Football is a game of inches, where every second counts and every play could mean the difference between victory and defeat. But sometimes, those seconds stretch into minutes, and those minutes into hours, as games go beyond regulation and into the heart-pounding drama of overtime. The NFL has witnessed some of the most epic and longest battles in sports history, where neither team would back down, forcing the game to continue until a victor could be crowned. In this article, we explore the longest games in NFL history, recounting the thrilling moments, unforgettable plays, and sheer endurance required to compete in these marathon contests.
The 1971 AFC Divisional Playoff: The Longest Game in NFL History
Game: Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Date: December 25, 1971
Final Score: Dolphins 27, Chiefs 24
Game Duration: 82 minutes and 40 seconds
The longest game in NFL history took place on Christmas Day in 1971, during an AFC Divisional Playoff matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs. This game is legendary not only for its length but for the intensity and drama that unfolded over more than five quarters of play.
With the game tied at 24-24 at the end of regulation, the teams headed into overtime. In a time before the NFL introduced sudden death overtime rules, both teams battled through an entire 15-minute overtime period, neither able to score the game-winning points. The grueling contest extended into a second overtime, where the Dolphins’ kicker, Garo Yepremian, finally ended the marathon with a 37-yard field goal, securing a 27-24 victory for Miami.
The game lasted 82 minutes and 40 seconds, making it the longest NFL game ever played. It was a game filled with iconic moments, including the Chiefs’ running back Ed Podolak’s historic performance, in which he racked up 350 all-purpose yards. This game also signaled the rise of the Miami Dolphins, who would go on to become a dominant force in the NFL, winning back-to-back Super Bowls in the following seasons.
The 2012 AFC Divisional Playoff: The “Mile High Miracle”
Game: Baltimore Ravens vs. Denver Broncos
Date: January 12, 2013
Final Score: Ravens 38, Broncos 35
Game Duration: 76 minutes and 42 seconds
One of the most memorable overtime games in recent NFL history took place in the 2012 AFC Divisional Playoff, a game that has since been dubbed the “Mile High Miracle.” The Baltimore Ravens, led by quarterback Joe Flacco, faced the Denver Broncos and their future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning. What transpired was a back-and-forth epic that would go down in history for its dramatic conclusion.
The Broncos led 35-28 late in the fourth quarter when Flacco unleashed a 70-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jacoby Jones, tying the game at 35-35 and sending it into overtime. The Ravens and Broncos traded possessions throughout the overtime period, but neither team could break the deadlock. It wasn’t until 1:42 into the second overtime period that the game was decided. Broncos’ quarterback Peyton Manning threw an interception to Ravens cornerback Corey Graham, setting up Ravens kicker Justin Tucker for a game-winning 47-yard field goal.
This victory propelled the Ravens to the AFC Championship and ultimately to a Super Bowl XLVII victory, solidifying this game’s place in NFL lore.
The 1962 AFL Championship Game: Double Overtime Drama
Game: Dallas Texans vs. Houston Oilers
Date: December 23, 1962
Final Score: Texans 20, Oilers 17
Game Duration: 77 minutes and 54 seconds
The 1962 AFL Championship Game, played between the Dallas Texans and the Houston Oilers, was one of the first truly epic overtime battles in professional football. It was also the longest game in AFL history, extending into double overtime before a champion could be decided.
In a game dominated by defense, the Texans and Oilers traded field goals and touchdowns throughout regulation, with the score tied 17-17 at the end of the fourth quarter. Both teams had multiple opportunities to win the game in overtime, but missed field goals and stout defensive play kept the game going.
Finally, after 77 minutes and 54 seconds, Texans kicker Tommy Brooker nailed a 25-yard field goal, giving the Dallas Texans a 20-17 victory and the AFL Championship. This game marked the end of the Dallas Texans’ time in Texas, as the franchise would move to Kansas City the following year and become the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that would go on to become an NFL powerhouse.
The 2018 NFC Championship Game: The Saints vs. Rams Controversy
Game: Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints
Date: January 20, 2019
Final Score: Rams 26, Saints 23
Game Duration: 67 minutes and 13 seconds
While not the longest game in NFL history, the 2018 NFC Championship Game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints is remembered for its dramatic overtime finish and controversial officiating, which left a lasting impact on the NFL’s rules and sparked heated debate among fans.
The Saints had a chance to win the game in regulation but were denied due to a controversial non-call on an apparent pass interference by Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman. This missed call allowed the Rams to tie the game and force overtime. In the extra period, the Rams intercepted Saints quarterback Drew Brees, setting up kicker Greg Zuerlein to nail a 57-yard game-winning field goal, sending the Rams to Super Bowl LIII.
This game’s controversial ending led to significant changes in NFL officiating, including the ability to review pass interference calls, highlighting how overtime thrillers can have a lasting influence on the league.
The 2011 NFC Wild Card Game: Tim Tebow’s Stunning OT Win
Game: Denver Broncos vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Date: January 8, 2012
Final Score: Broncos 29, Steelers 23
Game Duration: 63 minutes and 12 seconds
The 2011 NFL season is remembered as the year of Tebowmania, and the defining moment of that craze occurred during the NFC Wild Card Game between the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers. In a game that went to overtime, Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow delivered one of the most unforgettable moments in NFL playoff history.
The game was tied 23-23 at the end of regulation, and under the NFL’s overtime rules at the time, the game could end on the first score, regardless of whether it was a touchdown or a field goal. On the very first play of overtime, Tebow connected with wide receiver Demaryius Thomas for an 80-yard touchdown pass, ending the game in a flash and sending the Broncos to the next round.
This game’s sudden and shocking conclusion showcased the excitement that overtime rules can bring, making it one of the most memorable overtime moments in NFL history.
The Longest Regular-Season Game: Titans vs. Ravens (2000)
Game: Baltimore Ravens vs. Tennessee Titans
Date: November 12, 2000
Final Score: Ravens 24, Titans 23
Game Duration: 77 minutes and 16 seconds
While playoff overtime games are typically more well-known, the longest regular-season game in NFL history occurred in 2000 when the Baltimore Ravens faced the Tennessee Titans. The game stretched into overtime, with both teams fighting for every inch in a defensive battle.
In a contest filled with physical play and strategic maneuvers, the game remained tied at the end of regulation. It wasn’t until the second overtime that Ravens kicker Matt Stover booted a 43-yard field goal, giving Baltimore a 24-23 victory and setting a regular-season record for the longest NFL game ever played.
The victory was crucial for the Ravens, who would go on to win Super Bowl XXXV that season, marking the first championship in the franchise’s history.
Conclusion
The longest games in NFL history are more than just tests of endurance—they are showcases of the heart, determination, and grit that define the sport. These overtime thrillers and marathon battles have given fans some of the most unforgettable moments in football, from clutch game-winning kicks to shocking touchdown passes. As the NFL continues to evolve, these epic contests remind us of the unpredictability and excitement that come with every game, and the history that can be made when the clock ticks past zero.
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