Gordon Hayward recently announced his retirement from professional basketball after a successful 14-year career in the NBA. While Hayward had many memorable moments throughout his career, one of the most unforgettable came during his college days at Butler University. In the 2010 National Championship game, Hayward attempted a half-court shot at the buzzer that would have secured a victory for the Bulldogs over Duke. Unfortunately, the shot hit the backboard and rim, ultimately giving Duke the national title.
Reflecting on Hayward’s near miss in the championship game, let’s take a look back at some of the other close calls and near misses in sports history that have left fans on the edge of their seats.
In Super Bowl XXXIV, the Tennessee Titans came within inches of tying the game in the final seconds, only to be stopped at the 1-yard line by the St. Louis Rams. Similarly, the Texas Rangers were just one strike away from winning the World Series in 2011 before the St. Louis Cardinals staged a dramatic comeback to force extra innings and ultimately win the championship.
The Chicago Bears also experienced a heart-wrenching moment in the 2018 playoffs when kicker Cody Parkey’s game-winning field goal attempt hit the upright and crossbar before bouncing out, sealing a victory for the Philadelphia Eagles. In addition, the New York Knicks fell short in the 1995 playoffs when Patrick Ewing’s potential game-tying shot rolled out of the basket, ending their postseason run.
One of the most infamous missed field goals in college football history occurred during the 1991 Miami-Florida State game, when Florida State kicker Gerry Thomas’ potential game-winning kick sailed wide right, securing a victory for Miami. The Buffalo Bills also faced a similar fate in Super Bowl XXV when Scott Norwood’s field goal attempt missed wide right, costing the Bills their chance at a championship.
Looking ahead to more recent events, Ohio State’s field goal attempt in the 2022 Peach Bowl went wide left, allowing Georgia to secure a victory and eventually win the national title. Finally, the Seattle Seahawks’ decision to pass instead of run in Super Bowl XLIX led to Malcolm Butler’s game-winning interception at the goal line, securing a fourth Super Bowl title for the New England Patriots.
While these near misses and close calls may have left fans disappointed at the time, they have also become iconic moments in sports history that continue to be remembered and discussed by fans and analysts alike. As we celebrate the achievements of athletes like Gordon Hayward, we also appreciate the unpredictable and thrilling nature of sports that keeps us coming back for more.