People often underestimate the significance of the NFL conference championship. They think on the lines that only the super bowl is the significant one, not others. They fail to realize that the NFL is the road to the super bowl. The NFL conference championship games only lead a team or players to win a trip to the super bowl. In the history of football, the NFL conference championship has given some of the most memorable moments to the sports industry. In some of the games, we have seen the unexpected players making their way to the top and becoming the shining stars. Some players are such that they tend to leave an indelible mark on the other. Here are some of the best memorable moments from the NFL conference championship games.
Memorable moments from NFL conference championship games
Patriots vs. Chiefs-
In 2018, it was a competition between the patriots and chiefs. The Chiefs made the late field goal in the fourth quarter and went straight to the AFC championship game. It was Tom Brady who emerged as the winner securing 37-31 in the game. This win led them to their ninth super bowl appearance.
Halted two-point conversion-
The defense made by Denver wreaked havoc on Tom Brady and New England. But the Patriots had the opportunity to tie the game in the remaining time. Apart from this, Rob Gronkowski scored a touchdown within two points by securing 20-18. Brady threw his body into the end zone, but unfortunately, the ball was picked off by Bradley Roby. he did this to win the Denver game. And it all happened in the 2015 season.
Seahawks sent by Russell Wilson-
Wilson had thrown four interceptions and had a subpar NFC championship game, and that too by his admission. But he got late while making up for it. Wilson fired a 35-yard touchdown to Jermaine Kearse and secured 28-22 over Green Bay to win.
Richard Sherman got a win for the seahawks-
He became a household name for his gameplay facing the 49ers in the 2013 NFC championship game. He also gave an interview for the same. Near the fourth quarter ending, he led by 23-17 and tipped a Colin Kaepernick, meant for Michael Crabtree. But he further passed it to his teammate Malcolm Smith.
Blow for 49ers by Kyle Williams-
Williams served as San Francisco’s punt returner in the NFC championship game and consequently didn’t have a good day. During regulation, he fumbled. He did this to set a game-winning field goal for the giants.
Ravens vs. New England-
In the 2011 season, Ravens blew their opportunities with New England’s rivals. Lee Evans from Ravens caught a touchdown pass by 23-20 with only one minute difference. Interestingly, after reviewing the game, the play was ruled out to be incomplete. Besides this, Billy Cundiff missed a 32-yard goal and fought for another super bowl berth for the patriots.
Blow for the Vikings by Brett Favre-
Favre had the opportunity to lead the Vikings to the super bowl. The Saints had a 38-yard line, and the Vikings also had the ball close to it. Favre threw across his body and took a significant risk. Tracy Porter picked off the pass. A field goal was made by New Orleans that took them straight to the super bowl.
Lawrence Tynes in 2007-
Lawrence Tynes missed two mid-range field goals. Favre was picked off by the Giants on the end of the field and made a huge mistake in overtime. Meanwhile, Tynes got a chance to redeem himself by kicking a 47-yard goal to win by 23-20.
Patriots defeat by Peyton-
In the 2006 season, the Patriots were defeated by Peyton. Peyton Manning was competent enough to rally the Colts in the AFC championship game by 21-3. Both the teams managed to trade the scores in the fourth quarter.
Warner to Proehl-
The greatest show on turf by the rams was the historic one in the 1999 NFL conference championship season. The Rams finally broke up with Warner to Proehl’s 30-yard touchdown pass to go ahead in the game. Despite both the hands under the ball, the catch made by Bert Emanuel was ruled out as no catch. Owing to this play only, the NFL conference championship witnessed the rule change.
Gary Anderson’s Missed goal-
What happened in this NFC championship game was responsible for the Vikings’ pessimism. Minnesota had the opportunity to get two scores against Atlanta, but due to the carelessness displayed by Gary Anderson, they did not. Gary Anderson missed his first field goal. But the Falcons managed to score the touchdown to tie the game and secured a win in overtime.
Injury of Joe Montana-
In 1990, Joe Montana was injured in 49ers. He started with his final game in the NFC championship game but unfortunately got injured in the fourth quarter by Lineman Leonard Marshall. On the other hand, New York managed to make a comeback and win by 15-13.
Conclusion
These were some of the best moments in the NFL conference championship, which are forever alive in true sports fans’ hearts.
