Epic In Miami/Kellen Winslow Game Chargers vs Dolphins 1981 Divisional Playoffs | NFL Full Game

In honor of Free Game Friday the NFL presents the Epic in Miami.
6:23 D. Fouts completes 54-yard pass to W. Chandler
9:21 R. Benirschke 32-yard FG
13:00 W. Chandler 58-yard punt return for TD
14:16 Chargers recover own kickoff
18:55 C. Muncie 1-yard TD
22:29 G. Edwards intercepts D. Woodley
24:37 D. Fouts 8-yard pass TD pass to J. Brooks
33:54 D. Strock 27-yard pass to T. Nathan
40:23 U. Schamann 34-yard Field Goal
45:43 K. Bokamper sacks D. Fouts, Fouts fumbles, B. Baumhower recovers
52:51 D. Strock 1-yard TD Pass to J. Rose
1:00:00 R. Benirschke misses 55-yard FG attempt
1:03:12 D. Strock, pass to D. Harris hook and ladder with T. Nathan for TD
1:08:10 D. Strock 28-yard pass to D. Harris
12:37 D. Strock 15-yard TD pass to J. Rose
1:30:03 K. Winslow 25-yard TD reception from D. Fouts
1:36:34 D. Strock 50-yard TD pass to B. Hardy
1:40:40 D. Fouts intercepted by L. Blackwood, laterals to G. Small
1:43:03 T. Nathan 12-yard TD
2:03:10 Chargers recover A. Franklin fumble
2:10:44 D. Fouts 9-yard TD pass to J. Brooks
2:14:38 D. Strock intercepted by W. Buchannon, Buchannon fumbles, recovered by Dophins
2:16:35 D. Strock 22-yard pass to T. Nathan to get Miami in FG range
2:19:55 K. Winslow blocks FG attempt
2:22:10 Start of overtime
2:27:50 K. Bokamper sacks D. Fouts
2:28:31 K. Winslow coverts 3rd & 20
2:31:39 R. Benirschke misses 26-yard FG
2:32:09 Chargers begin final drive
2:33:34 D. Fouts 40-yard pass to C. Joiner
2:34:58 R. Benirschke 28-yard FG
Dan Fouts and the Chargers were looking to strike through the AFC playoffs and secure a trip to the Super Bowl. Their first obstacle would be a game against the Dolphins in Miami. San Diego got off to a huge 24 point lead before Miami climbed back into it. After that the teams engaged into an epic shootout that ended with a Chargers field goal toward the end of overtime. The game set then records for total yards, total pass yards, total points. It would later be known as "The Epic in Miami."
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[@joeomalley2835]

Probably one of the most iconic playoff games in NFL history, and this coming from a Dolphins fan. And that hook and ladder play to end the 1st half was amazing.

[@andrerobinson2923]

I remember this game when I was younger. I tell people today about this game being one of the most entertaining games ever. I am a Cowboys fan but I loved this game, especially watching the players from both sides walking and getting off the field. There are stories behind the story.

[@YesYou-zy7kp]

The only problem is Miami lost. I am a Dolphins fan as well and I would never call a game Miami loses an "iconic" playoff game.

[@nathaniellevesque2782]

That day, the Chargers played in the heat and humidity of Miami, the following week, they pretty much played in Antarctica

[@ericbedenbaugh7085]

I'll never forget that game. Dan Fouts dropped back to throw a short pass and the ball just died and fell at the receiver's feet.

[@cortchiewelch9492]

an excellent point.

[@thepracticalaudiophile]

I wished they put in Ed Luther that game when Fouts showed he couldn't handle the cold. The cold didn't affect him at all. Didn't have Fouts touch but could throw the ball through that chilling wind.

[@dantheman5745]

The Bengals had already defeated the Chargers in San Diego earlier in 1981, 40-17, so it likely wouldn't have made any difference whether the AFC Championship Game was played in milder conditions or not. And Ed Luther wasn't about to make the difference either.

[@Ford_Raptor_R_720hp_V8]

Nicknamed the *FREEZER BOWL*

[@19austen65]

All respect to the Bills and Chiefs last Sunday…. But this was the greatest NFL playoff game ever. I’ve never seen a game with so many twists, turns and amazing plays!

[@countof3everybodyOD]

Steelers Cardinals SB43 is a strong contender

[@thedrockter]

One of the greatest games of all time

[@MrGb4ever]

Yup..By far.

[@juanmanuelhernandezalvarez533]

The greatest.

[@tommyparkerparker]

The best football game ever.

[@Lugnut64052]

I practically wore out my living room carpet that day from pacing back and forth. Greatest game I ever saw.

[@jrsands]

Mellow Guy I almost crushed my coffee table jumping up & down on it followed by cowering under a blanket & just peaking over the edge... all over & over again! Lol!

[@144wychwood]

Best NFL game I've ever had pleasure to watch. Can't believe it was 37 years ago.

