The NFL, with its complex strategies, thrilling plays, and intricate rules, stands as one of the most captivating sports leagues in the world. While most fans are familiar with the regular, well-rehearsed plays like passing touchdowns, field goals, or interceptions, the league also contains a rich history of rarities—plays that are so unusual that even the most avid fans may only see them once in a lifetime.
These rare plays emerge due to unusual game situations, creative coaching strategies, or even rule technicalities. They not only surprise opponents but also add an element of unpredictability to the game that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats.
But what exactly makes a play rare in the NFL? Is it the difficulty of execution, the infrequency with which it happens, or the sheer unpredictability?
What Makes a Play Rare in the NFL?
In the high-stakes world of professional football, coaches and players often stick to proven strategies that maximize the chance of success. However, every now and then, a situation calls for something unexpected, a play that breaks from the norm and catches everyone off guard. This is where rare plays come into the picture.
Factors That Contribute to a Rare Play:
- Situational Necessity:
- Many rare plays occur only in very specific scenarios. For example, a fair catch kick can only happen when the receiving team catches a punt without advancing it. These unique conditions limit how often such a play is attempted.
- Strategic Complexity:
- Some plays are rare because they require perfect timing, high levels of coordination, or even deceptive tactics that most teams are unwilling to risk. This high degree of difficulty keeps these plays out of the regular playbook.
- Historical Significance:
- Some plays are rare because they have been phased out of regular use or occur so infrequently in modern NFL gameplay that they feel almost mythical when executed.
- High-Risk, Low-Reward:
- Rare plays often come with a significant risk of failure. A failed trick play, for example, could result in a loss of yardage or even a turnover. Coaches, therefore, tend to avoid these plays unless the potential reward far outweighs the risk.
Rare plays are not just unusual—they also carry a sense of unpredictability that can either lead to stunning success or disastrous failure. Many rare plays walk the line between genius and folly, adding to their allure. As a result, they are often remembered and discussed for years after they happen.
Rare Plays Versus Trick Plays:
It’s important to distinguish rare plays from trick plays, although there is some overlap. A trick play is designed specifically to mislead the opposing team, using deception to gain an advantage. Trick plays like flea-flickers, reverses, or fake punts can be relatively common depending on a team’s philosophy.
Rare plays, on the other hand, are often dictated by specific game situations or obscure rule applications. While they can involve trickery, their rarity comes from the unusual circumstances that surround them. These plays are often legal but unconventional, relying on NFL rules that are not frequently used.
For example, a drop kick field goal is not a trick play but a rare occurrence because it is an outdated technique that is seldom utilized in modern games.
Examples of the Rarest Plays in NFL History
Throughout the history of the NFL, there have been several plays that stand out due to their rarity and the circumstances in which they occurred. These plays are not just fascinating for their uniqueness, but they also showcase the creativity and situational awareness required to execute them. Below, we will explore some of the rarest and most memorable plays in NFL history, explaining why they are so uncommon and the rules that govern their execution.
The Fair Catch Kick
The fair catch kick is one of the most unusual and least known plays in the NFL rulebook. It is rarely seen because it requires a very specific set of circumstances and a calculated risk from the kicking team.
What Is a Fair Catch Kick?
A fair catch kick occurs when a team calls for a fair catch on a punt and then chooses to attempt a field goal on the very next play. The team is allowed to kick the ball from the line of scrimmage without any rush from the defense, just like a field goal attempt. However, unlike a regular field goal, the kick can be made from where the punt was caught rather than from a snap. The kicker is allowed to attempt this as a free kick, and if it goes through the uprights, the team scores three points.
Why Is It Rare?
- Situational Necessity: The play only works if the receiving team successfully calls a fair catch on a punt, often in the closing seconds of a half or game when the team is too far to attempt a regular play but close enough to try a long-range field goal.
- Historical Use: The last successful fair catch kick in the NFL was executed by Ray Wersching of the San Diego Chargers in 1976, making it a truly rare event. There have been other attempts since, but the play is largely seen as a relic of an earlier era.
Famous Example:
One of the most famous near-successes occurred in 2013 when the San Francisco 49ers attempted a fair catch kick at the end of the first half against the Green Bay Packers. While the kick was unsuccessful, it reignited interest in this seldom-used strategy.
