David Tyree's Helmet Catch Denies Patriots Perfect Season in Super Bowl

The Giants' improbable victory over the heavily favored Patriots is ranked as one of the greatest sports moments of all time.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:20am

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In Super Bowl 42, the 18-0 New England Patriots were heavily favored to complete their perfect season against the New York Giants. However, the Giants' relentless pass rush and a miraculous catch by wide receiver David Tyree late in the fourth quarter led to a stunning upset victory for New York.

Why it matters

The Giants' victory over the Patriots in Super Bowl 42 is considered one of the greatest upsets in NFL history. Tyree's iconic "helmet catch" on the game-winning drive is widely regarded as one of the most memorable plays in Super Bowl history, denying the Patriots a perfect season and cementing the Giants' legacy as one of the league's most clutch postseason performers.

The details

With the Patriots leading 14-10 late in the fourth quarter, Giants quarterback Eli Manning escaped pressure and launched a deep pass to Tyree, who pinned the ball against his helmet while being hit by Patriots safety Rodney Harrison. The improbable catch kept the Giants' drive alive, and they went on to score the game-winning touchdown just four plays later, handing the Patriots their first loss of the season.

  • The Patriots entered Super Bowl 42 with an 18-0 record, looking to complete the first perfect season since the 1972 Miami Dolphins.
  • With 2:32 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Patriots took a 14-10 lead over the Giants.
  • On 3rd-and-5 from the Giants' own 44-yard line, Eli Manning connected with David Tyree on the iconic "helmet catch" play.

The players

David Tyree

A wide receiver for the New York Giants who made the famous "helmet catch" to keep the game-winning drive alive in Super Bowl 42.

Eli Manning

The Giants' quarterback who threw the pass to Tyree and led the game-winning drive to upset the heavily favored Patriots.

Tom Brady

The Patriots' quarterback who was seeking to lead his team to a perfect 19-0 season, but ultimately fell short against the Giants.

Rodney Harrison

The Patriots' safety who was in coverage on Tyree's helmet catch, but was unable to prevent the improbable play.

Plaxico Burress

The Giants' wide receiver who caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Eli Manning to seal the upset victory over the Patriots.

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The takeaway

The Giants' victory over the heavily favored Patriots in Super Bowl 42, highlighted by David Tyree's iconic "helmet catch", is considered one of the greatest upsets and most memorable moments in NFL history. The game-changing play denied the Patriots a perfect season and cemented the Giants' legacy as one of the league's most clutch postseason performers.