[@radar0412]

Sea of Hands game 1974

[@aladdinsmith7755]

A year ago and now a year later makes it 39 years a game l lost what we blame the root of our evils ,what a come back by Miami I knew with the humidity which can be suffocating giving them the advantage and the win well whose the blame Wes Chandler, Air Cornell ,the Dolphins that was straight up hard nose NFL grid iron .Miami will stun you at times in playoff games going farther back in years the overtime longest game played against the K C Chiefs yeah the San Diego was an Unpleasant game to lose.

[@kevlar6240]

10 yard line about 30 rows up. Chargers side of the field towards east end zone. Saw many great games in the OB. This one was tops.

[@rook1196]

Great performances, big plays, trick plays, missed FGs, made FGs, turnovers, an absurd lightning fast comeback followed by teams slugging it out for 2 quarters and overtime. Kellen Winslow, Don Stock's stat line after the 3rd quarter. The Orange Bowl. GOAT game.

[@16rumpole]

agree, this was an exhausting but thrilling game. Kellen Winslow as a god in this game.

[@spinner9057]

That hook and lateral play was genius, pure genius.

[@justinuptonn261]

Yep Shula knew when to dial up the trickery. Execution...perfect. Miami showed incrdible guts crawling back into this one. Once they got that hook and lateral TD you just had a feeling this was going to be an epic battle. It was. It was the football version of the Thrilla in Manila.

[@robertbarr5443]

This game has stood the test of time. 40 years later and it still is the best football game I ever saw!

[@comfortat]

I probably agree, but the defense was just non-existent. I'll take the Hail Mary Pass game between Dallas and Minnesota on the frozen tundra, or the 2nd SF/Cincy SB when Montana led them the length of the field for a TD. This game had everything though, great plays, great comebacks, missed field goals, 2 OTs. Well, everything but one thing - defense. I'm not arguing with you, though, this one has a legit case for the GOAT game. Peace

[@johnwise8433]

As a 55 yr old man now who has suffered so throughout my entire life mentally and emotionally 1 of the few things that helped me get my mind off what was going on around me was the Miami dolphins. I began watching them in 1981 when I was 13 yrs old. This game solidified me as a fan of Don Strock. Wish we had won. The first 4 yrs I watched them they went to the super bowl and lost. They haven't returned in 38 yrs

[@bobbykokis4933]

The missing footage near the end is also epic: After the missed FG by San Diego, Miami started at it's own 20 and went 3 and out and punted. On the next possession, Chuck Muncie fumbled near midfield and Miami recovered! San Diego's defense held and forced another 3 and out. Miami punted and a touchback had San Diego start at the 20. Miami's defense held and forced a punt, which Tommy Vigorito returned to the San Diego 45! Strock then, on a broken play, completed a huge pass to Cefalo at the San Diego 25! Miami ran 3 times, and then Uwe Von Shamann 35 yard FG is...BLOCKED! By Kellen Winslow! What an incredible game!

[@rckflmg94]

yeah, it's too bad that part of the game is missing. I watched this game as a teenager and it is still one of the most exciting and entertaining moments/games in the history of televised sports.

[@ericsloss3963]

It annoys me to no end that they don't have this footage. Where did the footage go?!! One of the best playoff games in history and somehow footage disappears. Weird.

[@evanarellano6239]

Thanks for summarizing the deleted plays.

[@DiversityDragons]

"Look at this!! WHAT A PLAY, WHAT A PLAY!!" Don Criqui was the best.

[@buxeessingh2571]

The hook-and-ladder was just mind-blowing. One of the best football games of all time.

[@otaviofrn_adv]

It's a rarely seen play, but when it enters right it's a joy to watch. The offense goes all the way and the defense is left stunned and derailed. As Criqui said better, what a play

[@evanarellano6239]

Man, when was the last time the hook-n-ladder scored a TD in the playoffs? Amazing

[@yourroyalhighness7662]

Next to the Sea of Hands game between Oakland and Miami in 1974 this is probably the most exciting NFL playoff game I have ever seen. In third place would be the 1971 Christmas Day game between Miami and Kansas City. In fourth place would be the 1977 Divisional Playoff game between Baltimore and Oakland. Fifth would probably be the NFC Championship game between Dallas and San Francisco which featured “the catch”. All very exciting games.

[@Skannerz]

*THE GREATEST GAME IN NFL HISTORY ....HANDS DOWN!!!*

[@clandestineops4359]

agreed, i think even as a 12-yr old i knew as i watched that this was a hugely dramatic game... what an offense... Muncie and James Brooks in the backfield, of course Winslow and the WRs, just an incredible game from start to finish.

[@snakeoiler1292]

+DA BUTCHER Ahhh! You forget Bills /Oilers. Jan, 93 wildcard. Bills behind 35-3, early 3rd quarter. Bills win 41/38 overtime.

[@LeighMet]

What about the 1958 championship game which claims that title?

[@ncrtrooper6619]

Snake Oiler 12 I think comebacks are legendary but it's more exciting to watch games that are back and forth the entire way so this or Super Bowl 23 are the best ever

[@radar0412]

Sea of hands game. 1974

[@MultiCrystal1]

Remember a week after this game was the SF-Dal with "the catch" what a playoff season!

