Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
What's the Name of that Manning-Tyree Play?
By
Peter Trinkle
Published Feb 7, 2008
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Peter Trinkle
Published Feb 7, 2008
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Photos of David Tyree catching the ball with Rodney Harrison defending in the 4th quarter of Super Bowl XLII by AP/Charlie Riedel (left) and AP/Gene Puskar (right)
You’ve seen it a thousand times by now and it’s clearly the biggest play in Giants history. Eli Manning drops back, somehow escapes three different Patriots from sacking him and then heaves the ball downfield. David Tyree jumps up, pins the ball against his forehead and somehow brings it down without losing control with Rodney Harrison all over him. Yes, you can see it in your mind, but what do you call it?
Some have suggested “The Catch”, but that name was taken 26-years ago by Dwight Clark. “The Immaculate Reception” has also been used but both also fail to capture the essence of the play. As amazing as the catch was, Eli’s escape was just as important. Any good name has to incorporate both elements of the play. And, for those of you creatively-inclined; you have two different contests you can enter to name the play. Some of our favorites are “David and Eliath”, “Havoc to Helmet” and “The Hail Manning”.
And while the catch will always be remembered, the Giants got some good news in their efforts to defend their title next season. Steve Spagnuolo has told the team that he will return next year as defensive coordinator. Spags, designed the blitzing defense that the Giants used to win the Super Bowl so having him back in charge is a big plus.
Tagged
As
david
david tyree
Eli Manning
football
giants
good news
patriots
photos
Rodney Harrison
sports
steve spagnuolo
super bowl
Super Bowl XLII
Peter Trinkle
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Deer are all over New Jersey roads looking for sex, state officials warn
Mid-October through mid-December is deer mating season, which can be a danger to drivers as the sex-seeking creatures cross roadways throughout the Garden State.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Published Oct 16, 2026 at 4:22 p.m. ET
Man messaged 'I got straight poison' before giving NYC college students fentanyl, feds say
A transcript from an April court hearing sheds new light on what transpired at Fashion Institute of Technology.
By
Samantha Max
News
Man messaged 'I got straight poison' before giving NYC college students fentanyl, feds say
A transcript from an April court hearing sheds new light on what transpired at Fashion Institute of Technology.
By
Samantha Max
Inside the plan to fix the nearly collapsed Pfizer Building, 1/64th of an inch at a time
By
David Brand
School bus carrying autistic students got lost in Brooklyn for 4 hours last year
By
Jessica Gould
NYC’s bridges can last 'forever,' if we take care of them
By
Clayton Guse
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .