Member Mayhem

I really liked this as a question for an essay contest.  It is equally challenging for teams with a hundred moments to choose from as for a team with a short history.  For the former it's tough to whittle it down, for the latter tough to play it up.

One of these days maybe I'll be matched up against a non-awesome essay .  Congrats to the Bears, and all other par5ticipants this week!

Bills - great moment, great essay. Good job fellas.

How can anyone compete with arguably the greatest comeback ever? UUUUHHHHHGGGGG

Good Job Bill's fan.

 

Lots of Super Bowls but nice work everyone!

Seahawks
There is one moment that will live in Seahawks lore forever. That moment is a perfect representation of us as a team and a fan base. We are the underdogs; everyone underestimates us from our opponents to the media. Steve Largent knows how that feels. He was considered too small and too slow to be a wide receiver in the NFL, and even once he became successful he was dubbed an overachiever.

Week one of the 1988 season started out badly. The Seahawks were visiting the division rival Denver Broncos and Steve Largent lay on the ground unconscious for five minutes. His teeth were broken and his facemask mangled. Harden had laid him out with a hit that cost him $5,000 in fines. It almost cost Largent his career.

Fourteen weeks later the Broncos made the trip to Seattle. Largent had been able to play after the bone-crushing hit but, when an opportunity to even the score presented itself, he didn’t hesitate. Afterwards he even called it “a Walt Disney type situation, storybook.” Harden had just intercepted a pass in the end zone and had gotten as far as the 22-yard line. Mike Harden didn’t see him coming, and that’s part of what made it so great. Number 80 came across the field, dipped his shoulder and sent Harden flying. The ball came loose and the Seahawks recovered it on the way to a 42-14 win.

That one split second collision is imbedded in our hearts and minds forever. A hit like that was something no one thought he could deliver, but then again, he was too slow and too small to ever succeed in the NFL anyway. Right?

Creativity: 13
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 12
Clarity: 11

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Cardinals
No essay.

Creativity: 0
Passion: 0
Knowledge: 0
Clarity: 0

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49ers
When I think of the San Francisco 49ers and their most significant point in existence I think of one person above all others, Bill Walsh. This storied franchise has a rich history in the NFL. Through all of the great personnel, coaches and players that have been fortunate enough to be a part of the 49ers, Bill Walsh can be named as one of the single greatest assets for any professional sports team.

In 1979 under second year owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr., Bill Walsh would be the new face to change years of mediocrity and falling just short of the best. Bill Walsh brought in a fresh vision and a new offensive game plan. The “West Coast Offense,” would not only change the way the 49ers stood above the rest for almost 2 decades but would change almost every NFL teams offense and defense for years to come. Bill Walsh’s name now instantly brings visions of intelligence, creativity, originality, determination and winning.

On top of being a great offensive mind and tactician of game planning, Bill Walsh brought a special knack for seeing talent among a wide range of up and coming players. The first and most poignant example of this talent search came from an 82nd overall draft pick in 1979 named Joe Montana. In the years to come, Bill Walsh and his staff have scouted NFL Hall of Famer’s, Ronnie Lott, Steve Young and Jerry Rice along with many other outstanding talents. His talents and skills didn’t stop with player scouting either, he also has trained some of the greatest coaches in today’s game, like Mike Holmgren, George Seifert, Dennis Green, Ray Rhodes and Mike Shanahan just to name a few.

When you think 49ers history you have to start with Bill Walsh and his legacy.

Creativity: 11
Passion: 12
Knowledge: 13
Clarity: 10

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Rams
No essay.

Creativity: 0
Passion: 0
Knowledge: 0
Clarity: 0

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Redskins
The final game of the regular season had ended for the 2007 Washington Redskins, they handily defeated their hated rivals the Dallas Cowboys, but that didn’t matter. The win also clinched a wild card spot in the playoffs against the Seattle Seahawks, but again, it didn’t matter.

Every fan from the record-breaking sellout looked up in awe at the FedEx Field scoreboard, reading Cowboys 6 Redskins 27, the margin of victory 21 points.

Thirty three days earlier the whole Washington Redskin family learned of the tragic death of free safety Sean Taylor who had been viciously shot in his Miami home one day earlier. The next four games tested every nerve of the whole team, five days after the death the team hosted the Buffalo Bills where they lost it on a double timeout mistake by Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs leading to a game winning 36 yard field goal. Just one day later the whole team find themselves laying their teammate to rest in Miami hoping to find closure, but the whirlwind wasn’t over. Just four days later on Thursday night football the Redskins thought all was lost again as Jason Campbell went out for the season with a dislocated knee cap, little did they know veteran Todd Collins would be their savior leading them to victories in their next two games. The final game against the Cowboys was all Redskins, once the game was over all was realized.

"I was on the sideline and guys were talking about the score, and then it hit me -- we won by 21," veteran left tackle Chris Samuels said. "I came in the locker room and I yelled it out, and immediately I just kind of broke down in tears. Because I miss Sean, you know."
Now that’s memorable!

