NFL Power Rankings: The Greatest Plays Of All-Time
By Erik Lambert
#17: Antonio Freeman Circus Catch
The late 1990s and early 2000s were ground zero for the war between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers for supremacy in their division. Such rivalry made for some pretty spectacular games, and equally spectacular plays.
None was more memorable or crazier than the one receiver Antonio Freeman pulled off on a rain-soaked night at Lambeau Field in November of 2000. The two teams had battled into overtime on Monday Night Football. Green Bay was attempting to drive for a possible field goal.
On a key 3rd down from inside the Minnesota 45-yard line, Brett Favre lofted a pass downfield to Freeman hoping for a big play. The Vikings corner had him blanketed and appeared to deflect the ball away incomplete. Somehow though the ball hit Freeman on the left arm and bounced back into the air.
With great presence of mind he reached out and caught it with his finger tips before it hit the ground, then got up and ran it in for a touchdown before the Vikings realized what had happened.
The victory helped Green Bay rally what had been a losing season and they finished 9-7. Even so, Minnesota got the last laugh by winning the division and advancing to the conference championship.
Next: #16