Steelers linebacker James Harrison's 100-yard interception return in Super Bowl XLIII against Arizona is the longest play in Super Bowl history. "Once we got the ball, we wanted to score," Harrison says.
In covering 34 Super Bowls, I have witnessed plenty of amazing plays. But James Harrison's interception of Arizona's Kurt Warner and his 100-yard return for a touchdown just before halftime of Super Bowl XLIII was one of the more remarkable individual efforts I have seen in any NFL game, let alone the biggest game of the season. The return caused a potential 14-point swing in the Steelers' 27-23 victory.
Harrison reminded me of one of those balls in a pinball machine as he bounced up the sideline to give the Steelers a 17-7 lead at halftime. In recounting the play with our NFC West blogger Mike Sando during the season, Warner said he thought to himself: "Dude, you might have just lost your team a Super Bowl with that one mistake."
How do you top that play? Perfect read, perfect break on the ball, perfect catch, perfect everything. I saw Edwin Pope of the Miami Herald in the press box right after that play. He has covered more Super Bowls than I have. The first words out of his mouth were: "Greatest Super Bowl play ever." I agree.
[+] EnlargeMarcus Allen
Michael Zagaris/Getty Images Super Bowl XVIII MVP Marcus Allen of the Raiders rushed for 191 yards against Washington.
Here are my remaining top 10 Super Bowl plays of all time:
2. Allen's beautiful run
Marcus Allen's reverse run for 74 yards in Super Bowl XVIII was the finest-looking run in Super Bowl history. It allowed the Los Angeles Raiders to blow out the Washington Redskins 38-9, and gave Allen the look of a future Hall of Fame running back. Allen had 191 yards in that game.
3. The acrobatic Swann
In Super Bowl X, Steelers receiver Lynn Swann, who was ultimately named MVP of that game, made his signature, acrobatic 53-yard touchdown catch as Terry Bradshaw unleashed a pass as he was hit. The Steelers beat the Dallas Cowboys 21-17. Everyone can remember that catch except Bradshaw, who took a big hit on the play.
4. Tyree uses his head (and helmet)
[+] EnlargeDavid Tyree
Rhona Wise/Icon SMIDavid Tyree's fourth-quarter catch in Super Bowl XLII set up the Giants' upset.
Wide receiver David Tyree's incredible catch with 59 seconds left in Super Bowl XLII set up the Giants' stunning, 17-14 come-from-behind victory over the New England Patriots and Tom Brady. Tyree's catch wasn't as pretty as the Swann's, but it has the same impact. It was amazing watching the Giants drive on Bill Belichick's defense.
5. Elway the helicopter
John Elway soared like a helicopter as he converted a third-and-6 into a memorable first down in Super Bowl XXXII. The score was tied at 17. Elway charged toward the end zone as Packers safety LeRoy Butler hit him first and Mike Prior hit him second. Two plays later, Terrell Davis scored and the Broncos beat the Packers 31-24.
6. The longest yard
Rams linebacker Mike Jones became a Super Bowl legend by stopping Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson 1 yard short of the end zone on the last play of Super Bowl XXXIV. With six seconds remaining, Dyson took the slant and tried to extend his right arm to the goal line but was just short. The Rams won 23-16.
[+] EnlargeAdam Vinatieri
AP Photo/David J. PhillipAdam Vinatieri established himself as Mr. Clutch with this 48-yard FG in Super Bowl XXXVI.
7. Mr. Clutch
The end of Super Bowl XXXVI, in a close game between the Rams and Patriots, was as good as it gets. Mike Martz, then the coach of the Rams, directed a brilliant fourth-quarter drive that tied the score at 17. Brady, in his first Super Bowl, directed a quick comeback drive that set up the memorable 48-yard, game-winning field goal by Adam Vinatieri, who became known as the best clutch kicker of his era. The Patriots were 14-point underdogs, but that victory propelled them into a mini-dynasty that included three Super Bowl victories.
8. Norwood's miss
The most memorable dynasty-changing play of a Super Bowl came in Super Bowl XXV, when Bills kicker Scott Norwood sent a potential game-winning field goal wide right with seconds left on the clock. The Bills lost to the New York Giants 20-19, affirming Bill Parcells as one of the greatest coaches of his era and the Bills as perhaps the greatest runners-up in NFL history. The Bills had four consecutive trips to the Super Bowl and four losses, but Norwood's miss prevented them from having that one Super Bowl victory that would have changed their place in history.
[+] EnlargeLarry Brown
James D. Smith/Getty ImagesCowboys defensive back Larry Brown had two interceptions against Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XXX.
9. In the right place at the right time
Cornerback Larry Brown of the Dallas Cowboys was able to parlay a great day against Steelers quarterback Neil O'Donnell into a huge free-agent contract with the Raiders. With four minutes remaining in Super Bowl XXX, O'Donnell threw a pass right into Brown's hands. Brown returned the interception 22 yards to the Steelers' 6-yard line. The Cowboys turned that play into a touchdown and a 27-17 victory.
10. Howard's special play
Desmond Howard had one of the greatest special-teams plays in Super Bowl history with a 99-yard kickoff return that put the Green Bay Packers over the top in Super Bowl XXXI. The Patriots had cut the Packers' lead to 27-21, but Howard's return sealed the Packers' 35-21 victory.
John Clayton, a recipient of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's McCann Award for distinguished reporting, is a senior writer for ESPN.com.