[@theraven3481]

MultiCrystal1 absolutely.., and don't forget about the AFC championship where it set a NFL record for coldest game ever played

[@sol1120]

Yep. Montana threw 3 interceptions that day

[@danielcotham442]

I think that this game took so much out of the Chargers. To play in an epic hard fought game like this and then have to travel to Cincinnati and play in the Artic a week later, that's a lot to ask of any great team. I grew up a Dallas Cowboys fan but I loved watching Dan Fouts pilot "Air-Coryell" through opposing team defenses. Also Coach Don Coryell belongs in the NFL Hall of Fame. People talk of the West Coast Offense. But Don Coryell started the West Coast offense decades earlier and other coaches adopted it and made minor changes.But enough on that, I just love these classic games. Brings back great memories. Players would just spike the ball, do high fives and jog to the bench, none of these stupid "look at ME" celebrations. Loved these old stadiums as well.Nothing like watching a game played in the sauna of Miami or watching the Vikings play a December game at the "Met" with Bud Grant walking the sidelines

[@steve0englewoodFL]

The great under appreciated Don Criqui.

[@thunderbolts2438]

I always looked forward to Don Criqui calling Charger games.

[@anthonybrooks1888]

I agree! Pat Summerall had most of my favorite calls, but Criqui's call on the hook-and-ladder is beyond priceless! "What a play! What a play!"

[@TheGlass50]

I agree. He’s definitely not under appreciated by me....

[@16rumpole]

@@thunderbolts2438 agree, he was great. He had such a smooth authoritative voice.

[@briannolen5159]

He called an excellent game.

[@user-bl6gx9hr2n]

I was 10 yrs old on a Saturday night watching the greatest game I’ve ever seen. The Orange Bowl was electric. And I always loved Don Criqui!!

[@KeeperOfProphecies]

Love those old Chargers unis.

[@michaelstevens6757]

Yeah. Too bad the Chargers moved back to Los Angeles just recently...to where they started out at in the early 60's before permanently moving to San Diego in 1961. I will definitely miss the team's throwback uniforms though :( Great memories through the years...

[@michaelstevens6757]

Michael Stevens I meant when the Chargers started out in the good ol' AFL days.

[@raulitoruiz9025]

In 1982 this was the first American football game that I saw complete, I didn't understand the rules very well, but what I saw impacted me, since then, it has become my favorite sport and since then I have been a fan of the Chargers

[@thadtuiol1717]

The Dolphins lost their 12th man when they left the Orange Bowl. Fantastic atmosphere in that place, and they can never recapture it.

[@Mark-sj3xb]

So then they tear it down and build a crappy baseball stadium in the same spot. Genius!

[@douglasdixon524]

I couldn't agree more, older stadiums, especially ones like the Orange Bowl had great character. They're just monstrosities today,ugly as hell. Even Joe Robbie stadium was better than the newer ones of the 2000s until it was "modified" hiding its arcitecture.

[@SS-th9wz]

The Orange Bowl hosted so many monumental games in NFL and NCAA history is such a shame we lost this great stadium. It hosted SB 3 where Namath and AFL Jets beat the Colts; the 72 Dolphins perfect season; SB 5 Colts win SB on FG on last play of game; SB 10 (Pit 21, Dal 17) and the movie Black Sunday; SB 13 (Pit 35, Dal 31); Epic in Miami playoff game (SD 41, Mia 38 in OT); Mud Bowl in 1983 - Mia 14, NYJ 0; Dolphins beat 85 Bears on MNF; 1983 Miami Hurricanes upset Nebraska 31-30 in 1984 Orange Bowl; 1985 - Flutie Hail Mary to beat UM 47-45; etc….

[@indy_go_blue6048]

@@douglasdixon524 I agree 100%. The Colts were never the same after they left the RCA Dome for the Luca$ Oil $tadium (and the people of Indiana are still paying for that POS.) Stadiums have their own magic that a team can lose when they move.

[@chrisf8855]

Greatest NFL game ever, definitely. And I used to love listening to Don Criqui announce games. I consider him right up there with Madden and Summerall. Finally, the Orange Bowl was one of the great stadiums in America. I went to a Dolphins game there in 1983. National Geographic made a program in 2009 documenting the tearing-down of the Orange Bowl. I felt sad and nostalgic watching it. Even though they make fancier, shinier stadiums these days, there's still really something special about many old stadiums. RIP Orange Bowl, RFK Stadium, Tiger Stadium (MLB).

[@otaviofrn_adv]

There was identity and character in the old homes of the game. This applies not only to football, but many other sports.

[@jamespgray6928]

1990 NFC Champ. Game NYG vs SF

[@williamshepley3923]

Memorial Stadium Baltimore

[@exchequerguy4037]

Schaefer Stadium

[@thelugoffgamecock792]

Had the pleasure to watch this live, man I miss the old NFL!

[@anthonybrooks5040]

Me too! I was in my high school senior year when this game was played! Those days, it was all about TEAMS, not individuals! Miami's "hook and ladder" play to end the first half is my all-time favorite! Don Criqui called the game (and many others) as passionately as both the Chargers and Dolphins played it!

