FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 9th, 2019

NBC HOME TO FIVE OF TOP 10 PLAYS ON NFL’S ‘100 GREATEST PLAYS’ LIST – MOST OF ANY NETWORK

Steelers, Who Visit Chargers This Week on NBC Sunday Night Football, Featured in Three of NBC NFL Top 10 Moments

Al Michaels Has Called Four of NFL’s Top 10 Plays

No. 1 Play – Franco Harris’ ‘Immaculate Reception’ in 1972 NFL Playoffs – Broadcast on NBC

STAMFORD, Conn. – Oct. 9, 2019 – In celebration of the NFL’s historic 100th season, the NFL compiled a list of the 100 Greatest Plays in league history, selected by a panel of 80 experts who were chosen to participate by the NFL and the Associated Press. NBC broadcast five of the Top 10 plays on the list – the most of any network – including three featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers, who visit the Los Angeles Chargers this week on NBC’s Sunday Night Football.

In addition, NBC SNF play-by-play announcer Al Michaels called four of the top 10 plays on the list.

The NFL’s No. 1 play, Franco Harris’ “Immaculate Reception” in the 1972 AFC Divisional playoffs, was presented by NBC with Curt Gowdy and Al DeRogatis making the call.

NBC was also home to the fifth-, sixth-, seventh- and 10th-ranked plays, with each called by Michaels.

Following are the five top-10 plays on the NFL’s list of 100 Greatest Plays that occurred on NBC:

 

No. 1 December 23, 1972 – The Immaculate Reception

Losing 7-6 with 22 seconds remaining in the AFC Divisional playoffs on NBC, the Steelers face a fourth-and-ten from their own 40-yard line against the Raiders. Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw throws a pass intended for running back John Fuqua, but the ball is deflected back towards the line of scrimmage. Steelers rookie running back Franco Harris appears out of nowhere, catches the ball just before it hit the ground – forever known as the ‘Immaculate Reception’ – and runs down the sideline for the game-winning 60-yard touchdown.

NBC Broadcast Team: Curt Gowdy and Al DeRogatis

 

No. 5: February 1, 2015 – Malcolm Butler’s Game-Winning Interception in Super Bowl XLIX

Trailing the Patriots 28-24 with 26 seconds remaining in Super Bowl XLIX on NBC, the Seahawks call a pass play from the Patriots’ one-yard line on second-and-goal. Patriots undrafted rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler cuts in front of Seattle wide receiver Tyler Lockett on a quick slant and intercepts Russell Wilson’s pass to clinch New England’s Super Bowl victory.

NBC Broadcast Team: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya

 

No. 6: February 1, 2009 – Santonio Holmes’ Game-Winning Touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII

Down 23-20 against the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII on NBC, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completes the game-winning touchdown to wide receiver Santonio Holmes in the corner of the endzone. Holmes, who is surrounded by three Cardinals defenders, makes a leaping catch while keeping both feet inbounds to secure the touchdown and a 27-23 Pittsburgh win in the Super Bowl.

NBC Broadcast Team: Al Michaels, John Madden, Andrea Kremer and Alex Flanagan

 

No. 7: February 1, 2009 – James Harrison’s Interception in Super Bowl XLIII

With eight seconds remaining in the first half of Super Bowl XLIII between Pittsburgh and Arizona, Steelers linebacker James Harrison intercepts Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner at their own goal line and returns it 100 yards for a touchdown as the half expires, completing the longest play in Super Bowl history at the time. Following the momentum-shifting play, the Steelers would go on to win 27-23 (see play No. 6 above).

NBC Broadcast Team: Al Michaels, John Madden, Andrea Kremer and Alex Flanagan

 

No. 10: February 4, 2018 – Philly Special

Leading New England 15-12 with 38 seconds remaining in the first half of Super Bowl LII on NBC, the underdog Eagles run a trick play – known as the ‘Philly Special’ – on fourth-and-goal from the Patriots’ one-yard line. The ball is snapped directly to running back Corey Clement as quarterback Nick Foles motions out of the shotgun. Clement runs to his left, pitches the ball back to tight end Trey Burton, who is crossing behind him in the backfield, and Burton passes to a wide-open Foles in the end zone for a touchdown. The Eagles would go on to win 41-33, earning their first Super Bowl in franchise history.

NBC Broadcast Team: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya

– NBC SPORTS –