The Giants were on the comeback trail against red-hot favourites, the New England Patriots at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, just two points behind with minutes remaining.
The Giants, in possession of the ball close to the Patriots’ end goal, knew a field goal could be enough for a win – but crucially wanted to use up as much time as possible to prevent their opponents from launching a comeback of their own.
Quarterback Eli Manning handed Bradshaw the ball, with instructions to get close to, but not cross into, the end goal – but the Patriots defence had no intention of stopping him.
They wanted to concede a touchdown, which would give the New England team around a minute to attempt to score one of their own and win the game. What happened next was one of the strangest plays in Super Bowl history, as Bradshaw sprinted, expecting a tackle – only to see the defence stand to one side.
Bradshaw realised what was happening, but too late. As he tried to put the brakes on, he toppled over into the end zone despite his best efforts to stop. Thankfully for him, and for his teammates, the Patriots’ attempts to score in the final 59 seconds were unsuccessful and the New York team won their fourth ever Super Bowl.
Where’s my helmet?
It’s the stuff of PE lesson nightmares – you open your bag and realise you’ve forgotten your kit.
That’s bad enough at school, but at the biggest American football game of the year?
In Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Buffalo Bills were taking on the team formerly known as the Washington Redskins.
Running back Thurman Thomas – widely regarded as one of the best offensive players of the era – was lining up for the Bills. Thomas had a pre-game ritual where he placed his helmet on the 34-yard line.