The Craziest ‘Unreal’ Endings in NFL History

The NFL is replete with amazing moments, but some of the most memorable endings of an NFL game have blown minds and shook the foundations of our belief in the fairness of the sport. These are the stories of some of the most bizarre 'unreal' endings in NFL history.

1. The River City Relay: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New Orleans Saints (December 28, 2003)

When the Jacksonville Jaguars faced the New Orleans Saints on December 28, 2003, in Jacksonville, little did anyone anticipate one of the most bizarre endings ever seen in the league. The Saints had a chance to tie the game and force overtime with a field goal, but a critical moment came down to Saints kicker John “Don’t Call Me Art” Carney's missed extra point. The ball was lateraled three times in the final play of the game, and Carney's kick, which would have been a game-tying 1st, went wide right. The Jaguars won the game 20-19 by this unexpected stroke of fortune.

The moment was so pivotal that Saints play-by-play announcer Jim Henderson could not contain his reaction. His vocalized 'NO!' as Carney missed was recorded and replayed numerous times, adding to the laughter and ridicule that followed. This incident is still remembered as a classic in NFL history, serving as a reminder of how unpredictable the sport can be.

2. Vikings v Cowboys (December 28, 1975)

The 1975 season between the Minnesota Vikings and the Dallas Cowboys ended in one of the most dramatic and overlooked moments in NFL history. The game was won by a touchdown that seemed to occur after the official time had expired. What made the ending even more bizarre was the lack of a clear call on a pass interference that could have changed the outcome. While it's still debated whether this was a foul or a recovery of a tipped ball, the ending remains a moment that made history fascinatingly bizarre.

3. Atlanta Falcons’ Disappointment (January 20, 1993)

The Atlanta Falcons had a chance to taste their first Super Bowl victory. With the game seemingly poised for them, everything went awry as Tom Brady orchestrated a stunning comeback. This monumental turn of events left the Falcons, and indeed the entire league, in disbelief. It was an 'unreal' ending, leaving fans and players alike questioning the logic of the game's progression and outcomes.

4. The Heidi Game: Oakland Raiders v. New York Jets (November 17, 1968)

Broadcast history was made on November 17, 1968, when the Oakland Raiders faced the New York Jets in the infamous 'Heidi Game.' With just moments left in the game, and the Jets on the verge of victory, NBC decided to cut the broadcast at 7:00 PM Eastern time to air a broadcast of the TV show 'Heidi.' To the disbelief of many, the Jets went on to score a touchdown, only for the game to be cut off before they could kick the extra point. The game ended with the Raiders leading 36-32. This event effectively ended the NFL's ability to make live broadcasts easier to watch by cutting mid-game, thereby maintaining the integrity and pacing of the game.

The 'Heidi Game' is still remembered as a controversial moment in NFL history and a warning for broadcasters to be mindful of their commitments to the public. The decision by NBC to cut the game in preference for a TV show remains a watershed moment, highlighting the potential for unforeseen outcomes and the crucial role of staying committed to the sport.

Conclusion: Endings That Defined Moments

The NFL is filled with fascinating moments that push the boundaries of what we can expect from a game. These ‘unreal’ endings, such as those in the River City Relay, the Vikings and Cowboys game, the Falcons' disappointment, and the Heidi Game, serve as reminders of the unpredictability and drama that make the sport so thrilling. These are just a few examples of the many 'unreal' endings that have defined moments in NFL history, leaving enduring legacies and captivating fans for decades.

Whether it's a missed extra point, a disputed pass interference call, or a broadcast decision that changed the outcome, these moments highlight the sheer drama and unpredictability of the NFL. They are a testament to the game's power to surprise and excite, making every game worth watching with the possibility of experiencing these 'unreal' endings.