Creativity: 13
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 12
Clarity: 10

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Eagles
In the Eagles long existence it’s well noted that we haven’t won a NFL Championship since 1960 under the leadership and play of Van Brocklin and “two way” Bednarik. I was born in 1972, and since that time as a diehard Eagles fan…reading the archives and following the team since 1980, I believe the most significant moment in Eagles History may have been the famous “Body Bag” game in 1990 against the Redskins. This game is remembered by all fans nearly 20 years later as a keepsake memory. Columnists when discussing the Eagles D year in and out have never failed to mention at least once a year, the pinnacle of the “nastiness” of the Eagles defense when comparing the current Eagles D.

In front of a national audience in that game, both Washington QBs were either knocked unconscious or bruised to the point where they couldn’t take a snap. The 4th quarter ended with the 3rd string RB and rookie Brian Mitchell having to take snaps under center. Eight Redskins were either carted off the field or helped off as the Eagles defense under Bud Carson began to build a name and reputation that exists today under Jimmy Johnson. The defenses of all Eagles teams will be held up to the standard that Reggie White, Jerome Brown, Clyde Simmons, Seth Joyner and Andre Waters and Wes Hopkins set. There has not been and may never be again the brutal physical beating that the Skins took in that game due to rule changes since than. In the NFL annals, the “Body Bag” game will always have a place and it will always have the Philadelphia Eagles attached to it.

Blue collar Philadelphians continue to have pride and revel in that moment in Philadelphia history.

Creativity: 13
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 12
Clarity: 10

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Giants
No essay.

Creativity: 0
Passion: 0
Knowledge: 0
Clarity: 0

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Cowboys
December 271959, the Dallas Cowboys had not been awarded a team yet, and Clint Murchison made a decision that to this day can be traced back to the defining moment in Dallas Cowboys history. The signing of Tom Landry I believe was the most defining moment in Cowboys history. He gave the team confidence, desire, and willingness to work hard and win. They may not have won a game in their first season; however, they tied the New York Giants, which was basically a “win” at that time. He was a fearless coach that in the end was one of the faces of the franchise and the entire league. He finally won a game the next year versus the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After that, they didn’t exactly roll, but in the next ten years the Cowboys went on to win a Super Bowl and the NFC championship twice. He was named coach of the year three times in those ten years. This however is not the most notable of his achievements. Landry invented the Flex Defense, a hybrid of the 4-3 defense he had also invented. This changed the game of football forever, not only cementing Tom Landry's legacy in Cowboys history but in the history of the NFL. He was the First football guru or genius or whatever today’s hot new word would be for coaching greatness. He still is one of the winningest coaches in professional football history.

That is why that cold day in December was the day that changed history for the Dallas Cowboys and the National Football league. Everything today’s great coaches know about defense starts and ends with the great Tom Landry.

Creativity: 13
Passion: 12
Knowledge: 13
Clarity: 11

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Lions
Can anyone remember a time when people were interested in the Lions other than to watch them embarrass themselves? I know it's hard to remember anything good about the Lions, but there was one time in their history when people enjoyed watching them. That period starting from 1989 and ended in 1998. It was a time that Lions fans and all NFL fans could enjoy watching the greatest running back of all time play. Of course I'm speaking of Barry Sanders.

He sure could make us forget we were losing. No matter how bad the Lions did, he always played great and made defenders look silly. Believe it or not, he was able to get the Lions into the playoffs a few times too. In fact, 6 of their 10 playoff appearances, not including the 50’s, came when Barry was playing. He was even able to get them their first playoff win since 1957 in the 1991 playoffs where they beat the Cowboys.

Barry dazzled many people with his unbelievable moves. I'll never forget watching the Lions and watching Barry get the ball only to face the entire defense of the opponent since our O-line was always so spectacular. Somehow with his amazing skills he would find a way to get by the whole defense without any help from his line whatsoever. I would then think to myself: "How can one player take on an entire team by himself like that? Is this guy human?" Then I remember my cousin getting a poster of Barry one year for his birthday. It was a picture of him with writing saying: "Man or Machine?" Now if you ever watched him play with the Lions you would know that this is a legitimate question. How else can you explain the moves he made?

Creativity: 13
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 11
Clarity: 12

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Vikings
The year was 1998, the Vikings were in an ownership dispute and eventually
ended up in the hands of Red McCombs. Questions amongst the fans were, will
we still have a team or will it be going to San Antonio? Fans had no idea
what was about to happen.

15-1, which is the third best all time single season record. Randall
Cunningham was the starting QB. Randy Moss joined an already stout
combination of Cris Carter and Jake Reed. Until last year, was the most
points ever put together by an offense, 556. Never scoring below 24 a game.
Only regular season loss was to Tampa Bay, by 3.