[@aarono7026]

saw it on TV with the family all gathered round, uncles, cousins...none of us dolphins or chargers fans. Oh my GOD it was a game. all my buddies were steelers fans, we ALL agreed there was no game like it. the NFL started turning terrible around 1988, and got totally awful by the mid nineties. Have not watched a super bowl in over 25 years, and i'm absolutely fine with it. Strictly college football now for me. But back then? O, LORD! What a league the NFL was.

[@MarkConder]

Thanks for posting this. The 70s and 80s were definitely the golden age of the NFL. I wish there were more classic games online.

[@bb_arcadia5752]

Even through the 90's it wasn't till the mid 2000's we stared seeing the watered down nfl we know today

[@radar0412]

@Sho Tohara The Raiders certainly provided us with Thrills in the 60's and 70's. Sadly there are no full broadcasts of The Heidi game, Immaculate reception, Sea of Hands, Patriots 76, or ghost to the post. The holy roller is available, but I always thought that game was rubbish. Lol..

[@artiefufkin84]

Best game ever. Was not a fan of either team at the time, but was rooting for Dolphins. But even as a kid, I knew something really special was going on after Miami cut it to 7 at the half. Criqui/Brodie - great commentary, not fawning over the players, but not overly critical too, and they didn't talk nonstop either! Great chaotic Orange Bowl end zone seats, no constant complaining to refs, great beat up grass field at the end. Perfect.

[@OMikeyboy]

Truly the most amazing game I've ever seen and I was fortunate enough to be in the Orange Bowl for this game. The hook and lateral electrified the crowd to the point where you could feel the electricity the entire halftime. There's been some great games in Orange Bowl history, but this one has to be at the top of the list for sheer drama and effort.

[@WaltGekko]

Still the greatest game in NFL history.

[@Biggdoom344]

The orange bowl was one of the greatest home field advantages in nfl history. It was hot, it was humid, it was very loud.

[@waluigithemaster6864]

The announcers are better than a lot of the announcers today

[@matthewmatt5285]

DEFINTLEY

[@theraven3481]

Waluigi- The Master of Mario Kart the announcers are better than ALL the people today. you kidding me........lol

[@professorwiesy1351]

And let's not start with the refs ...

[@jeremythompson9122]

@@professorwiesy1351 the refs are the reason pro football is no longer watchable. NFL is gonna stand for No Fans Left pretty soon if they don't stop scripting games for New England to win it all every year. The NFL has lost alot more fans than they realize. People are starting to realize it's fixed

[@rokyericksonroks]

Billy Shields! ...from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club? (0:51)

[@christopheroppy5831]

Considering how great Don Strock played in this game, it's amazing he spent his entire 15 year career as a backup.

[@davester1970]

It is a toss up between Don Strock and Earl Morrall as to who was the best backup QB in NFL history.

[@anthonybrooks5040]

@@davester1970 ...and Don Shula had both of them during his HOF coaching career!

[@ronniewoodinsteadofmt2615]

Strock got just what he wanted . He loves Miami and liked his position. He was happy as a back up . Shula paid him well especially after this game . He proved capable . He had been there for years before this sandy game .

[@ericsloss3963]

Every time he got a shot at the starting position, he just didn't play well enough to keep it. Because he definitely had opportunities in the Griese and Woodley eras.

[@staceywilliams6377]

Dan Fouts doesn't receive nearly enough recognition for how good he was.

[@salvatoreperez5113]

He's not Humble, Fouts is definitely a Hall of Fame Quarterback imagine if the Chargers had one Defensive player half as good as the Chargers Front 4 on D or Pete Shaw on Defense

[@salvatoreperez5113]

How many SuperBowl wins?

[@willd.8040]

This is my first memory of an NFL game. I was five years old, in Miami, and my whole family got together to watch it at my house. I still remember crying at the end. Also cried the next year when they lost in the Super Bowl vs the Redskins. I have a lot of bitter-sweet memories of my early Dolphin days. Even though we didn't win any Super Bowls during those days, it turned me into a superfan and I only wish that we can someday go back to the glory days of the 70s and 80s.

[@ppj0241]

I always liked Don Criqui doing play by play and I forgot how good John Brodie was. Better than most we have today. NBC had some great sportscasters.

[@otaviofrn_adv]

NBC had so many great names that Don Criqui and Charlie Jones never were the #1 team in the NFL. And they still have a ton of great games in their long NFL journeys

[@davidclark8543]

NBC's Gayle Sierens became the 1st female NFL TV play-by-play announcer in history, calling Seahawks vs Chiefs in 1987

[@jaccpot]

Winslow created the modern day TE

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

Agreed. The two original TE's though are Mike Ditka and John Mackey. Winslow (via Don Coryell) was the first TE used to take advantage of matchups.

[@radar0412]

Casper has a game named after him.

[@elhombrenegro4999]

Ladh 70 And don't forget the Colts Hall of Fame Tight end i believe his name was John Mackey played during the 50's and 60's, but we'll most likely every TE was doing this pre - Winslow the game humble roots did began with the receivers in tight to line and then evolution into splitting them out wide to split ends (SE)

[@16rumpole]

agree, he was the archetype.

