The wildest almost-win ever
Imagine the scene: seconds ticking down, playoff hopes hanging by a thread, and a football spiraling through the air in a desperate dance of laterals. This isn’t just any play—it’s the River City Relay, a moment that encapsulates the sheer unpredictability and exhilarating chaos of the NFL. But what happens when such a miraculous play is followed by a gut-wrenching twist? Let’s dive into one of the most unforgettable finishes in football history.
- The Stage is Set: December 21, 2003
- The Play: 75 Yards, Three Laterals, One Touchdown
- The Aftermath: Joy, Despair, and Legacy
The Stage is Set: December 21, 2003
It was a crisp, cool day at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The New Orleans Saints, under the helm of coach Jim Haslett, were facing off against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Saints needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, trailing the NFC South leaders. With the game clock winding down, the Saints were behind 20-13, and it seemed all but over.
Could the Saints pull off a miracle to keep their season alive?
The Play: 75 Yards, Three Laterals, One Touchdown
The clock showed just seven seconds left in the fourth quarter as the Saints lined up at their own 25-yard line. Quarterback Aaron Brooks took the snap and launched a deep pass to wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth at midfield. What followed was nothing short of gridiron ballet. Stallworth caught the pass, dodged two tackles, and before being brought down, lateraled the ball to Michael Lewis. Lewis, known for his speed, darted forward then lateraled to Deuce McAllister who, in turn, flicked the ball to Jerome Pathon who dashed into the end zone. Touchdown, Saints!
The stadium erupted in disbelief and joy. The Saints had just pulled off one of the most spectacular plays in NFL history, covering 75 yards with three laterals. The play was a perfect blend of desperation, precision, and sheer athletic brilliance.
But was the miracle complete?
The Aftermath: Joy, Despair, and Legacy
All that stood between the Saints and overtime was an extra point—a mere formality in most cases. John Carney, a veteran kicker, lined up for the kick. The snap was good, the hold was perfect, but the kick sailed wide right. No good. In an instant, the euphoria of the moment was crushed by the weight of what could have been.
The missed PAT sealed a 20-19 victory for the Jaguars and effectively ended the Saints’ playoff hopes. The River City Relay, despite its brilliance, would be remembered as much for the missed kick as for the miraculous touchdown.
More on this moment at NFL.com.
The Legacy of the River City Relay
The River City Relay remains a testament to the unpredictable nature of football. It encapsulates the highs and lows of the sport within a single play. For Saints fans, it is a bittersweet memory—a reminder of what almost was. For football aficionados, it is a highlight reel staple, a play that shows why no game is over until the final whistle.
This play also serves as a harsh lesson in the importance of every component of the game, including those often taken for granted, like PATs. It underscores the old adage in sports: it’s not over until it’s over.
The River City Relay is not just about the players involved or the score at the end of the game. It’s about the passion, the unpredictability, and the sheer drama that sports can provide. It’s about hope, heartbreak, and, above all, the unforgettable moments that keep fans coming back season after season.
While the Saints did not win that day, they won a permanent place in the annals of NFL lore. The River City Relay is a story of athletic prowess, teamwork, and the razor-thin margins between victory and defeat. It’s a play that will be discussed, analyzed, and marveled at for generations. In the world of sports, there are few moments that capture the imagination quite like this.
So, as we reflect on this incredible moment, we are reminded of the power of sports to inspire, to devastate, and to entertain. The River City Relay is more than just a play; it’s a symbol of why we watch, why we cheer, and why we love the game.
