Top Trick Plays in Sports History
Revisit some of the most iconic moments of trickery and deception in sports that left fans in awe.
Andre Miller’s Fake Timeouts
When it comes to executing the perfect trick play, Andre Miller's fake timeouts in the NBA take the cake. The crafty point guard from the Portland Trail Blazers had a knack for fooling opposing teams with this sneaky move. Casually dribbling the ball to the hash mark, he would lull his opponents into a false sense of security before making a swift move to the rim for an easy layup.
Boise State Football’s Trickeration in 2007 Fiesta Bowl Win
The Boise State football team delivered one of the most unforgettable performances in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma. Trailing by seven points in the final minute of regulation, the Broncos pulled off not one, not two, but three trick plays that led to miraculous scores, ultimately securing a massive bowl game triumph. The sheer audacity and precision of these plays left fans and analysts alike in awe.
Dan Marino’s Fake Spike vs. Jets
In a classic moment of deception, Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino outsmarted the New York Jets in November 1994 with a fake spike play. With just seconds left on the clock and the Miami Dolphins trailing by three points, Marino orchestrated a brilliant fake spike that caught the Jets' defense completely off-guard. The resulting game-winning touchdown left fans stunned and cemented Marino's legacy as a master of trickery.
Jason Kidd Spills Drink on Court for Extra Timeout
Jason Kidd's memorable coaching moment with the Brooklyn Nets involved a clever use of spilled drinks to gain an extra timeout against the Los Angeles Lakers in November 2013. By orchestrating a scenario where a drink was spilled along the sideline, Kidd managed to create an opportunity to draw up a crucial play for his team in the dying moments of the game. While the ploy was certainly controversial, it showcased Kidd's strategic thinking and willingness to push the boundaries of the game.
Kenny Pickett’s Fake Slide in 2021 ACC Championship
Kenny Pickett's fake slide during the 2021 ACC Championship Game left defenders scratching their heads and led to a spectacular touchdown for Pitt. The ingenious move not only showcased Pickett's athleticism and quick thinking but also prompted the NCAA to outlaw similar maneuvers due to their potential to deceive defenders. This play will go down in history as one of the most audacious tricks ever pulled off on the football field.
Louisville Women’s Basketball Tricks Duke Into Defending Wrong Hoop
Trick plays aren't limited to men's sports, as demonstrated by Louisville's women's basketball team in a game against Duke. By cleverly setting up a play that made it seem like they were heading towards the wrong basket, Louisville managed to deceive the entire Duke team and score an easy layup. This display of tactical cunning and misdirection left spectators marveling at the creativity and audacity of the Louisville players.
Marcelo Huertas Hides Behind Erik Spoelstra for Surprise Steal
Marcelo Huertas pulled off a daring maneuver during an NBA game against the Miami Heat in March 2016 by hiding behind head coach Erik Spoelstra for a surprise steal. The audacity and sheer unpredictability of this move caught both players and fans off guard, showcasing Huertas' willingness to push the boundaries of traditional gameplay. This moment will be remembered as one of the boldest acts of trickery in basketball history.
Music City Miracle
The Music City Miracle remains one of the most legendary trick plays in NFL history, with the Tennessee Titans pulling off a miraculous last-second victory over the Buffalo Bills in the 1999 AFC wild card round. The sheer audacity and precision required to execute this play, known as "home run throwback," left fans and analysts stunned. Despite attempts to recreate the miracle in subsequent games, nothing quite compares to the original moment of brilliance that unfolded on that fateful day.
Philly Special
The Philly Special has become synonymous with daring trick plays in football, thanks to an iconic moment during Super Bowl 52 involving the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots. The audacious decision to go for a fourth-down trick play before halftime paid off handsomely for the Eagles, resulting in a historic touchdown that helped secure their first-ever Lombardi Trophy. This play will forever be etched in football lore as a testament to boldness and creativity on the gridiron.
Vince Carter Appears to Suffer Injury, Dunks Seconds Later
Vince Carter's legendary performance during a game against the Golden State Warriors showcased not only his athletic prowess but also his acting skills. By feigning an injury and luring defenders into a false sense of security, Carter orchestrated a stunning dunk that left fans and players alike in disbelief. This moment serves as a reminder of Carter's versatility and creativity on the basketball court, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest showmen in NBA history.
Hey, I'm Hamza Ilyas, Dubai's very own sports and entertainment guru. Started off at The Aquila School and kicked it at Ajman Academy too. Now, I'm all about bringing you the hottest takes and coolest news from the world of sports and entertainment. Buckle up, it's gonna be one heck of a ride. Connect With Me