Impossible NFL Highlights: 12 Miraculous Feats of Athleticism

NFL highlights happen every week, with all 32 teams boasting world-class talents. However, some plays stick out in your memory more than others. What are the greatest plays in NFL history? Here are the 12 miraculous feats of athleticism deserving another watch. 

1. Odell Beckham Jr. Makes His Mark

New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys, Nov. 23, 2014

Against the Dallas Cowboys, rookie Odell Beckham Jr. made a one-handed catch by extending his right arm as far back as it could go. Could you catch the ball while a defender grabs onto you like that? It’s been 10 years since the 43-yard catch, but it remains cemented in NFL lore as one of the all-time football highlights. Kids everywhere have tried to recreate this play in the backyard. 

2. Garrett Wilson Does His OBJ Impression

New York Jets vs. Houston Texans, Oct. 31, 2024

A decade later, another young stud receiver from a New York team made the highlight reels. This time, Garrett Wilson of the Jets stunned the sports world with one of the best NFL plays in the history of Thursday Night Football. It doesn’t look like he made the catch to the naked eye. However, Wilson’s shin was in bounds to complete the play. 

3. Saquon Barkley Hurdles Over Jaguars

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Nov. 3, 2024

If you were to redraft for fantasy football, Saquon Barkley should be the first pick in every league. This guy is a human highlight reel in every game, and this play against the Jaguars was no different. Barkley’s teammates see his athleticism daily, but you can see them go crazy on the sidelines after he made the play. With this play, Barkley’s backward hurdle is one of the greatest football moments of 2024 and all time. 

4. Cam Newton Flips Into the End Zone

Carolina Panthers vs. Houston Texans, Sept. 20, 2015

People who just recently started watching the NFL might need help understanding just how spectacular Cam Newton was. Since his days at Auburn, Newton has produced football highlights and mind-blowing NFL plays despite his size. This play was relatively simple, as it was a quarterback draw. However, the Panthers star flipped into the end zone and made fans go crazy at Bank of America Stadium. 

5. Derrick Henry Runs 99 Yards for a Touchdown

Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Dec. 6, 2009

Derrick Henry is among the strongest NFL players, so bringing the big guy down is hard. He’s not as fast as Tyreek Hill, but his downhill speed and stiff arms made this play spectacular. The Jaguars were looking to score a safety, but Henry gave them the complete opposite feat. While rumbling down the field, the star running back put multiple Jags flat on their backs. 

6. Adrian Peterson Reminds You Who’s Boss

Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns, Sept. 13, 2009

Adrian Peterson didn’t run for 99 yards as Henry did. However, his 64-yard touchdown against the Cleveland Browns is one of his greatest football moments of all time. On the run, he gave a stiff arm to not one but two Browns defenders. Simultaneously, he displayed his incredible start-and-stop ability and why he’s among the best tailbacks to ever suit up.

7. Julio Jones Makes a Big Game Catch

Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots, Feb. 5, 2017

Julio Jones racked up 67 touchdowns in his 13-year career, though he spent most of it in double coverage. While he might not get the credit he deserves, Jones had numerous incredible plays, such as this catch in Super Bowl LI. The Falcons didn’t win, but the former University of Alabama receiver made one of the greatest football highlights in Super Bowl history. 

8. Marshawn Lynch Launches a Beast Quake

Seattle Seahawks vs. New Orleans Saints, Jan. 8, 2011

Networks have replayed the Beast Quake play a million times, and it’s worth rewatching. Marshawn Lynch posted one of the greatest plays in NFL history by taking on nearly every Saints defender. A routine play turned into a spectacular 67-yard touchdown in an NFC wild-card game, adding to its place in football history. Is there a better way to take down the defending champs?

9. Reggie Bush Takes Flight

New Orleans Saints at Miami Dolphins, Oct. 25, 2009

This time, the New Orleans Saints are on the right side of a historic play. Reggie Bush is best known for his football highlights at USC, but he had a few worthwhile clips during his time in the NFL. On this trick play, Bush ended up with the ball and leaped from the five-yard line into the end zone. It’s one of the most underrated NFL plays in the game’s history!  

10. DK Metcalf Chases Down Budda Baker

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals, Oct. 25, 2020

Budda Baker was on his way to creating NFL highlights for his kids to watch. Unfortunately for him, DK Metcalf had other ideas in mind. Russell Wilson threw a goal-line interception (go figure), leading to Baker’s run to the end zone. Metcalf, who also runs track, chased down Baker and prevented the Cardinals from scoring a touchdown on the play.   

11. Troy Polamalu Jumps the Line of Scrimmage

Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans, Sept. 19, 2010

Highlight plays typically include showing off what the offense can do. However, Troy Polamalu kept Steelers fans in awe with his defensive prowess and NFL highlights. On this play, Polamalu prevented a touchdown by timing his leap perfectly and tackling Kerry Collins on the quarterback sneak. If you ask Polamalu about his football days, it’s also worth asking about his long hair and how he keeps it stellar. 

Troy Polamalu Jumps Over the Line of Scrimmage to Make the Goal Line Tackle for a Loss (2010 Week 2)

12. Julius Peppers Turns Back the Clock

Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings, Oct. 2, 2014

If you watch Julius Peppers’ football highlights, you’ll see plenty of sacks and forced fumbles. However, the defensive end and linebacker got his big moment in his first game as a Green Bay Packer. On this play, a 34-year-old Peppers ran nearly untouched to the end zone after picking off Christian Ponder. It’s no surprise to see Peppers as part of the Hall of Fame class of 2024. 

Reliving the Best NFL Highlights in the History of the Game

Where were you when OBJ made his spectacular catch or Marshawn Lynch did a backward dive in the end zone? The best athletes in the world have created the greatest football moments of all time since the league’s beginning. With the NFL’s continued success, it’s almost a guarantee more incredible plays will emerge.