Reliving the greatest plays in Green Bay Packers Super Bowl history can still give a diehard Packer-Backer goosebumps today (thanks YouTube). However this list was not easy to narrow down. The Packers have played in the “Big Game” five times in their history and ended up winning four times.
That’s a lot of big plays to choose from.
What was particularly interesting about creating this list is that all three of the Packers’ legendary quarterbacks have played in the Super Bowl. And all three shined, which is why they’re regarded as legends. But a lot of Green Bay’s other truly legendary historical figures had a chance to be on this list, too. And a few of them cracked the top 10.
We wanted to include a few other memorable plays, too.
Honorable Mention Plays:
SB XLV: Tramon Williams’ pass break up on 4th down to seal victory.
SB XXXI: Doug Evans’ interception in the first quarter following Rison’s touchdown.
SB II: Herb Adderley pick-six to put the game away.
SB I: Jim Taylor’s rushing touchdown, giving the Packers a lead they would not lose.
SB XXXI: Reggie White’s second-consecutive sack of Drew Bledsoe.
SB XXXII: Antonio Freeman’s touchdown reception to give the Packers a 7-0 lead.
Without further delay, here are the top 10 plays in Packers Super Bowl history:
10. Nitschke Makes A Statement
Super Bowl II began with Ray Nitschke setting the tone for the Packers’ win over the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders ran a sweep on the first play and Nitschke burst through the blockers and delivered a violent tackle. In the press box, a reporter reacted to the devastating tackle by saying, “this game is over.” And it was. Yes, that was both a great play and a very memorable play for Packers’ players and fans. It was the type of impact play that can define a game (and era) and it did.
9. Freeman’s Record Reception
Antonio Freeman gave Packers fans many amazing memories during his career in Green Bay, but the touchdown he scored in Super Bowl XXXI was, perhaps, his finest work. Freeman caught a then Super Bowl record 81-yard touchdown pass from Brett Favre. Freeman, known more for his route running and good hands than his speed, put one move on his defender and caught Favre’s pass down the sideline and then inexplicably out ran every defender to the end zone. It’s a play that will live on in Packers’ lore forever.
8. Rodgers’ Pinpoint Accuracy
Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to a Super Bowl XLV Championship and captured the MVP by throwing for 3 touchdowns and over 300 yards. Yet perhaps the biggest play of the day, and the play that amazed everyone, was the 31-yard third down completion to Greg Jennings late in the 4th quarter. That throw was nothing short than amazing and it left the Steelers players just shaking their heads, as they knew they had been beaten. The announcers raved about the “pinpoint accuracy” of the throw and it was obvious at that moment that no moment was ever too big for Rodgers.
7. Wood’s Interception Changes the Game
Defensive back Willie Wood sparked the Packers’ offense with his Super Bowl I interception. Yes the Packers won that game 35-10, but it wasn’t looking like a blowout the whole time. In the third quarter, when the game was still in the balance, Wood broke the Chiefs’ will. His interception, and 50-yard return to the Kansas City 5-yard line led to three consecutive Packers touchdowns, which ultimately decided the game. If he doesn’t intercept that pass, perhaps the Packers don’t go on to win the game and maybe Lombardi’s legacy isn’t half of what it is today.
6. Matthews Responds to “It’s Time”
The fumble that Clay Matthews forced in Super Bowl XLV was a play for the ages and a play that only a true leader could make. Think about it, the spiritual leader Donald Driver was out, the vocal leader Charles Woodson had his arm in a sling, and Ben Rothlisberger was in position to lead the Steelers to a come from behind Super Bowl victory. The Steelers had all of the momentum after a big third quarter and were poised to continue that momentum into the fourth. But on the first play of the final quarter, Matthews stepped up. He read the play, called out orders to the other defenders, “Spill it Pickett” and then hit Mendenhall in the backfield forcing him to lose the ball that Desmond Bishop would recover for the Packers. Game changer. Legacy changer.
The top five are found on Page 2!
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