By Tom Barnidge (Editor’s Note: Forty-four years later, it’s still known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” This story, on the 1958 NFL Championship Game between the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants, is reprinted from theOfficial Super Bowl XXXIII Game Program.) Forty years after Alan Ameche lowered his head, squared his shoulders, and dived through the early evening chill of December in New York, the 1958 NFL Championship Game remains the most celebrated chapter in pro football lore. The BaltimoreColts' fullback had barely landed in theNew York Giants' end zone, securing a 23-17 overtime victory, when the contest was described unabashedly as the "Greatest Game Ever Played." Never mind that it featured 5 lost fumbles and 1 interception. Or that the Colts squandered a 14-3 lead. Nor did it matter that Colts kicker Steve Myhra missed a 31-yard field-goal attempt, was granted a reprieve because of a penalty, and failed again when the Giants blocked his next attempt. None of that mattered because something larger was at work. The elements of destiny were aligned for this game, which had a cast of characters that included 15 future Pro Football Hall of Fame members. The scene was historic Yankee Stadium, from which the game was telecast nationwide -- with the exception of New York, of all places, which was blacked out. And then there was the script: equal parts high drama and intrigue, with momentum swings, a tie score, and a sudden-death overtime -- the first of its kind in a title game. |
