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When it comes to some of the best moments in NFL history, the voices of the commentators have become as memorable as the plays themselves. The commentator’s energy, excitement and emotion can elevate moments to legendary status, capturing the intensity of the game in ways that resonate with fans for years to come. Here are the top five most memorable broadcasting moments in NFL history, featuring some of the most iconic calls ever made.
In Super Bowl XLIX, with the Seattle Seahawks just one yard away from securing back-to-back championships, a surprising play call led to one of the most dramatic moments in NFL history. With 26 seconds left on the clock, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson threw a slant pass, only to have it intercepted by New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler. Al Michaels’ call perfectly captured the shock and disbelief of the play:
“And it’s INNNNTTTERRRCEPTED at the goal line! By Malcolm Butler! Unnnrreeeall.”
This interception secured the Patriots’ victory and notched another moment to the Pats’ storied dynasty.
The 2017 NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints ended with one of the most incredible plays in NFL history. With just 10 seconds left and trailing by one point, Vikings quarterback Case Keenum launched a deep pass to Stefon Diggs. Diggs made the catch, evaded a tackle, and sprinted into the end zone for a game-winning touchdown as time expired. Joe Buck’s call captured the pandemonium:
“DIGGS. SIDELINE. TOUCHDOWN. UNBELIEVABLE! VIKINGS WIN IT!”
The play, now known as the Minneapolis Miracle, remains one of the most thrilling finishes in sports playoff history.
Not all iconic moments in NFL broadcasting are about the game itself. In 2016, during a Monday Night Football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams, a fan ran onto the field, and commentator Kevin Harlan delivered a play-by-play description that quickly went viral:
“Hey, somebody has run out on the field. Some goofball in a hat and a red shirt. Now he takes off the shirt! He’s running down the middle by the 50! He’s at the 30! He’s bare-chested and banging his chest. Now, he runs the opposite way. He runs to the 50! He runs to the 40! The guy is drunk! But there he goes!”
Harlan’s humorous and detailed account of the streaker added a lighthearted and memorable moment to the broadcast.
In the final game of the 2003 regular season, the Minnesota Vikings needed a win against the Arizona Cardinals to secure a playoff spot. With just seconds remaining, Cardinals quarterback Josh McCown threw a desperation pass to the end zone, which was miraculously caught by Nathan Poole. The call echoed the heartbreak of Vikings fans everywhere:
“TOUCHDOWN! NO!! NO!! The Cardinals have knocked the Vikings out of the playoffs!”
The 1999 AFC Wild Card Game between the Tennessee Titans and the Buffalo Bills ended with one of the most famous plays in NFL history. With 16 seconds left, the Titans executed a kickoff return that involved a lateral from Frank Wycheck to Kevin Dyson, who then ran 75 yards for a touchdown. The play, known as the Music City Miracle, was immortalized by the announcer’s call:
“THERE ARE NO FLAGS ON THE FIELD! IT’S A MIRACLE!”
The razor-thin lateral and the resulting touchdown sent the Bills home and propelled the Titans on a memorable playoff run.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.