[@davester1970]

Actually the first TEs to be used as a receiving weapon was Mike Ditka and John Mackey.

[@ohroonoko]

The greatest game in Chargers history. One of the most epic football games of all time. Every NFL fan must watch this piece of history. Thank you, NFL, for uploading a well-preserved copy of the game for millions of fans to relive or to enjoy for the first time.

[@howl_with_the_wolves]

How about the 1963 AFL championship game 51-10 win over the Boston Patriots?

[@ohroonoko]

@@howl_with_the_wolves before my time! But, it doesn't sound like a battle for the ages. Sounds like they coasted.

[@Mark-sj3xb]

Ah, the classic voice of Don Criqui

[@shawnflanagan4995]

criqui is totally forgotten historically, but he was very good.

[@johnwise8433]

Both of these teams unis are amazing here

[@lamontbrown9117]

Have watched my share of football over the years. This is still the best game I've ever seen.

[@comfortat]

The following week had a game just as good. SF/Dallas in SF, and the Montana legend was born. Plus, it was the NFC Championship game - that game is known as "the Catch." The KC/Miami game that Brodie mentions ranks right up there, too. The "Hail Mary" game belongs in the discussion. The 2nd SF/Cincy Super Bowl does, as well. I think what makes this game so memorable was Don Criqui. His excitement was real, and it came booming out through his mic. Brodie did a fantastic job of painting the picture, too. My ONLY criticism of this game was a complete lack of defense. Fouts was not that great a QB, and Strock looked liked Johnny Unitas. But it deserves to be in the discussion of GOAT games. Peace

[@johnsobocinski8300]

My parents took my brother back to college and I was allowed to stay home with my other brother and watch this epic game. I remember telling my Dad when he came home that he missed the greatest game ever! One of the best games that I've ever seen to this day! Thanks for posting.

[@vince6115]

Watched this game on tv 18 yrs of age and again at 57. Still gives me tingles. Best game ever played. Love my Dolphins. Miss the Orange Bowl stadium.

[@stevenmandl4920]

go bills dolphins suck

[@fletchf.fletch8242]

Orange Bowl had the best atmosphere for big games!

[@AlternativeElvis]

John Brodie: There will never be a passer averaging over 300 yards per game... Don Shula: Just give me three years and a different Dan...

[@cjs83172]

And Fouts might have obliterated his own records again in 1982, had there not been a strike. In the nine games that were played, Fouts averaged about 325 YPG, which was more than Dan Marino's YPG average in 1984, and WR Wes Chandler set a record that still has not been broken by averaging 129 YPG, and had there not been a player's strike, might have become the first receiver to go over 2,000 yards in one season, a plateau that, to this day, no WR has ever reached.

[@Shabba6884]

Kellen Winslow was the soldier his dumbo of a son could never be. His stats for this game, 13 ct. for 180 yards, were so far ahead of its time for his position it's just crazy. Unfortunately, they had to go on the road the following week in frigid Cincinnati. Fouts threw two picks in Bengal territory during that one. The world will never know what a Montana vs. Fouts Super Bowl could have produced.

[@nathaniellevesque2782]

Would be interesting to see a Fouts vs. Montana duel, but considering how bad the Chargers defense was that year, the 49ers would still have won.

[@WaltGekko]

Well, if the Bills had not had a delay of game penalty that some felt was suspicious on a 4th down play they completed the day after this game, it might have been different as the Chargers would have become the first team to NOT host a Division Round game (dating back to 1975 when home field was first awarded based on record) that hosted the Conference Championship as if the Bills had won, they would have been in San Diego to play the Chargers.

[@celaya31]

Shabba6884 Good comment

[@joeleicht5764]

Yep, the Chargers had to go to Cincinnati the next week and freeze their tushies off and do what Coryell teams did best - choke.

[@howardcosell2022]

@@WaltGekko If the Bills didn't lose to the Dolphins 16-6 in the last game of the regular season, they would be hosting this game

[@WaltGekko]

This is still in my opinion the greatest game in NFL history. Dolphins roar back from down 24-0, actually go up 38-31 only to have the Chargers tie it and then Kellen Winslow St., who had to be helped off the field multiple times as I remember blocking a field goal and doing so much else.

[@WaltGekko]

Correction, this WAS the greatest game in NFL history, surpassed January 23, 2022 by the Chiefs beating the Bills 42-36 in a game that had four scores in the final 1:51 of regulation and a TD by the Chiefs to win it in OT.

[@nd_irish_fan744]

I was aged 14 at the time and had been an avid fan of football since elementary school. To this day, this was by far the greatest football game at any level I have ever watched. Excluding backup QBs who eventually became starters (Warner, Brady, Young, etc.), Strock was the best pure backup QB (and play caller) I ever watched.

[@iini8117]

IN JANUARY OF 1982 , ME AN MY DAD SAT DOWN TOGETHER AN WATCHED THIS GAME ALONG WITH THE 49ERS VS THE COWBOYS - LOOKING BACK ON MY YOUTH WHEN i in i JUST TURNED 13.