Spirits were high and all we had to do was beat a 15-2 Falcons team at
home. The Vikings were still heavily favored. They went into halftime with
a 20-7 lead. Everything was going as planned. The Superbowl was in our
grasps. Then it happened. With two minutes left and a 27-20 lead the
Vikings went for a field goal with less then two minutes left to seal the
deal and head to the Superbowl.

Gary Anderson had a simple 38 yard FG to put the game out of reach and was
35 for 35 during the season. He set up for the kick and missed. The
Falcons ended up tying the game and we had the ball back. Then, Dennis
Green, who never lived this moment done, opted to kneel on the ball and go
to overtime.

We got the ball, but, had a quick three and out. Falcons got the ball
back and didn't give it back. Like a thief in the night, the Falcons were
headed to the Superbowl, thanks to a FG. Many Vikings fans still cringe
when the year 1998 is brought up.

Creativity: 11
Passion: 12
Knowledge: 12
Clarity: 9

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Bears
With a franchise as storied as the Chicago Bears, there are several significant events that could be chosen. We could talk about being a charter member of the NFL, George Halas helping form the NFL, the record amount of Hall of Famers, and the 9 League Championships to chose from. There’s also less cheerful but no less inspiring events in the history of this great franchise such as the creation of the Brian Piccolo Foundation, and after Walter Payton came public with his need for an organ transplant, organ donations in the entire state of Illinois grew at an exponential rate.

The 1985 Bears however are one of the more interesting topics in Bears history. No team in the history of the NFL played the game with more passion or heart. No team had as many unique personalities, had more fun playing the game, or to the best of my knowledge, made a music video. The ’85 Bears brought in all walks of life. People who didn’t even like football would watch the Bears play that year. They outscored their opponents on average of over 17 points per game. In the post season they allowed a total of 10 points in 3 games which has never been, and in all probability, will never be duplicated.

Super Bowl 20 now may not be the most lopsided score in Super Bowl history, but it is the most dominant performance in history. The Patriots total yardage at half time was -19 yards. It’s rare that you see that in a regular season game, never in a Super Bowl. The domination was so utterly complete that, as one announcer said, if this game were a boxing match, it would have been called. No team dominated a season as the Bears did that year.

Creativity: 13
Passion: 14
Knowledge: 12
Clarity: 13

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Packers
No essay.

Creativity: 0
Passion: 0
Knowledge: 0
Clarity: 0

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Buccaneers
The most memorable memory for any Buccaneer fan HAS to be the Ronde Barber interception against Philladelphia in the 2002-2003 NFC Championship game. It represented an escape of sorts. For the two years before, the Buccaneers had been defeated by the Eagles in the first round of the play-offs in pretty dominating manners. But, this game was different. The defense was sick. They played like, well I can't even explain it. The games started slow for the Buccaneers. Deuce Staley gave the Eagles the advantage early in the game, but after that, it was all Tampa. The Joe Jurivicius catch was a great play, and is played the most on networks, but the real big play was Barber's pic six to ice the game. Just watching him break on the ball made the game seem like it had just frozen. Right there. Everyone was in slow motion. You just felt it....and then BAM! Everything sped back up and Barber was 10 yards ahead of any of his pursuers. And then the coutdown, the 35, to the 30, 25, to the 20, 15,10,5....TD Tampa Bay!!!! Barber had broken away from the Eagles, just like the Bucs had broken away from the Philly Curse. And, we all know what happened next.

Creativity: 12
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 10
Clarity: 9

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Panthers
4 – 10, 19 yards passing: those numbers loomed in front of John Fox on September 7, 2003. His team trailed 17-0 to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Then he made the move that no coach wants to make but every coach has to. He pulled his starting QB, Rodney Peete (once anagrammed as "Need Rope Yet") for the boy from the bayou.

Enter Jake Delhomme, to lead his team to an improbable 24-23 win; the Panthers were 1-0. Delhomme's line was 12-20, 122 yds, 3 TD, 2 INT – imperfect but effective. That wasn't the only place he led his team. The newly dubbed "cardiac cats" finished with 11 wins, and their second ever playoff berth.

In those playoffs, the Panthers stormed through the NFC, beating three straight opponents, two on the road. This run included the fifth-longest game in NFL history at the Saint Louis Rams – also the fifth game Carolina would take to OT that year. The other two wins were dominant performances against Dallas and Philadelphia. They went on to meet the Patriots in one of the most exciting Super Bowls in recent memory. Ultimately they came out on the losing end of a back-and-forth affair featuring blocked kicks, late game heroics, as Adam Vinateiri broke a 29-29 tie with 0:04 on the clock.

No moment has had greater impact on the Panthers than Fox's decision to give the reins to delhomme in that week 1 game. Jake isn't, by the numbers, one of the greatest quarterbacks in the league, but as he goes so go the Panthers. His tenure at the position has seen the Panthers triple their number of playoff appearances and increase their playoff wins from 1 to 6. He led them to their only superbowl and to three of their five .500 or better seasons.

