The NFL’s Greatest Cinderella Stories

The NFL is a league based on grit, glory, and the unlikeliest of heroes. Though high draft picks are likely to make headlines, it is the Cinderella tales—the underdogs who rise to glory that make followers and set legacies ablaze.

From backup quarterbacks to forgotten groups, these legendary NFL upsets attest that something is feasible on any given Sunday.

Joe Namath and the 1968 New York Jets: The Guarantee That Shook the NFL

Arguably, essentially the most historic upset in NFL historical past was the time Joe Namath promised victory in Super Bowl III—and produced. When he led the closely favored Baltimore Colts, the New York Jets have been 19-point underdogs.

Namath was not merely big-talking himself into it, both; he handed for 206 yards and guided the Jets to a surprising 16-7 win. This did greater than assure the AFL its rightful place as equals with the remainder of the skilled soccer world, although; this modified the material of the NFL ceaselessly.

Nick Foles and the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles: Backup Turned Super Bowl MVP

When franchise quarterback Carson Wentz was injured late within the 2017 season, there was little expectation the Philadelphia Eagles might bounce again. Enter backup quarterback Nick Foles, on the verge of retirement.

Foles shocked the world by not solely main the Eagles to the Super Bowl but additionally edging out the best quarterback within the sport’s historical past, Tom Brady, in Super Bowl LII.

With 373 passing yards, three touchdowns, and even a receiving landing within the now-infamous “Philly Special,” Foles introduced Philadelphia’s first Lombardi Trophy and have become the face of one of the vital inspirational NFL comebacks.

1980 Oakland Raiders: Wild Card Wonders Who Made History

The 1980 Raiders weren’t speculated to compete. As a wild card, they entered the playoffs and have become the primary NFL crew to win the Super Bowl with out profitable a division.

Quarterback Jim Plunkett, a former No. 1 draft choose who had been bounced across the league, stuffed in after Dan Pastorini was harm and redeemed himself. Plunkett’s drive led the Raiders to a masterful 27-10 Super Bowl XV win over the Eagles, solidifying their underdog standing.

The 2001 New England Patriots and Tom Brady: The Start of the Dynasty

Before Tom Brady was generally known as the GOAT, he was a sixth-round draft choice with one thing to show. He obtained his alternative in 2001 after an harm to Drew Bledsoe and did not look again.

Brady guided the Patriots to an 11-3 report and engineered a surprising upset of the “Greatest Show on Turf” in Super Bowl XXXVI. That game-winning drive and last-minute area purpose ignited one of many all-time sports activities dynasties and demonstrated that stars usually are not essentially made in spherical one.

1999 St. Louis Rams: Kurt Warner and ‘The Greatest Show on Turf’

From filling the grocery retailer cabinets to elevating the Lombardi Trophy, Kurt Warner’s life is the essence of a Cinderella story. Warner stuffed in when starter Trent Green was harm in 1999 and sparked one of many biggest offenses in league historical past.

With firepower reminiscent of Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, and Torry Holt, the Rams went from 4-12 to Super Bowl champions. Warner handed for greater than 4,300 yards within the season and was named league MVP. Their lightning-quick, explosive offense revolutionized the best way soccer was performed and perceived for years to come back.