7 best catches in Super Bowl history and the top two candidates to join the list from Sunday's matchup between Chiefs and Eagles

In the game of football, there are many sights to behold; A running back lowering his shoulder right before burying a defender on the ground, a tight end inexplicably hurdling a safety, a defensive end beating an offensive tackle swiftly before securing a sack. But I'd argue nothing beats a spectacular catch that defies all physics […]

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer
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New York Giants receiver David Tyree catches a pass while in the clutches of New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game in Glendale, Ariz. on Feb. 3, 2008.
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY, USA TODAY via Imagn Content Services, LLC

In the game of football, there are many sights to behold; A running back lowering his shoulder right before burying a defender on the ground, a tight end inexplicably hurdling a safety, a defensive end beating an offensive tackle swiftly before securing a sack. 

But I'd argue nothing beats a spectacular catch that defies all physics and logic, making fans wonder How the heck did that happen? There have been plenty of those in Super Bowl history.

Here are the best of the best.

7. Manningham and Manning thread the needle, Super Bowl XLVI 

Sure, it's not exactly the helmet catch but Manningham's impressive work in the sideline also helped the New York Giants secure a Super Bowl win against the New England Patriots. That has to go down as one of Eli Manning's best passes in his career. As for Manningham, extending his arms while managing to stay inbounds despite the efforts of two Pats defenders is top-notch wide receiver work. 

6. Cowboys WR Butch Johnson's catch, Super Bowl Super Bowl XII

Different time, different rules. It's true it wouldn't count now but Johnson's touchdown counted at the time and that's all that matters.

Here's the thing about that play: Not anyone would've caught that 47-yard bomb from Roger Staubach. Johnson is running down the field, racing two Broncos defenders, seemingly at top speed. Only it's not his max velocity. Right before diving for the catch, he shifts gears to get there. Art.  

5. Max McGee scores first Super Bowl TD ever with one hand and no gloves, Super Bowl I

Asides from its historical significance, McGee's catch stands the test of time. His one-hand catch of a pass thrown behind him would be epic even if he was wearing the stickiest of gloves. He could use an MLB-banned substance like Spider Tack and I'd still list it here. But he did that bare-handed. Yeah, it goes on the list. 

4. Julio Jones' forgotten sideline magic, Super Bowl LI

Every other catch on the list has come from a winning team. Not this one. A 28-3 comeback has buried Julio Jones' should-have-been-iconic grab in NFL history but it shouldn't be forgotten.   

With a dart from Matt Ryan, Jones leaps into the air, catches the football over the defender and seemingly stops gravity for a split second. Just enough to get his two feet inbounds to move the chains. 

3. Santonio Holmes toe taps for the Lombardi, Super Bowl XLIII

When you think about the Super Bowl, this is one of the first plays that has to come to mind. It might not be the most miraculous catch in Super Bowl history (more on that later) but it's one of the best, period. In a winner takes all situation, Holmes makes it look easy. 

2. The helmet catch, Super Bowl XLII

This is the point where we go from awesome plays to straight up miracles and scenes seemingly pulled out of a Hollywood movie. David Tyree high-points the football and would have no chance to keep it unless… he uses his helmet. When you think about the difference between being a champion and going home empty-handed, this is it. Plays like this.

1. Julian Edelman's miracle catch, Super Bowl LI 

The Patriots' 28-3 comeback versus the Falcons required several turnovers and mistakes from Atlanta. But it also took an unbelievable effort from Pats' players and Julian Edelman's unbelievable catch is the ultimate example. Was there luck involved? You betcha. If the football doesn't hit CB Robert Alford's shin, Edelman doesn't make that catch. 

But Julian couldn't control any of that. What he could control is his reaction to the ball being deflected up into the air and diving for the possibility of making the play. The concentration is nothing short of elite. 

Super Bowl LIX will be played on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. For each team, the players with the best shot of being added to the list seem to be: 

  • Eagles WR A.J. Brown: The best 50-50 catcher in the game. If someone is going to go up in the air to make a big-time play, it'll be him. 
  • Chiefs TE Travis Kelce: Arguably the best TE of all-time, Kelce seems to be the one who could make a spectacular catch in crunch time if Kansas City needs a clutch play to save the day. 

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