineer Shot. Punter Matt Haack took the snap and tossed a touchdown pass to kicker Jason Sanders. The play, executed flawlessly, left the Eagles’ defense flat-footed and fans roaring.
