Here are just a few great snow moments in sports history
With a blizzard soon to hit the East Coast, a.k.a the center of the universe, now is a great time to look back at some great snow moments in sports history.
Here, our uncomprehensive list of cool snow games:
Raiders vs. Patriots, Jan. 19, 2002
The Tuck Rule game! You remember this ditty—the birth of the Tom Brady legend and the end of Jon Gruden’s tenure in Oakland. The clutchest play from this game was not Brady’s non-fumble, it was Adam Vinatieri’s field goal in overtime amidst a flurry of snow that ultimately sent the Patriots into the next round.
Dolphins vs. Cowboys, Nov. 25, 1993
Leon Lett remembers this game all too well. Miami trailed Dallas 14–13 in the fourth quarter when its go-ahead field goal attempt was blocked. Lett touched the ball, which turned the play “live,” and the Dolphins recovered with an opportunity for another field goal. The second kick was good, and Miami won the game.
• The 10 most memorable snow games in NFL history
U.S. vs. Costa Rica, March 22, 2013
My dad was irrationally upset while watching this game, which I guess upset soccer purists. But it was so cool! At one point, it looked like officials would call the game to Costa Rican protests in the 55th minute. The U.S. won the World Cup qualifier on the back of a Clint Dempsey goal. Costa Rica would get its revenge later that year.
Giants vs. Angels, Oct. 20, 2002
It did not snow during this game. But J.T. Snow did save Barry Bonds’s son from getting run over at home plate.
Blackhawks vs. Penguins, March 1, 2014
This is what people mean when they wax poetic about shinny, right? Like a game on a Canadian pond, the Blackhawks fought through snow for a 5–1 win over the Penguins.
Bears vs. Spartans, Dec. 18, 1932
The 1932 NFL Playoff Game actually took place indoors because Wrigley Field was too snow-covered for football. The Bears and Spartans played in Chicago Stadium on an 80-yard field that was only 45 yards wide. The ball was moved back 20 yards every time a team crossed the 10-yard line. The only score came on a trick play, with Bronco Nagurski taking a handoff and throwing to Red Grange for a touchdown. The Spartans disputed the score to no avail, saying Nagurski did not drop back the requisite five yards before passing. This was the first major indoor football game, and proved to be so popular, it galvanized the league to differentiate itself from college football.
Some Iditarod, Every year
I don’t know anything about the Iditarod, but you have to assume one of them was particularly snowy. Here’s a video of cute dogs:
Brendan Maloy contributed reporting.