Drop Kick Field Goal
The drop kick field goal is a relic of football’s past, harking back to the early days of the NFL when kicking styles were much more diverse than they are today. A drop kick involves dropping the ball and kicking it as it hits the ground, rather than using a place kick.
What Is a Drop Kick?
In a drop kick, the ball must touch the ground before the kicker’s foot connects with it. This method was more common in the early 20th century when the shape of the football was rounder and easier to handle. Drop kicks can be used to score field goals or extra points.
Why Is It Rare?
- Obsolescence: The shape of the modern football, which is more oblong, makes it much harder to drop kick with accuracy. Additionally, the introduction of specialized kickers and the consistent use of placekicks have rendered the drop kick nearly obsolete.
- Rule Inclusion: Although it is still technically legal in the NFL, it has become exceedingly rare, with only one successful drop kick recorded in recent history.
Famous Example:
The last successful drop kick in the NFL occurred on January 1, 2006, when quarterback Doug Flutie, playing for the New England Patriots, executed a successful drop kick for an extra point. This marked the first time the play had been used in over 60 years and remains one of the most memorable moments in NFL history.
The Touchback on a Kickoff Return
A touchback is a relatively common result in NFL games, especially after kickoffs, but it can also be used strategically in rare situations, making it a play worth noting.
What Is a Touchback?
A touchback occurs when the ball is kicked into the end zone on a kickoff or punt and the receiving team does not attempt to return it, electing instead to take the ball at their 25-yard line. This happens regularly on kickoffs, especially with the strength of modern kickers who often send the ball deep into the end zone.
Why Is It Rare (Strategically)?
- Strategic Use: While touchbacks are common on kickoffs, using a touchback as a strategic advantage, such as purposefully not returning the ball, can be rare. In some situations, the receiving team may let the ball go for a touchback to prevent the risk of a turnover or poor field position. This is particularly important in tight games where field position is crucial.
- Rarity in Execution: The intentional choice to allow a touchback for strategic reasons, rather than attempting a return, can be rare and depends heavily on the game’s specific context.
Case Example:
In a game between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts, the Patriots deliberately allowed the ball to go for a touchback instead of attempting a return. The move, which surprised many fans, was aimed at preserving field position late in the game.
The One-Point Safety
Perhaps the rarest play of all, the one-point safety, occurs in extremely unusual circumstances and is almost mythical in its infrequency.
What Is a One-Point Safety?
A one-point safety can only occur during an extra point or two-point conversion attempt. If the defending team somehow gains possession of the ball and is tackled in their own end zone during the attempt, the offensive team is awarded one point. This is an extremely rare scenario, as it requires a unique combination of events to unfold.
Why Is It Rare?
- Extremely Specific Conditions: For a one-point safety to occur, the defending team must first gain possession during a conversion attempt, which is already uncommon. Then, they must somehow be tackled in their own end zone, leading to the awarding of one point.
- Few Documented Cases: There have been no recorded one-point safeties in NFL history, though the play remains possible under the league’s current rules.
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Why Do Coaches Avoid Rare Plays?
While rare plays in the NFL can generate excitement and change the momentum of a game, they are not commonly used by coaches for several important reasons. At the heart of these decisions are the high-risk nature of such plays and the potential for negative consequences. Let’s explore why coaches generally avoid relying on rare plays and the factors that influence their decision-making on the field.
1. Strategic Conservatism
In the NFL, every decision a coach makes is scrutinized not only by fans and the media but also by team owners and management. For this reason, many coaches tend to take a conservative approach to play-calling. They often rely on high-percentage plays that have a greater chance of success, even if they are predictable.
Why is conservatism preferred?
- Higher success rates: Coaches prefer plays that have been proven to work repeatedly. Standard running plays, short passes, and field goals are all statistically safer options.
- Lower risk of failure: Rare plays, by their nature, involve a higher degree of unpredictability. If they fail, the coach could be seen as reckless, which can lead to criticism or even job insecurity.
NFL coaches are constantly balancing between creative play-calling and job security. As the stakes are incredibly high, especially in close games, it is often safer for a coach to stick to plays that are well-rehearsed and reliable.