Creativity: 12
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 13
Clarity: 12

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Saints
No essays.

Creativity: 0
Passion: 0
Knowledge: 0
Clarity: 0

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Falcons
Losing seasons are nothing new for the Atlanta Falcons. The franchise has an all time winning percentage barely above .400, has never had consecutive winning seasons, and has lost 10 or more games 20 times in its 42-year history. A bad season in Atlanta is, well, just another season. But 2007 was the year the circus came to town, featuring parades (protesters along Highway 13), rides (the never-ending QB carousel), sideshow attractions (a rookie safety who jumps over cars), an escape artist (the head coach), and many, many clowns.

The season hit rock bottom on Monday, December 10. That morning, Michael Vick was sentenced on federal conspiracy charges. That night the team put in yet another dismal performance, losing 34-14 to the arch-rival Saints on national television. But the milestone events occurred behind the scenes. Before the game, Bobby Petrino had assured owner Arthur Blank that he was committed to rebuilding the franchise, yet while Blank was giving support to his rookie coach from the broadcast booth, Petrino and his agent were sealing a deal to abandon the team.

The next day the media reported that things could get no worse. But that was a great moment in Falcon history, for it was the birth of the New Birds. The circus left town. The cleanup began. The owner vowed to leave football operations to people who know football. The new GM turned over the roster. The new coaching staff established a system-oriented, team-first culture. From that watershed moment, the team has moved forward without ever looking back.

The Phoenix is a mythical creature, but these New Birds are real, and they introduced themselves to the league on Sunday. They have risen from the ashes of 2007, and they are getting stronger every day.

Creativity: 14
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 13
Clarity: 14

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Bills
"The Comeback", January 3, 1993

The Bills had just completed the 1992 regular season with a 27-3 loss at Houston, while also losing QB Jim Kelly to a knee injury. With backup QB Frank Reich at the helm against the Oilers in a Wild Card game the following week and RB Thurman Thomas lost to a hip injury, Houston raced to a 28-3 halftime lead.

When Frank Reich's first pass of the second half was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by Bubba McDowell, Buffalo found themselves in a seemingly insurmountable 35-3 hole.

But the Bills' teams of the early 90's shared some uncommon character resembling that of their home city and loyal, rabid fans…

PRIDE: Kenneth Davis, 1-yard touchdown run, 35-10 HOU

HOPE: Steve Christie recovers his own onside kick; Don Beebe 38-yard touchdown pass from Frank Reich, 35-17 HOU

SPIRIT: Andre Reed 26-yard touchdown pass from Frank Reich, 35-24 HOU

DETERMINATION: 4th down and 5 from Oilers 18 yard line; Andre Reed 18-yard touchdown pass from Frank Reich, 35-31 HOU

CONFIDENCE: Andre Reed 17-yard touchdown pass from Frank Reich, 38-35 BUF

RESILIENCE: After Houston tied the game at 38 to force overtime, Nate Odomes intercepted Warren Moon setting up Steve Christie's game winning 32-yard field goal

Final: Buffalo 41, Houston 38 (OT)

No moment before or since that day in Orchard Park, New York, could better define the special bond felt by an entire community for their team.

Creativity: 14
Passion: 14
Knowledge: 13
Clarity: 13`

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Dolphins
The Patriots were coming into the Superbowl cocky and undefeated, the Giants stood no chance of winning. The Patriots were on there way to becoming the second NFL team to have a perfect season, the first being the Dolphins. Then, as the Patriots lose their guard, Eli Manning eludes lineman coming in for the sack and throws a laser, which unproved receiver David Tyrnee catches inside his helmet. Giants fans start gaining hope, the start thinking, here is our chance to accomplish the impossible. Then plays later, Eli Manning throws another shot to star wide out Plaxico Burress for the winning touchdown. Though Giants fans are the thrilled of all, this moment, and the moment that made this moment special, are the most memorable moments in the eyes of a Dolphin fan.

When the Giants defeated the Patriots to cease their undefeated season it was a special moment. The Dolphins were going through a rough year. With their star player Ronnie Brown injured and having one win, it seemed like nothing could go right. To add on their division rivals were about to demolish their record for being the only team to have a perfect season. Things didn't look good.

There is a tradition that some members of the 1972 team does every year, when the last undefeated team goes down, they have a toast and a party to celebrate their season. When they were able to carry out this tradition I think this was just as important as winning the Super Bowl.

However, to have this be a memorable moment, I have to tell you a little bit about another sacred moment, when Shula and the Dolphins got their perfect 1972 season.We still hold the record, and we will always remember Shula's win number 347, the perfect number.

Creativity: 13
Passion: 12
Knowledge: 11
Clarity: 8

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Jets
The Jets greatest and most memorable game in our history next to winning SB3 was on MNF in 2000 against the Fins.

