The Main Events

Weightiest moments of the Aughts

Dale Earnhardt's death

The Intimidator's passing at age 49 after a wreck at the '01 Daytona 500 made him a NASCAR icon—and led to much-needed safety reforms.

The Jeter Flip

Game 3 of the '01 ALDS: Derek Jeter's rescue of an errant relay preserved a Yankees' win. A signature play by an athletic and cerebral star.

Brady's Tuck

In '02 Tom Brady (above), trailing the Raiders in his first playoff game, got a fourth-quarter fumble back when it was ruled an incomplete pass. New England rallied, and a dynasty was born.

The Curse Reverses

Next year finally came for the Red Sox in '04: their first World Series win since 1918. They did it in style, too, coming back from a 3--0 ALCS deficit against the hated Yankees.

Tiger's Chip