2. High Risk of Failure
One of the main reasons rare plays are avoided is the high risk involved. Many of these plays require perfect execution, and any slight mistake can lead to disastrous results.
For example, consider a fake field goal or punt play. While these can occasionally catch the defense off guard, they also carry significant risk. If the fake attempt is sniffed out by the defense or poorly executed, it could result in a turnover, loss of yardage, or even points for the opposing team.
Common Risks of Rare Plays:
- Turnovers: In trick plays like multiple laterals or flea-flickers, one bad pass or a fumble can lead to an interception or a recovery by the opposing team.
- Loss of momentum: If a rare play fails, it can shift the momentum of the game to the other team, leading to a demoralized offense or defense.
- Field position: Many rare plays, such as fake punts, rely heavily on field position. A failed attempt can give the opposing team an advantageous starting point for their drive.
3. Complex Execution
Many rare plays require perfect timing and seamless coordination between multiple players. In regular NFL gameplay, where the margin for error is already slim, these complex plays add an additional layer of difficulty.
For example, multiple laterals, like in the famous “Miracle at the Meadowlands” or “The Miami Miracle,” require precise passing, field awareness, and the ability to adapt to a chaotic situation. While these plays are exciting when successful, they are rarely attempted because they are so difficult to execute correctly.
Case Study: In 2018, during a game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins, the Dolphins executed one of the rarest and most spectacular plays in recent NFL history—the “Miami Miracle”. This involved multiple laterals on the final play of the game, leading to an improbable touchdown. However, it’s worth noting that for every successful lateral play like this, there are numerous failed attempts that end in disaster.
4. Unpredictability is a Double-Edged Sword
While rare plays can be used to catch an opponent off-guard, they can also be unpredictable for the team attempting them. For instance, while a fake punt might momentarily confuse the defense, it also requires the offense to adapt quickly and flawlessly.
Why unpredictability can be dangerous:
- Inconsistent results: Because rare plays are not used frequently, teams may not practice them as much as standard plays. This lack of repetition can lead to errors.
- Risk of confusion: Even a well-drawn rare play can result in confusion among the offensive players if the defense reacts unexpectedly.
5. Potential to Backfire
One of the most daunting reasons coaches avoid rare plays is the potential for them to backfire. In high-stakes games, where every play counts, a failed rare play can be the difference between winning and losing.
Take, for instance, the onside kick attempt. It’s considered a risky play because if the kicking team does not recover the ball, the opposing team is left with excellent field position. Coaches are generally hesitant to call for onside kicks unless absolutely necessary, such as when the team is trailing late in the game and needs to regain possession quickly.
Fact: According to statistics from the NFL, the success rate of onside kicks in recent years hovers around 10-15%, making it a high-risk, low-reward play for most teams.
Overall, coaches tend to avoid rare plays because the risks often outweigh the potential rewards. In a league where every yard and second matters, playing it safe is usually the more prudent option. However, in certain situations—such as when a game is on the line or when there is little to lose—coaches may unleash one of these rare, exciting plays, hoping for a moment of brilliance that will turn the tide in their favor.
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How Rare Plays Impact NFL Games
Rare plays in the NFL are not only memorable for their uniqueness but also for the profound impact they can have on the outcome of games. When executed successfully, these plays can shift momentum, energize a team, and leave a lasting mark on the sport’s history. However, they can also lead to failure and missed opportunities if they don’t go as planned.
1. Momentum Shifts
One of the most significant ways that rare plays affect NFL games is through momentum shifts. In a sport where energy and confidence are often key determinants of success, a rare play—whether it succeeds or fails—can dramatically change the course of a game.
Positive Momentum Shifts:
When a rare play works, it can electrify the players and fans alike, giving the team a boost in morale and confidence. The unpredictability of the play often catches the opposing team off guard, making them hesitant or cautious in their next moves.
For instance, consider a successful fake punt in a crucial fourth-down situation. A fake punt can turn what seemed like a routine turnover on downs into an extended drive, which may eventually lead to scoring. The opposing defense, expecting to get off the field, is suddenly thrust back into action, often caught flat-footed.
