This list of the greatest sports moments in history includes countless memorable and impactful events. Some of these moments were near-impossible; others had global or cultural implications. Regardless of how they came to be, every event featured on this list is better than the norm. Listed below are 21 of the most memorable moments in sports history.
Gale Sayers’ six touchdowns
Gale Sayers’ six touchdowns are legendary. He was the youngest player ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His story was immortalized in the 1971 made-for-TV movie “Brian’s Song,” starring Billy Dee Williams and James Caan. In 1973, Sayers published his autobiography, “I Am Third.”
In 1967, Sayers was a rookie running back for the Chicago Bears. His six touchdowns were a league record for a rookie. He scored them in four different ways, including receiving touchdowns and a kickoff return. He also caught a 27-yard touchdown pass.
Sayers had an outstanding career as a kickoff returner. He led the NFL in kickoff return average and twice led the league in rushing. His unique long-legged running style and explosive cutbacks at full speed earned him All-Pro honors. The NFL named Sayers to its first-team All-Pro Team in 1967.
Sayers’ six touchdowns against the 49ers set an NFL single-game record. He had rushed for 113 yards and also returned a punt 85 yards for a score. The record is still held today. Despite Sayers’ early exit, the 49ers still won the game 61-20.
Jackie Robinson’s debut
When Jackie Robinson first made his Major League Baseball debut, it was in 1947. He had been a minor league player for the Montreal Royals. This was during a time of social change in America. Despite this, Robinson was nonetheless able to make an impact on the sport.
Robinson’s success was aided by his versatility. He was capable of playing first base, second base, and left field. In addition, his fielding ability was outstanding, leading the NL in double plays turned by second basemen in 1948, 1949, and 1952. He also ranked third among second basemen in fielding percentage and range factor per nine innings.
Despite this, Robinson’s rookie season was marked by controversy. One of the most famous moments was his attempted stolen base in Game 1 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium. He averaged 23 stolen bases a season, but during his final two seasons he was successful on 24 of 32 attempts. He also stole the ball 19 times without committing a double-play.
Robinson’s ability as a baseball player also earned him Rookie of the Year award. He was hailed as a trailblazer who broke color barriers. In his first season, Robinson hit 31 doubles and 12 home runs. He also led the National League in hits and stolen bases.
Usain Bolt’s first World Cup win
Usain Bolt is a retired Jamaican sprinter who has set world records in the 100, 200 and 4×100 metre relay events. He has won a total of six gold medals at the Olympics, and was the first man to win the 100 and 200 meter events at the same Games. He also holds the record for the most consecutive wins in a single event.
After setting the world record for the 200 meter in 2007, Usain Bolt broke the world record for the 100-meter event. The previous record was held by Donald Quarrie for 30 years. He also won two silver medals at the World Championships in Osaka, Japan. Following these victories, Bolt’s success spurred him to become more serious about his sport.
Despite breaking a world record and becoming the fastest man in history, Usain Bolt lacked the glamour of a major championship event. He looked like a jogger and did not pose for pictures mid-race, which may be why his first World Cup win is one of the greatest sporting moments in history. His subsequent feats have lacked the same emotional impact.
In 2008, Usain Bolt won three gold medals at the Summer Olympics in Beijing. In the 100-meter, he broke the world record with a time of 9.69 seconds. He also won the 200-meter title in Beijing. The crowd was agog as he ran through the finish line.
Lou Gehrig’s ‘I am the Luckiest Man’ speech
The ‘I am the luckiest man’ speech, made by Lou Gehrig on April 11, 1942, was an emotional, moving speech. Though Lou Gehrig was born in New York, his parents were German immigrants. During his speech, he expressed gratitude for his teammates, McCarthy and Miller Huggins, the New York Giants, the groundskeepers and his wife, Eleanor. There is no complete video of Gehrig’s speech, but there are snippets of it that can be found online.
This speech was given between games during a doubleheader between the Yankees and Senators. This speech was also the first in sports history to have a retired number. There is a monument at Yankee Stadium with Gehrig’s name and number. The monument features an inscription, calling him “a gentleman and a man.” The words were carefully chosen by Gehrig’s teammates. Whether the words are true, they pay tribute to an amazing ballplayer.
Lou Gehrig was a great player and a great hitter. Although he was notoriously shy and not known for his public speaking ability, he did manage to deliver a powerful speech in less than 300 words. Many compare the speech to the Gettysburg Address. In fact, the speech is considered one of the best speeches in Major League Baseball history.
Despite its simple language, Lou Gehrig’s ‘I am fortunate’ speech was memorable. Whether you’re a baseball fan or just an admirer, you’ll be inspired by Gehrig’s speech.
Hank Aaron’s home run
When Hank Aaron’s home run went for a home run record, the world took notice. The baseball player received 990,000 letters from fans and received the MVP award twice. He was also a three-time Gold Glove winner and was selected to countless All Star teams. His legacy continues to live on even after his death.
The moment is timeless because it embodies the spirit of America. At the time, the home run was the most important moment in baseball history. It was the first time that a black player broke Babe Ruth’s home run record, and it became one of the most watched moments in history. Those who watched the game were so enthralled with the game that they began watching baseball highlights on television every night.
Aaron was the National League batting champion in 1957, and he led the league in home runs batted in. In 1957, he was named Most Valuable Player in the World Series. He was an All-Star in all but his first and last seasons, and he won three Gold Glove awards for his right field play. He and teammate Eddie Mathews teamed up for 863 home runs during their 13 seasons together.
Aaron’s career in baseball included several seasons with two different organizations. After his rookie season in the Negro League, he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers and signed a two-year contract with the organization. He went on to hit 22 home runs in Milwaukee, including seven of the greatest home runs in baseball history. He won the MVP award that year, and he finished his career with the Brewers for two years before retiring.
Case Keenum’s third down catch
The moment will go down in sports history. Case Keenum’s third down catch will be forever remembered. The quarterback was on his way to a touchdown and extended his right arm, catching the ball as it fell into the end zone. As the defense tried to recover, Keenum sprinted, holding the ball in one hand while keeping his arms extended for balance. Keenum made several evasive runs while exposing the football, and he won the game.
Keenum’s fearlessness is a big part of his story. He says he has a bold spirit that has driven him to succeed and achieve great things. This trait has helped him overcome his physical limitations and is a huge reason why his teammates love him so much.
Keenum was the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings when the “Minneapolis Miracle” happened last season. While the play remains unfathomable to most people, Keenum has yet to get tired of telling the story of it. As a result, he has been rewarded with a deal with the Denver Broncos.
Case Keenum’s third down catch made history. Despite all of the pressures on him, Keenum’s performance is truly amazing. He avoided several quarterback hits and was only sacked once. He completed 21 of 33 passes for 199 yards, but nearly got picked off on one deep pass. It was a game-winning play.