[@che1925]

I watched this as a 5-year-old. My introduction to football.

[@kidmack1121]

@Happy Thoughts I was on Reserve drill for Conference Championships Sunday. They had us up at dawn for the drill so we could knock off after lunch and watch the AFCC. And then we bugged out right after the beginning of the 2nd quarter of the NFCC. Had to listen to most of the game in a car on the way back to the city.

[@dwebster1337]

I watched this with my dad also. Thought it was going to be a blowout for the Chargers. Then Don Strock came in and almost ruined it. I was fortunate enough to watch this epic with my parents.

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

Those games weren't on the same day. On this day, Dallas beat Tampa Bay in the divisional. San Francisco beat the Giants the following day after Cincinnati beat Buffalo.

[@ppj0241]

I was 18 and watched them with my Pops.

[@ericrusselljohnson1]

The best game in chargers history, bar none! Classic TV!

[@Aztecism]

Best game in Dolphins' history too, as voted by their fans.

[@earlbedford5951]

Arguably, the best game in NFL History.

[@michaelleroy9281]

ABSOLUTELY!

[@dskyyksd]

Greatest game in NFL history, hands down. The comebacks, the electric plays, even the sloppy placekicking at the end made it better because this game deserved better than to end on a quick, easy OT field goal with the losing team never having a chance to possess the ball. This game had a life of its own and it did not want to end.

[@markh1142]

The first playoff game I remember watching. 40+ years ago. Unbelievable time flies!

[@tommyparkerparker]

One of the greatest NFL games of all time. 39 years ago today.

[@richsleyster2656]

I was a 9 year old Chargers fan watching this at my grandparents house on a Saturday evening. This will always be the greatest game I’ve ever seen. That hook & ladder play at the end of the first half was incredible. And how about Kellen Winslow??!! The icing on the cake was the great Don Criqui calling the game.

[@bosco5388]

I remember watching this game and rooting for Miami. Easily one of the top 5 games in NFL history; probably the best. That hook and ladder play at the end of the half was just a brilliant, brilliant call.

[@yourroyalhighness7662]

One of the greatest football games I have ever seen but nothing can top the Sea of Hands game when the Oakland Raiders ended the Dolphin dynasty with an incredible 28-26 win in Oakland. Those were two truly great teams which ranks it ahead of this contest.

[@bassliveevil]

I miss the 80's football games on NBC

[@coreylevine8095]

When i watch Sunday night football on NBC i see it when a AFC teams or Seattle Seahawks are the visiting team that is close to the NFL on NBC of the 80's to me

[@theredbaronlives9889]

most entertaining playoff game ever . I'm a cowboys fan,but,this game was and is awesome.when you don't have an emotional investment in a game it's actually more enjoyable.unless you bet big $ that's another matter.nfl was great during this time.1966 to 1996.

[@paulsonj72]

This was definitely the better of the two Saturday playoff games. Earlier that day(in the early game) Dalls completely destroyed Tampa Bay winning 38-0

[@dantheman5745]

One of the 3 greatest hook-and-laterals in football history. #1. This one. Don Strock-to-Duriel Harris-to-Tony Nathan. #2. Boise St.-Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl. Zabranski-to-James-to-Rabb on 4th-and-17 with 0:07 left to tie the game. #3. Touch football, circa 1993. We faced 4th down from our own 1-yard line. We needed to get to midfield for a 1st down. I wanted to punt, but everybody else said to go for it. I asked if anybody had a play in the huddle, but nobody did. So I said let's try a hook & lateral. I showed everybody exactly what to do and I ran the drag route that Rabb ran for Boise St., since the timing of when to break was the biggest variable in the play, and I knew when to do it. My buddy Tracey ran a perfect hook route on the right side, and my friend John, playing QB, hit him right in the numbers as I broke from the left slot and another guy wide right angled deep across the field to drag their deep cover guy to the left. I got there just as my buddy caught the ball & pitched it back to me. I turned the corner and barely got past the outstretched fingertips of their last defender and turned up the sidelines for a "99-yard" TD.

[@indy_go_blue6048]

Damn shame we never saw that #3 classic in the highlights film!

[@igorslocks]

What a game. One of the games that made me fall in complete & total love with the game of Football.

[@boogieondown5824]

This game should always be free...the greatest advertisement the NFL or football could ever have.

[@MGAF688]

What a game. As a Dolphins fan, although the final score was disappointing, the game itself was incredible to the point that it is hard to be sad about how the Dolphins fought back and then nearly won the game.

[@briannolen5159]

I listen to this on the radio traveling with my mom and stepdad. Good memories, great game. One of the few times being a chargers fan hasn't been a disappointment.

[@gregoryevans8179]

This was one of the greatest playoff games ever. Every time the Chargers looked like they had the game put away Miami would comeback.