Example: In the 2015 NFC Championship game, the Seattle Seahawks executed a fake field goal that resulted in a touchdown. The successful play shifted the momentum in their favor, helping Seattle come from behind and eventually win the game against the Green Bay Packers, sending them to the Super Bowl.
Negative Momentum Shifts:
On the flip side, a rare play that fails can severely damage a team’s momentum. A poorly executed lateral play or an unsuccessful onside kick can lead to turnovers or favorable field position for the opposing team, giving them a distinct advantage. When a risky play fails, it often leaves the team demoralized, and it can fuel the opposition.
Example: In a 2017 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots, the Steelers attempted a fake spike play in the final seconds, hoping to catch the Patriots off guard. Instead, the pass was intercepted, and the Steelers lost the game. The failure of this rare play crushed their momentum and sealed the victory for New England.
2. Fan and Media Reactions
Rare plays in the NFL are not just game-changers on the field—they also have a significant impact on fan engagement and media coverage. The surprise and excitement of these plays often lead to widespread discussion and debate, cementing them in the sport’s lore.
Fan Excitement:
NFL fans love the element of surprise, and rare plays provide just that. These plays are exciting because they break the monotony of routine strategies and inject unpredictability into the game. When a rare play works, it often becomes the highlight of the game, generating buzz on social media and among commentators.
Case Study: In 2018, when the Miami Dolphins pulled off the “Miami Miracle”, it instantly became one of the most talked-about plays of the season. Fans and analysts spent weeks breaking down the improbable lateral play that led to a last-second touchdown, sparking debates on whether the Dolphins’ execution was pure luck or brilliance.
Media Coverage:
The media often amplifies the significance of rare plays, turning them into defining moments of the game or season. Sports networks and online platforms frequently highlight rare plays, analyzing every detail from the decision-making process to the execution.
Because these plays are so unusual, they are often replayed and referenced for years, becoming part of NFL trivia and history. For instance, the drop kick by Doug Flutie in 2006 is still discussed today because of its rarity and historical significance.
3. Impact on Game Strategy
Rare plays also have a profound impact on game strategy. Whether they succeed or fail, rare plays force both teams to adjust their approach to the remainder of the game. A successful rare play may embolden a team to take more risks, while a failed one may lead them to revert to conservative tactics.
Offensive Strategy Adjustments:
When a team successfully pulls off a rare play, such as a flea-flicker or double reverse, it forces the opposing defense to stay alert for further unconventional strategies. This can create opportunities for more straightforward plays, as the defense hesitates or overcompensates for the possibility of additional trickery.
Conversely, if a rare play fails, the offense may lose confidence in its creativity and opt for more traditional, high-percentage plays for the remainder of the game.
Defensive Strategy Adjustments:
A successful rare play can leave a defense rattled, often causing them to adjust their schemes. After being fooled by a trick play or rare formation, defenses may become more cautious, sometimes leading to more passive or conservative coverage, which in turn opens up opportunities for the offense to exploit.
On the other hand, a defense that successfully sniffs out a rare play gains a psychological edge, often becoming more aggressive as they capitalize on the offense’s failed gambit.
4. Psychological Impact on Players
Finally, rare plays can have a significant psychological impact on the players themselves. Executing a rare play successfully can give a team an emotional lift, increasing their confidence and encouraging further bold decisions. On the flip side, a failed rare play can have the opposite effect, causing players to lose faith in the game plan or in their own abilities.
Positive Impact:
When players pull off a rare play, it can galvanize the entire team. The energy and excitement that follow successful trick plays often spill over into the next series of downs, creating a psychological advantage.
Example: After pulling off a successful onside kick during Super Bowl XLIV, the New Orleans Saints rode the momentum of that play to defeat the Indianapolis Colts, seizing control of the game and ultimately winning the championship.
Negative Impact:
The emotional toll of a failed rare play can lead to frustration or a sense of desperation, particularly if the failed play comes during a critical moment. This can cause players to second-guess their decisions or become overly cautious in subsequent plays.
Rare plays in the NFL can be game-defining moments, altering the trajectory of the match and leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved. Their impact goes beyond the immediate result on the field, influencing team strategy, fan reactions, and even the psychology of the players. Whether successful or not, rare plays add a level of excitement and unpredictability that is unmatched in the sport.