This game pitted 2 home grown NY'ers. Vinnie Testerverde vs Jay Fielder. Miami beat on us for 3 qtrs, leading 30-7 going into the 4th QTR.

Vinnie came out slinging and hit Coles for a 30 yd TD, 4 minutes later a TD to Wiggins followed by a Hall field goal. Next came a 24 yd TD to Chrebet and the game was tied up. Then Fielder hit Shepard with a 46 yd TD silencing the stunned crowd. But Vinnie would not be deterred, marching the Jets down to Miami's 4 yd line. Now it was 4th and 1. Curtis Martin had been a non factor throughout the game, but many were sure he would get this yard, wrong. With Miami's defense expecting the run Vinnie hit fullback Richie Anderson for 2 yards making it first and goal from Miami's 2 yard line.

Jumbo Elliott, the Jets mammoth tackle checked in as an eligible receiver, Vinnie dropped back and lobbed a pass to Elliott who bobbled the ball, and as he was falling to the turf secured it once again for the game tieing TD.
In overtime Marcus Coleman intercepted Fielder putting an end to the Fins winning this game. John Hall kicked it through the uprights and the Jets had won the game. Testerverde had thrown for 235 yds and 4 TD's all in the 4th qtr to make this the Jets most memorable comeback win and the greatest Monday Night Football game ever played as voted by the fans of the NFL

Creativity: 12
Passion: 12
Knowledge: 12
Clarity: 6

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Patriots
The Mo Lewis hit on Drew Bledsoe in 2001 was not the most memorable play in Patriots history but it was the most significant. It was a simple play, Bledsoe drops back, finds nothing and rolls right. Like a giraffe on stilts Bledsoe took off. Say what you want about Drew Bledsoe but in a division game against the rival Jets he goes for every yard he can get and he gets nine of them. He could have ran out of bounds, maybe he should have. The franchise quarterback is not supposed to size up a pro bowl linebacker and lower his shoulder, but Bledsoe is a competitor and he does exactly that. The play took eight seconds to run and would change what everyone knew about the Patriots.

Tom Brady, a second year player, a sixth round pick out of Michigan, came in. We all said it, in the stadium or in our living rooms, “I hope Drew comes back”. He made it back for another series but wasn’t the same. He was pale, sweating, and not the sweat from exertion, but the sweat from staying alive. When Tom Brady came back, some guy at a sports bar looked over his Coors light and said “well, there’s our season” and he was right.

About four months later Ricky Proehl of the St. Louis Rams before Super Bowl XXXVI said “Tonight a dynasty is born.” He was right. With a healthy Drew Bledsoe on the sidelines and Tom Brady behind center the Patriots won their first of three Super Bowls in four years. That hit changed the future of the franchise. Drew does not run the Charlie Weiss Offense like Tom Brady. We win in spite of Bledsoe, but we win because of Brady. I’m sorry Drew, but thanks Mo!

Creativity: 14
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 11
Clarity: 13

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Ravens
The most memorable moment for all Ravens fans should be our victory over the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. Through a surprising attack from all sides of the ball, the Ravens hoisted the Lombardi trophy just 7 years after bringing a team back to Baltimore. A Super Bowl victory seemed vague at best that year, with the Ravens playing at home in one of the AFC Wild Card games and then going on the road for two contests before reaching the Super Bowl.

The Giants were riding tidal waves of momentum into Tampa for their face-off against Baltimore. Just two weeks previous Kerry Collins and company manhandled the heavily favored Vikings by a score of 41-0. The Ravens, on the other hand, had trouble scoring that many points over a 4 game span at any point that season. The offensive game plan consisted of Matt Stover legging the ball through the uprights and the defense setting up Stover through turnovers.

However, the Ravens put points on the board through all means. Trent Dilfer connected with Brandon Stokely for a rare passing touchdown. Matt Stover kicked the Ravens an early ten point cushion. Duane Starks intercepted Collins, who had thrown for five touchdowns against Minnesota, and took it to the house. Ron Dixon and Jermaine Lewis exchanged kickoff returns for touchdowns to set the score at 24-7. Baltimore sealed the deal with a Jamal Lewis touchdown run and another Matt Stover field goal.

With the victory, Baltimore silenced their skeptics who were concerned with their offensive capability by scoring by almost all means. The defense continued its dominance, letting up exactly zero points in the contest. Most importantly, any Ravens fan may now see a Lombardi Trophy with “Baltimore Ravens: Super Bowl XXXV Champions” inscribed on it.

Creativity: 13
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 12
Clarity: 13

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Bengals
January 24, 1982. Super Bowl XVI, the Bengals trailed by a score of 20-0 at halftime. It would take a valiant team effort to overcome Joe Montana and the 49ers. The Bengals struck first in the second half with a Ken Anderson six yard touchdown run. The Bengals inched closer.