[@phillyeaglesforlife5127]

Just found out about this game today, obviously one of the best in NFL history, that has to be the greatest OT NFL playoff game ever🙏🙏🙏

[@lindaeasley4336]

I remember watching this game with my brother . At the time I was a Raiders fan and he was and still is a Cowboys fan . This was one of the most thrilling , edge of your seat NFL games of all time 👍

[@lcrzfancave]

Thank you for posting this game....this was my all time favorite childhood game (also my favorite team > SD 1981) ....I'm now 51yrs old and remember watching this when I was in 8th grade.. !!

[@marksymbala3454]

Your old

[@lcrzfancave]

@@marksymbala3454 I know it ..Lol ! In years yes....but I will always be young at heart when it comes to the game !!

[@charger9105]

I've been watching football since 1980 and I haven't seen 5 games better than this one.

[@salvatoreperez5113]

5? You ever see the movie My Cousin Vinny? Mrs. Riley "I think you need a Thicker set of glasses!!!

[@indy_go_blue6048]

@@salvatoreperez5113 Opinion, my friend. This was great, but I have to go with the '06 Colts-Patriot game. JMO.

[@paulnye6025]

Watched this game with my dad when I was 7 years old. Still the best game I’ve seen. This game really got me into the NFL and will remember that hook and ladder until the day I die

[@denisceballos9745]

That crowd was amazing! Loud and animated and they didn’t give up on their team even when they were down 24-0 in the first quarter. Almost like they knew the Dolphins would come back.

[@stephenhanft1226]

If not #1, this is easily in the top 5 greatest NFL postseason games of all time. In 1981, I was 16 years old in High School. I remember this incredible game very well. I was a die-hard Raiders fan and hated Air Coryell so I was rooting hard for the Miami Dolphins. I was heartbroken with the outcome. There is no question that the most critical play was the Andra Franklin fumble late in the 4th quarter. Leading 39-31, Don Strock led the Dolphins on a terrific drive. They were inside the Chargers 20 yard line. At that point, alll Miami needed to do was kick a field goal which would've put the Dolphins ahead by 2 scores and put the game away. Instead, Franklin fumbles inside the 20 and Fouts leads the Chargers on a touchdown drive to tie the game and send it into overtime. The Franklin fumble was the most critical turning point.

[@tjocus43]

Just an awesome football game, I'll never forget watching this as a kid, great to see this game up, some Charger fan somewhere had to of put their foot through their TV when Miami took the lead in this game, then frantically tried to set it back up, fix the rabbit ears, etc, lol

[@Breakbeats92.5]

Would have been great if they showed the iconic clip of Kellen Winslow (who used to attend the same church as I did back in the mid 80's) being helped off the field by his teammates.

[@salvatoreperez5113]

@Sho Tohara His son Kellen jr. Is wasted talent like Pete Rose and Michael Jordans kids too

[@TheVCRTimeMachine]

These old games are great for many reasons, but I love that when players get a first down they don't get up and gloat. Today every first down gets a touchdown level celebration.

[@Nhamp2000]

Yeah, I agree. I remember when I first started watching football when I was 13 (1980), celebrations were relegated to touchdowns only. Now, like you said, every first down, or every tackle and guys are celebrating like they won something.

[@johnmoraites6020]

Come on Kellen Winslow. I mean he really played those so called cramps for all it was worth Absolutely loved #10 Don Strock. Loved those old Miami uniforms

[@nikosuavesworldofsportsmusic]

Knock it off

[@jlmartinez8482]

This was the greatest football game I've ever seen . So many twist and turns . Amazing plays , Drama galore !

[@mayhemjr.803]

I was 13 when I watched this game. One of the most entertaining games I ever saw. Thrill after thrill. Both teams up and down the field. Plenty of " Did you just see THAT!" moments. A classic forever.

[@guslevy3506]

Like many others, I consider this to be the greatest NFL game ever played…I was a 10yo kid who loved the Dolphins, and this game was so emotionally draining that I didn’t know what to feel by the end of it. I knew that I had witnessed something special despite the loss. This game was an opera with the highest of highs and lowest of lows…

[@ReverendBrown.]

Greatest game ever played. Period.

[@snakeoiler1292]

+Reverend Brown Bills/Oilers, Jan 93, 41/38. Just as good.

[@matthewmatt5285]

Agreed,..But the amount of effort exuded by both these teams can NEVER be beaten ,..EVER

[@salvatoreperez5113]

@@snakeoiler1292 Great Comeback but this game is 50,000 times better KELLEN WINSLOW WAS BETTER THAN ANY PLAYER IN HOUSTON OR BUFFALOS FRANCHISE

[@sol1120]

I’ll take the giants beating Niners in San Fran 1990 with a second string Qb preventing a three peat and Winning the super bowl. Too bad the chargers didn’t play in San Diego the following week. Just like too bad the Seahawks didn’t run the ball on second and goal only to give patriots an easy win after an incredible comeback against the packers in the championship- that game means nothing now because they lost the sb 😉

[@michaelleroy9281]

Super Bowl LI 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@user-bl6gx9hr2n]

Has anyone ever seen an NFL crowd having more fun?

[@felixmorales6527]

Watching this game as a Dolphins fan back in my teens I remember saying to myself this is the greatest game I’ve ever seen!

