Sports have an unparalleled ability to elicit deep emotions, from sheer joy to crushing disappointment. The recent US Open saw Rory McIlroy experience the latter, with a devastating loss that left fans around the world in shock. As we reflect on McIlroy’s near miss, it’s a poignant reminder of some of the most heartbreaking last-minute losses in professional sports history. Here are six instances where victory slipped through the fingers of athletes and teams in the final moments, leaving fans in stunned silence.
1. The Miracle at the Meadowlands II – Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants (2010)
In a game that seemed all but over, the New York Giants held a commanding 31-10 lead over the Philadelphia Eagles with just eight minutes remaining. What followed was a collapse of epic proportions. Eagles quarterback Michael Vick led his team to three quick touchdowns, tying the game. With seconds left, Giants punter Matt Dodge was instructed to kick away from Eagles’ return specialist DeSean Jackson. Dodge, however, punted directly to Jackson, who returned it 65 yards for a touchdown as time expired, securing a 38-31 victory for Philadelphia. This dramatic turnaround left Giants fans in disbelief and epitomized the chaos of a last-second loss.
2. The Catch II – San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers (1998)
The San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers faced off in a 1998 NFC Wild Card game that would become legendary. With just eight seconds remaining and the 49ers trailing 27-23, quarterback Steve Young connected with Terrell Owens for a 25-yard touchdown. Owens, who had dropped several passes earlier in the game, made a miraculous catch in the end zone despite heavy coverage. The 49ers’ victory sent shockwaves through the league and left the Packers and their fans devastated.
3. Game 6, 2013 NBA Finals – Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs
The 2013 NBA Finals saw the San Antonio Spurs on the brink of a championship, leading the Miami Heat by five points with just 28.2 seconds remaining in Game 6. However, a series of improbable events unfolded. LeBron James hit a crucial three-pointer, and after a missed free throw by the Spurs, Ray Allen made a legendary corner three to tie the game with just 5.2 seconds left. The Heat went on to win in overtime, and ultimately clinched the championship in Game 7. Spurs fans were left reeling from a loss that seemed impossible just moments before.
4. Super Bowl XLIX – Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots (2015)
In one of the most scrutinized decisions in Super Bowl history, the Seattle Seahawks were on the cusp of back-to-back championships, trailing the New England Patriots 28-24 but positioned at the one-yard line with 26 seconds left. Instead of handing the ball to their powerful running back Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks opted for a pass play. Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler intercepted Russell Wilson’s pass, sealing the victory for New England. The decision and its outcome remain one of the most debated and heartbreaking moments for Seahawks fans.
5. Game 7, 2013 NHL Eastern Conference Quarterfinals – Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
One of the most heart-wrenching moments in recent NHL history occurred in the 2013 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs were on the verge of advancing, leading 4-1 in the third period of Game 7. However, the Bruins mounted a historic comeback, scoring three goals in the final 11 minutes to tie the game, with Patrice Bergeron netting the equalizer with just 51 seconds remaining. Bergeron then scored the game-winning goal in overtime, completing the Bruins’ incredible rally and sending Maple Leafs fans into despair.
6. The Bill Buckner Incident – Boston Red Sox vs. New York Mets (1986 World Series)
The 1986 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a heartbreaking moment for Red Sox fans. In Game 6, with the Red Sox leading the series 3-2 and poised to win their first championship since 1918, they were ahead 5-3 in the bottom of the 10th inning. With two outs and the bases empty, the Mets rallied to tie the game. Mookie Wilson then hit a ground ball that rolled through the legs of Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner, allowing the winning run to score. The Mets went on to win Game 7, and Buckner’s error became one of the most infamous moments in baseball history, symbolizing the Red Sox’s prolonged championship drought.
HONOURABLE MENTION
The Music City Miracle – Tennessee Titans vs. Buffalo Bills (2000)
During the 2000 NFL Wild Card game, the Buffalo Bills appeared to have secured victory with a 16-15 lead and just 16 seconds remaining. What followed was one of the most famous plays in NFL history. The Titans executed a perfectly designed lateral play on the ensuing kickoff, with Frank Wycheck throwing a lateral pass across the field to Kevin Dyson, who sprinted 75 yards for a touchdown. The Titans’ 22-16 victory stunned the Bills and their fans, marking an unforgettable and controversial end to the game.