Flea Flickers, Double Passes, and Philly Specials
Imagine the stadium roaring, the clock ticking down, and the game hanging by a thread. This is the moment when legends are born and the playbook goes out the window. It’s the moment for the trick play. From the audacious flea flickers to the cunning double passes and the unforgettable Philly Special, let’s dive into the most jaw-dropping trick plays in sports history that turned athletes into heroes under the most intense pressure.
The Flea Flicker that Fooled Everyone
It’s a play that’s as daring as it is deceptive—the flea flicker. Picture this: the quarterback hands off the ball to the running back, who dashes forward, only to toss it back to the quarterback. What happens next is a moment of pure magic. The defense, caught off guard, watches helplessly as the quarterback launches a bomb downfield.
Could this really be the play that turns the tide?
One of the most iconic instances came during a critical NFL game. With the stakes sky-high, the team trailing, and the crowd’s noise at deafening levels, the quarterback received the ball back from the running back and found his receiver wide open downfield. Touchdown. The crowd went wild, the commentators lost their voices, and history was made.
More on this play at NFL.com.
The Double Pass Dazzler
Now, let’s talk about a play that epitomizes risk and reward—the double pass. This trick requires not one, but two well-timed throws, impeccable deception, and nerves of steel. The quarterback throws a lateral to a teammate, who then becomes a quarterback himself, throwing the ball again, this time hopefully to an unsuspecting receiver downfield.
Is this the moment that defines a game, a season, or even a career?
In a collegiate championship game, with everything on the line, a team pulled off this stunt spectacularly. The first pass went sideways, the second went long, and the result was a play that not only scored points but also demoralized the opposing team and electrified the fanbase. It was a play that people talked about for years, analyzing and marveling at the audacity and execution.
Experience the excitement on ESPN College Football.
The Philly Special: A Super Bowl Legend
Perhaps no trick play has captured the imagination of football fans quite like the Philly Special. It was Super Bowl LII, the Philadelphia Eagles versus the New England Patriots, and the Eagles were facing fourth-and-goal. Instead of kicking a field goal, they went for it in a way no one expected.
Could this bold move clinch the Super Bowl?
The quarterback lined up in the shotgun, then shifted right, leaving the center to snap the ball to an unassuming running back. What followed was a reverse pass to the tight end, who then threw the ball to the now wide-open quarterback in the end zone. Touchdown. The play was a masterpiece of misdirection and guts, etching itself into NFL lore and securing a Super Bowl victory.
Watch the full breakdown at NFL.com.
The Legacy of These Trick Plays
These aren’t just plays; they are gambits—bold, calculated risks that when executed correctly under unimaginable pressure, not only change the score but alter the course of history. They transform players into legends and ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. These plays remind us that sometimes, to win big, you have to play tricks.
