10 Most Embarrassing Super Bowl Fails of All Time
With time, the Super Bowl has become such a cultural phenomenon that it managed to captivate millions. In fact, Super Bowl LIX drew an average of 127.7 million viewers and set a new record for the most-watched single-network telecast in U.S. history.
The massive audience ensured that every game was scrutinized. While the event has delivered a number of memorable moments, it has also been the stage for some embarrassing blunders. Unfortunately, these moments live in the Super Bowl infamy. For fans, let’s revisit some of these Super Bowl fails and experience second-hand embarrassment.
The “Blunder Bowl” (Super Bowl V, 1971)
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Super Bowl V between the Baltimore Colts and Dallas Cowboys featured a combined 11 turnovers. This was the most in Super Bowl history. The Colts committed seven of these but managed to win 16-13, thanks to a last-minute field goal, which is also known as the ‘Blunder Bowl.’
Garo Yepremian’s Botched Pass (Super Bowl VII, 1973)
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Miami Dolphins kicker Garo Yepremian’s field goal attempt was blocked. In an attempt to salvage the play, he picked up the ball and tried to pass but lost control. This led to a fumble that Washington’s Mike Bass returned for a touchdown. Despite this, the Dolphins secured a 14-7 victory.
Jackie Smith’s Dropped Touchdown (Super Bowl XIII, 1979)
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The Dallas Cowboys tight end Jackie Smith, who was wide open in the end zone, dropped a sure touchdown pass from quarterback Roger Staubach. The Cowboys lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 35-31, and Smith’s drop is often quoted as a pivotal moment in the game.
Broncos’ Lopsided Loss (Super Bowl XXIV, 1990)
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The Denver Broncos suffered the most lopsided defeat in Super Bowl history, losing 55-10 to the San Francisco 49ers. This 45-point margin remains the largest ever in the big game. The Broncos’ performance was marred by several factors. Their defense struggled to contain 49ers quarterback Joe Montana, who threw for 297 yards and a Super Bowl-record five touchdowns.
Scott Norwood’s Missed Field Goal (Super Bowl XXV, 1991)
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Buffalo Bills kicker Scott Norwood had a 47-yard field goal opportunity to secure victory with just eight seconds remaining. Unfortunately, his kick sailed wide right, leading to the New York Giants’ 20-19 win. This moment is famously remembered as “Wide Right.”
Thurman Thomas Loses His Helmet (Super Bowl XXVI, 1992)
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Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas couldn’t find his helmet at the start of the game, causing him to miss the first two plays. The Bills lost to the Washington Redskins 37-24, and the incident became a symbol of the team’s disarray.
Leon Lett’s Premature Celebration (Super Bowl XXVII, 1993)
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Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Leon Lett recovered a fumble and sprinted towards the end zone. However, he began celebrating too early, holding the ball out. Buffalo Bills receiver Don Beebe knocked the ball out of Lett’s hand just before the goal line, resulting in a touchback. While the Cowboys still won 52-17, Lett’s gaffe prevented them from setting a record for most points scored in a Super Bowl.
Neil O’Donnell’s Costly Interceptions (Super Bowl XXX, 1996)
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Neil O’Donnell threw two crucial interceptions directly to Dallas Cowboys cornerback Larry Brown. He was named MVP. The Cowboys won 27-17, and O’Donnell’s mistakes were critical.
Eugene Robinson’s Off-Field Incident (Super Bowl XXXIII, 1999)
Credit: Atlanta Journal Constitution
Atlanta Falcons safety Eugene Robinson was arrested the night before the Super Bowl for solicitation. The distraction seemed to affect his performance, and the Falcons lost 34-19 to the Denver Broncos. Robinson, operating on minimal sleep, struggled during the game. He allowed an 80-yard touchdown pass to Denver Broncos receiver Rod Smith, contributing to the Falcons’ 34-19 loss.
Rich Gannon’s Interception Frenzy (Super Bowl XXXVII, 2003)
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Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon threw a record five interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers won 48-21, and Gannon’s performance remains one of the most turnover-laden in Super Bowl history.
Patriots’ Perfect Season Spoiled (Super Bowl XLII, 2008)
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The New England Patriots entered the game with an 18-0 record but were upset by the New York Giants 17-14. David Tyree’s famous “Helmet Catch” was a key play that ended the Patriots’ bid for a perfect season.
The Power Outage (Super Bowl XLVII, 2013)
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A power outage in the Superdome caused a 34-minute delay during the game between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers. The incident disrupted momentum and became a major talking point. Though the Ravens eventually won 34-31.
Broncos’ Early Safety (Super Bowl XLVIII, 2014)
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On the first play from scrimmage, a miscommunication between Denver Broncos center Manny Ramirez and quarterback Peyton Manning led to a snap that resulted in a safety. This set the tone for the Seattle Seahawks’ dominant 43-8 win.
Seahawks’ Risky Play Call (Super Bowl XLIX, 2015)
Credit: The Seattle Times
With 26 seconds remaining and on the 1-yard line, the Seattle Seahawks opted for a pass play instead of handing the ball to star running back Marshawn Lynch. The pass was intercepted by New England Patriots’ Malcolm Butler. It sealed a 28-24 victory for the Patriots.