The 18-0 Patriots went into Super Bowl 42 against the Giants as 12-point favorites, looking to complete the perfect season. New England’s then record-setting offense averaged 38.7 points per game, but New York’s front-four pass rush dominated. When the Patriots drove the field and scored with 2:32 left in the fourth quarter to take a 14-10 lead, it looked like Tom Brady, despite five sacks, once again had saved his best for last.
Just as it looked like the Giants’ El Manning-led last gasp drive would be stopped before midfield, Tyree pulled off his miracle ahead of the final minute. On 3rd-on-5 from his own 44, Manning felt immediate pressure working off the shotgun by multiple Patriots’ rushers. Pulling away from a would-be sack by Jarvis Green, Manning executed a downfield pass called “62 Sail-Y Union”, throwing to the deep slot receiver — Tyree. Patriots safety Rodney Harrison was ready, plastering Tyree in coverage. Although Harrison got his hands on the ball after Tyree did, Tyree still pinned the ball to his helmet with his right hand and secured it with his left, making the catch falling to the ground at the Patriots’ 24. Four plays later, Manning hit Plaxico Burress on a 13-yard touchdown strike to score one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history.
David Tyree’s Helmet Catch is one of the greatest plays ever 🤯pic.twitter.com/ZT4qDEY9OR
— Athlete Swag (@AthleteSwag) January 27, 2026
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