Ever since the league began, the NFL has pushed boundaries and created a range of unique record-breaking performances. This is partly due to the intense selection of talent and determination that players demonstrate, and the highly impressive amounts of teamwork and cooperation that are seen on the field.
Because of this, it is exciting to see what the future holds for the NFL spreads. One of these unforgettable moments has become known as the helmet catch. Having taken place during the Super Bowl XLII in 2008, this is a look into how this phenomenon took place and what makes it such a standout moment for the NFL.
Eli Manning
Firstly, the helmet catch took place thanks to the efforts of Eli Manning and David Tyree. The two New York Giants players were responsible for the helmet catch, and Eli Manning was definitely in the right place at the right time.
The quarterback was in his fourth year of a sixteen season long career with the Giants. However, many have said that the helmet catch was one of the most iconic moments within both Tyree and Manning’s football careers.
David Tyree
Tyree was an essential part of this iconic move. The wide receiver ended his NFL career in style thanks to the helmet catch. He dedicated the catch to his late mother, and it was a highly emotional and intense moment for everyone watching the event.
Thanks to Manning’s power and Tyree’s accuracy, the pair were able to orchestrate the helmet catch. This led to a great deal of recognition within the NFL and beyond.
Tyree’s efforts are even more astonishing considering that he was used as a wide receiver infrequently during his time with the Giants. He was usually used in special teams instead. As a result, Tyree certainly helped make history during the Super Bowl when the helmet catch took place.
Super Bowl XLII
Every Super Bowl is widely regarded as iconic by its own right, as the highest scoring teams compete against each other in a series of intense games. However, Super Bowl XLII truly stood out as a history-defining moment. This is even more true for fans of the New York Giants.
The Patriots were on track to see the first Super Bowl win, completely undefeated, since the Miami Dolphins in 1972. However, Manning and Tyree amazed everyone and showed that they had other plans.
This is even more impressive considering that the Patriots had Tom Brady on their team, who is widely regarded as one of the most strategic and powerful quarterbacks of all time. Luckily, Manning was one of the few NFL players who became known for providing a level playing field for Brady. This was more than clear on this day during the Super Bowl XLII.
The Helmet Catch
Eli Manning managed to escape from the immediate threat of the Patriots’ defensive ends, and nobody is fully sure of how he did that. The odds were against the Giants from the start, but that did not stop Manning from giving everything he had during those final minutes.
Thanks to Manning’s fast responses and narrowly avoiding getting sacked, he threw the ball to teammate Tyree who was stood at the 24-yard line. This alone was an incredible effort because Manning was immediately hit by Mike Vrabel.
After catching Manning’s pass, Tyree faced his own obstacles on the field. Ellis Hobbs was jamming his path, which meant that the receiver needed to move closer to the 25-yard line to catch the ball. This was done with an impressive extended leap which somehow was not obstructed by Patriots’ safety Rodney Harrison, who was also leaping at the same time.
Although Tyree caught the ball from Manning’s original pass, Harrison swiped at the receiver and forced him to press it against the top of his helmet. This allowed him to keep the ball upright using his right hand and helmet even when he was pulled to the ground by Harrison.
With only 58 seconds remaining, the Giants gained their first down. Miraculously, this became the Patriots’ only loss of the season and an enormous amount of respect was gained for the Giants following this.
Aftermath
Because this moment within the NFL defied all odds, it is no surprise that it gained a great deal of popularity and media attention. It became known as the helmet catch, and jokes were made by Justin Timberlake, Manning, and Tyree about getting gum on his helmet.
The lighthearted comments were a true demonstration of the players’ nature, and it won the 2008 Best Play ESPY Award. Both Manning and Tyree were once considered wild cards for the Giants, but many have said that they proved themselves during the Super Bowl XLII.
Summary
The NFL has seen an enormous amount of career highlights for athletic players. The helmet catch is only one example of the sheer determination and dedication that is seen within professional football players. Not only that, but there is a commitment as well as loyalty that was seen during the Super Bowl XLII for the New York Giants.
