Whirled Famous: John Elway’s Helicopter Play in Super Bowl XXXII

John W. McDonough looks back at a memorable Super Bowl for him.

John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated

Super Bowl XXXII was going to be special for John W. McDonough no matter what happened. It was in his hometown of San Diego, so he got to play host to the bevy of photographers SI sent. It became even more special when he captured one of the most iconic moments in NFL history: the Helicopter Play.

Late in the third quarter, with the score tied at 17, the Broncos faced third-and-6 at the Green Bay 12. Denver QB John Elway was hit by three Packers as he scrambled, sending him spinning parallel to the ground. He got the first down, and the Broncos went on to score a TD and win the game 31–24.

John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated

McDonough was positioned in the stands at the opposite end of Qualcomm Stadium, where he watched the action through a 600mm lens. He knew that even though Elway was 37, he still could make things happen with his legs.

“He’s always the playmaker,” says McDonough. “You stay on him because you just don’t know when he’s gonna make some kind of crazy move. After a play like that happens, you do the sign of the cross and hope that it’s sharp and framed properly.”

In the photo, Elway is looking right into the camera, grimacing at the hit.

John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated

“I was shocked that he was able to get up,” says McDonough. “He was so pumped with adrenaline that he just didn’t notice it, but it had to have left a mark.”

It definitely left an indelible image on the pages of the magazine.