Late in the third quarter now. The Bengals trailed 20-7. Pete Johnson had just converted a play on fourth down to give the Bengals first and goal on the three yard line. Bengals coach Forrest Gregg decides to let Johnson attempt to reach the end zone on first down. The 49ers knew this too, and Johnson was stuffed one yard short of pay dirt.

On second down it was if the 49ers knew where Johnson was heading and stuffed him again.
Third down, and one measly yard to making this a contest. Forrest Gregg had to come up with something different, a swing pass? Ken Anderson faked to Johnson, rolled out, and completed his pass to running back Charles Alexander. Alexander had made his cut short of the goal line and Dan Bunz planted Alexander and kept the Bengals put of the end zone.

This was the Super Bowl. Gregg decides to go on fourth down. Johnson’s number was called again, and again the 49er's saw it coming. Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds and Ronnie Lott converged on Johnson at the goal line, stopping him just inches short.

A collective sigh of disugust went out from Bengals fans. Armchair quarterbacks across the country screamed at their televisions. They had never been so close. This lead to a 26-20 loss. A moment no Bengal fan will ever forget.

This set a precedent of predictability and futility that would haunt the Bengals for years to come, and still continues today.

Creativity: 13
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 13
Clarity: 11

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Steelers
Lynn Swann, Jack Lambert, John Stallworth, Mike Webster. When Steelers fans hear these names they immediately think of the Steelers dynasty of the 70’s. Swann, Lambert, Stallworth and Webster were drafted in the first, second, third and fifth rounds respectively. Add undrafted strong safety Donnie Shell to those guys and the Steelers got four guys who are in the NFL Hall of Fame and a five time pro bowler in Shell.

Coming into the ‘74 draft, the Steelers has minor successes in the past, but nothing would prepare them for the four Super Bowl wins (IX, X, XIII, XIV) in the six years after the 1974 draft. The 1974 season and its draft class were the turning point for the Steelers and the beginning of the Steelers Nation we know today. The 1974 draft class were critical members of all the 70’s Super Bowl team. The 1975 season also brought Steelers fans the Terrible Towel, the original rally towel and a must have for any serious Steelers fan. Fueled by the Terrible Towel and the core that was drafted in ‘74 the Steelers became one of America’s most popular teams.

Without that draft class, no one knows how the Steelers would have done and most Steeler fans would not be Steeler fans if it wasn’t for their success in the 70’s. That is why the 1974 draft was/is the most significant moment to date to the Steelers and their fans..

Creativity: 12
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 12
Clarity: 10

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Browns
A man dressed in a magnificent 3-piece dark brown and orange suit sat patiently at a table as he anxiously awaited his moment.

My moment. Our moment.

Finally - on that fateful day in April, Chris Berman uttered those words that would forever change the course of the Cleveland Browns' franchise.

"We have a trade - and it's Cleveland."

Roger Goddell stepped up to the podium and confirmed what millions of Browns fans across the globe already knew.

"With the 22nd pick in the 2007 NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns select...Brady Quinn."

The thunderous ovation and jubilant cheers from Radio City Music Hall marked the single most significant moment in recent Browns history.

The 2007 NFL Draft is and will be considered one of the crowning moments for the recently incarnated Cleveland Browns. In addition to the talented Quinn, the Browns added two huge pieces to the puzzle in Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas and defensive back Eric Wright from the University of Las Vegas-Nevada.

Our top picks have already made significant contributions to the team in their second year in the NFL. Thomas has blossomed into a Probowl left tackle while Wright leads a young and upcoming secondary as one of the more talented defenders on the team.

And Brady Quinn?

While Quinn has yet to make any direct contributions to the team, his presence alone guarantees the Browns have depth at a position critical to team's success. As wild and unpredictable as the NFL is today, knowing that we have two talented signal callers on the roster gives our team a great chance to win.

The future sure does look bright in Cleveland. The 2007 draft has lifted the hopes of a championship-starved city - easily making it the most significant moment in recent Browns' history.

Creativity: 14
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 11
Clarity: 13

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Texans
The surprise selection of Mario Williams over odds-on favorites Reggie Bush and Vince Young in the 2006 NFL draft was the most significant moment in team history. Despite the overwhelming fan and media sentiment, the management championed a belief that the key to success starts with defense. They selected an individual they believed would be a cornerstone for that belief. Although it was not the popular choice, it seems it was the right one. On a young Texans team with many needs and a porous offensive line, Bush and Young may have found success a little hard to come by making Williams the obvious choice.

Fostering the idea that defense wins championships, it was clear to Charlie Casserly and the Texans that they needed a formidable defense to challenge the perennial favorite, Indianapolis Colts. Williams was everything a defensive end should be. At 6’ 7” 291 pounds, he is a beast with 4.66 speed. A disruptive force at North Carolina State University, Williams was selected as an All-American in 2005 recording 14.5 sacks. Amazingly he accomplished all of this while maintaining a 3.68 GPA, which spoke volumes about his sense of commitment and personal accountability.