[@detroitrockscity]

Still the best NFL game I have ever seen. Thank you for posting this, I am gonna kick back and watch it with my son.

[@jameswells755]

I remember watching this game.one of the best performances by a athlete in a sporting event.what kellen gave his team that day will be etched in football minds forever.when you give everything you’ve got and more and to be literally helped off the field I think even dolphin appreciated this mans efforts that day.

[@jasoncox4838]

Talk about a classic! This amazing game blew me away. How about Strock, who came off the bench to erase a 24-point deficit and kept rallying Miami all the way to OT? Wow.

[@Mra5000-]

THIS WAS...IMO...THE BEST FOOTBALL GAME EVER... true classic

[@starwarsROXmy]

Nothing like watching some good old 80s NFL action. The era was definitely a lot more balanced between the run and the pass I gotta say, as to where today it's skewered towards the pass. Fascinating stuff.

[@jcfraga1]

One of the greatest game if not the greatest playoff game ever

[@justinbrown5852]

This was two years before I was born. I'm watching as a San Diego fan. That hook and lateral before the half pissed me off.

[@madcapper6]

Is this an official NFL channel? The video quality is fantastic, the best I've ever seen ever since this game was live. Thanks for the up. Possibly the greatest game in NFL playoff history.

[@Sargon484]

maddcapper6, yes this is the offical channel of the NFL.

[@robjadick1545]

You’d think they would have all of the footage though. Missing an entire Miami Drive in OT

[@dantheman5745]

@@robjadick1545 And you'd think they'd know the play is called a "hook & lateral", not "hook & ladder." SMH I guess football knowledge is not a requirement to work for the NFL.

[@Evocati2008]

crazy, insane game made so much better by the great announcers. Just electric, the Orange Bowl had so many great games.

[@otaviofrn_adv]

70 years of history, almost every one of them with a great game at least

[@aledaandytaylor2613]

Greatest nfl football game ever played!!!

[@zeefly226]

One of the very first NFL games I'd seen in my life and to this day is the greatest game I've ever seen.

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

For my money, the best non Super Bowl game ever played in NFL history. Just an insane set of circumstances.

[@eagleshade11]

Manu Ginobilis Bald Spot also consider Ice Bowl Cowboys/Packers or "The Drive" w/ Elway.

[@allengreene9954]

eagleshade11 And "The Catch"

[@nathaniellevesque2782]

Technically the Ice Bowl was the NFL Championship game.

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

Oh there are plenty of games to consider as well. Those games (though The Drive really kinda offset a pretty blah game overall...The Fumble was a much more compelling game), as well as Ghost To The Post, Sea of Hands, 2006 AFC Championship game, the 1990 NFC Championship game..but this game was supernatural. Somewhat lost to time since neither team won or even appeared in the Super Bowl that season.

[@901016amef]

One of the most epic games I ever seen, I’m a Dolphins fan but that day I appreciate to see that great game and great players

[@bernieluan3238]

This is what football is supposed to be. Comebacks, field goals is not automatic, great plays comparing the ones today, and also players are not endangered species.

[@memoriasdeundonjuan8413]

Recuerdo este partido, tenía 13 años, fue un partidazo , por éste juego me hice aficionado a los cargadores y todavía los sigo apoyando.

[@MrUnsolvedMystery]

That’s awesome the complete game is on here. Thanks for posting this. One of the greatest nfl games ever. Also, called by the great Don Criqui.

[@TheRgordon16]

This was one of the all time great playoff games. But the reality was, these were two terrible defenses on display in this game.

[@kyleredding4956]

Heat probably had a factor in that regard

[@jellobiafra2810]

I'm from Detroit (blow the reveille)! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For posting the Greatest Game Ever Played! I watched it over a friends' house. He was sleeping off 'the-night-before'. I tried to wake him up several times. ("You GOTTA see this!") No luck. He's had to live with that ever since. - Dave B.

[@delvindelvintumbling8452]

Don criqui is the man

[@shawnflanagan4995]

the orange bowl is the most perfect football stadium that has ever existed. not domed, but super duper loud. not a bad seat in the house. seats close to the field. real grass (the 70s astroturf was hideous though). open-ended. palm trees. blue skies. the new places with all the 4-mile wide video boards, wine bars and luxury boxes with waitress service can't come close. for football, it can't get better

[@theragingdolphinsmaniac4696]

My all-time favorite Dolphins loss.

[@patd4u2]

Listened to this game at mid-night on the armed forces radio when I was stationed at RAF Alconbury in Great Britain. Was constantly fading in and out. But I did get to hear the end when SD won.

[@Jpez71]

As a 10 yr old Chargers fan I recall bawling my eyes out after they blew the 24-0 lead. Barely enjoyed the win after such an exhausting game, then losing to the Bengals a week later.

[@sharonmayer-grady2362]

Air Coryell at its finest! SAN DIEGO SUPER CHARGERS!!! ⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡ I will NEVER forget this game! I'm so happy, being able to watch it again!

[@scottrahn3035]

What a game! I remember! Thanks for posting!

[@CoolRainVibes]

That shovel pass was the stuff of legends.