Despite a rookie season of immense pressure, high expectations, and mediocre execution, Mario persevered. His drive and motivation allowed him to grow as a player. Coming off a 2007 season with 14 sacks and a touchdown, Mario has become one of the NFL’s elite defensive ends. Mario Williams has brought hope for a brighter future and a sense of pride to a fan base that has been starving for something—anything—to cheer about since the franchise was born. What he’s brought to this team and this town is what makes his unlikely selection in 2006 the most significant event in Texans franchise history.

Creativity: 13
Passion: 12
Knowledge: 12
Clarity: 13

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Titans
The Houston Oilers became the Tennessee Titans in 1998 and since then there have been ups and downs for our franchise. The biggest moment that has happened to the Tennessee Titans is the “Music City Miracle”.

On January 8th, 2000 Tennessee was up 12-0 with a Dominant first half Defensive performance but as the 2nd half played out Buffalo shaved off points of that lead and finally took the lead 13-12 in the 4th quarter.
Later in the quarter the Titans received the ball with 6:15 remaining in the game and after a completion and 5 runs by Eddie George we set up what we thought was Greco’s game winning field goal with 1:48 to go. Following the kickoff Buffalo proceeded to drive down the field with no timeouts left and kick a 41 yard field goal to go up 16-15 with 16 seconds left to play.

As the kickoff team headed onto the field they all had one play in mind… “Home Run Throwback”. But there was a little doubt creeping into the back of some of their minds as the player that this play is suppose to be centered around, Derrick Mason, was injured during the game so Kevin Dyson’s name was called and it was all up to him.

The kickoff was high and short and landed in Lorenzo Neal’s hands at the 25. He took off to the right and handed it off to Frank Wycheck who took six steps towards the sideline and once he hit the hash he turned and threw a lateral to Kevin Dyson. With a line of blockers in front of him Dyson sprinted towards the end zone untouched and kept the Titan’s playoff hopes alive in what would turn out to be a Super Bowl year.

Creativity: 12
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 12
Clarity: 11

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Jaguars
One may ask how long is the span of a moment, is it measured in seconds, minutes, hours, one game or can it be measured in 100 games? I say the most memorable moment in Jaguars history is a moment of infancy, a span that lasted 100 games. It was not about one play, one game, one win or even one loss, it was the moment when the Jacksonville Jaguars where the winningest franchise in league history…

The Jaguars moment of infancy could be remembered as the best of times and the worst of times.

The Best of Times

After getting trounced by the Steelers 28-3, the Jaguars rallied to a 5 game winning streak that catapulted them into the play-off. The Jaguars, in only their second year of existence, had arrived at the Championship game as a 17.5 point underdog to the #1 offense in the league. Denver Broncos never knew what hit them, in what was one of the greatest upsets in NFL history. About 40,000 of us welcomed the boys back home in the wee hours of the morning, in what was the most celebrated Jaguars victory ever.

The Worst of Times

After going 14-2 in 99 and trouncing the Dolphins 62-7 in the divisional round, the Jaguars made it to their second AFC Championship game. The Jacksonville Jaguars saw a first half lead, and SB aspirations slip away to the Titans, in what was the most devastating defeat in Jaguars history.

Who had any idea, during the NFL's Expansion Class of 1995, that a team would emerge from it with 4 playoff appearances; 2 in the AFC Championship game in the mere span of 5 seasons of existence: to be heralded as the winningest expansion franchise in the history of the league?

How bout them Jaguars~!!

Creativity: 14
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 13
Clarity: 13

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Colts
In the history of a storied franchise, like the Colts, many moments stand out as significant and memorable ("The Greatest Game Ever Played", Superbowl XLI).

However, one moment set the tone for the recent success the Colts have enjoyed, a moment not so much memorable as it is significant, and that is the hiring of Bill Polian as General Manager.

Following his hiring in 1997, Polian has proved himself without doubt the best GM in football. Opting to re-build through the draft, Polian selected Peyton Manning with his first pick as GM (1998's top pick), although the team posted a lowly 3-13 record that year. Nevertheless, improvement was noticeable, and Polian made a controversial call by not only trading stud RB, Marshall Faulk, but bypassing hyped rookie RB Ricky Williams in the draft, selecting less heralded Edgerrin James. Polian proved brilliant as James went on to rush for a league leading 1553 rushing yards as the Colts marched to a 13-3 record and a divisional playoff berth. Over the next 8 years, his teams put up an 89-39 record, 7 playoff berths, and 1 Superbowl Victory behind alluring draft selections Reggie Wayne (30th, 2001), Dwight Freeney (11th, 2002), Dallas Clark (24th, 2003), Bob Sanders (44th, 2004), Joseph Addai (30th, 2006), and Antoine Bethea (207th, 2006). In fact, the only top selection made during the Polian era currently not with the team is LB Rob Morris, who played a significant role during their Superbowl run. Polian is also known for his late round picks, most notably Bethea, Robert Mathis (138th, 2003), and Cato June (198th, 2003). All in all, had Polian not been hired by the Colts, their roster could easily include Ryan Leaf and Ricky Williams, and we would be enjoying nowhere near the success we have today.

Creativity: 13
Passion: 12
Knowledge: 14
Clarity: 12

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Broncos
As a Broncos fan I think we all share the same game that had the biggest impact. Super Bowl XXXII vs. the Packers. To this point the Broncos had suffered more heartache then about any other team. We could make it to the Super bowl, but always left disappointed. It seemed like we were never going to win the big one and the odds going into the game weren’t looking good. The NFC had won 13 straight Super Bowls; the Broncos were coming in as a wild card team and were 11 ½ point underdogs. Going into Super Bowls at this point in time came with a little apprehension but this time was different, John Elway wasn’t going into this game alone in fact he wouldn’t even be the biggest factor wearing orange and blue. Terrell Davis stole the show, although the most memorable play came from John Elway scrambling for a first down, getting hit and spinning his way to the first down. This play showed everyone how determined John was to win and it gave the Broncos a spark in the 2nd half. Going into the game John Elway said all he wanted was a chance at the end of the game and he got it. The game was tied with just a few minutes left and John and the Broncos were able to score to put them ahead as good old #7 had done so many times throughout his career. The ensuing Packers drive was ended when John Mobley knocked down a Brett Favre pass and the Broncos had won the Super Bowl. That moment was one of the most exciting times of my life. I will never forget that exhilarating feeling, sadly a feeling that Chargers fans will never get to feel!

Creativity: 12
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 11
Clarity: 10

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Chiefs
There are 15 teams in the NFL who have never won a Super Bowl, and 6 teams who have won only once. The prestige of being a Super Bowl champion, even 39 years ago, always stays in the franchise’s heart. The Kansas City Chiefs, for one glorious season in 1969, won the NFL's premier game. No matter what successes and failures, triumphs and heartbreaks have passed since January 11, 1970, no Chiefs game has matched the significance of the SB IV win against the Minnesota Vikings.

Three Jan Stenerud FG’s, including an early SB record 48 yarder put the Chiefs up 9-0 over the heavily favored Joe Kapp led Vikings. A recovered fumble by Remi Prudhomme on a kickoff led to Mike Garrett's 5 yard TD run (the famous 65 toss power trap) and a 16-0 halftime lead. Minnesota opened the second half with a Dave Osborn 1 yd. TD run. Len Dawson and Otis Taylor took command of the game for KC with a 46 yd. TD pass that saw Taylor run over CB Earsell Macbee and S Karl Kassulke along the way. Len Dawson's 12-17, 142 yd. performance earned him MVP honors (lowest yardage for a MVP QB in SB history).

Super Bowl IV was significant because the Chiefs not only played for themselves, but for the pride of a 10 year old league that many said would never survive. It was the last game any AFL team would play as a representative of that league. They played for the Oilers, Bills, Chargers. Broncos, Dolphins, Patriots, Jets, Bengals, and even our arch rivals the Raiders. They played for owners scorned by the NFL in 1960 and labeled "The Foolish Club". When the 23-7 KC victory was over, AFL participants were no longer fools, but equals with the NFL.

Creativity: 13
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 14
Clarity: 12

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Raiders
No essay.

Creativity: 0
Passion: 0
Knowledge: 0
Clarity: 0

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Chargers
The Chargers began their existence in 1960 as the Los Angeles Chargers. On their very first play Paul Lowe returned the opening kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown as the Chargers defeat the NY Titans 27-7 before 27,778 in Los Angeles Coliseum in their first preseason game. The Chargers move to San Diego in time for the 1961 season. They dominate the old AFL for the first six years appearing in 5 of the first 6 championship games. They won their only AFL championship in Jan 1964 defeating the Boston Patriots 51-10.


The Chargers have only been in one super bowl but they have generated numerous memorable moments for their devoted fans. The memories are usually shared with the entire football world watching. They range from the cherished, to the bazaar like the Holy Roller incident in a game against the Raiders in 78. The Chargers OT playoff game against the Dolphins was a classic memory. The following week they played for the AFC championship in the ice bowl game against the Bengals with 59 below wind chill. We all enjoyed watching Ladainian Tomlinson score his record-breaking touchdown in 2006, then being carried off the field by his teammates like Rudy.


By far the most memorable moment is the Chargers advancing to the super bowl for the first time in franchise history with a stunning, 17-13 victory over the heavily favored Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium. Linebacker Dennis Gibson knocked down a Neil O'Donnell pass and stopped the Steelers on downs at the three-yard line with 1:04 left in the game. The team returned to San Diego following the game and an estimated crowd of 70,000 screaming fans in Jack Murphy Stadium greeted them. For the next two weeks the city of San Diego and Charger fans were delirious.

Creativity: 12
Passion: 13
Knowledge: 13
Clarity: 11