Evolution Surrenders!

All good things must come to an end, and they did this day on the last Monday Night Football broadcast on ABC that started 35 years ago. Like the first game, the New York Jets were the recipients of a 31-21 loss. The first time was to the Cleveland Browns, this time they lost to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. I wanted to take this post to reflect on my favorite Monday Night Football memories. I'm a Dallas Cowboys fan, and have big memories of most of their Monday Night Games, but I want to look for those greatest monday night moments as far as the NFL in general is concerned:

January 3rd, 1983. I watch as the Minnesota Vikings pin the Cowboys deep in their own territory. White hands off to "Touch Down" Tony Dorsett, and the man simply skimpers to a 99 yard touchdown run. It wasn't the greatest running play I've ever seen, as Tony was untouchable once he had that open lane, but it is a record that will never be beaten. Did you know know that Tony Dorsett holds 5 of the Cowboys 6 longest rushes in Cowboys history? Emmitt is the Cowboys greatest, but Dorsett was probably the most electrifying back they ever had. He did not have Emmitt's grit though.

December 8th, 1980. I am stunned to hear the news that John Lennon is assassinated during an otherwise boring game between the Patriots and Dolphins. Who cares about Griese and that defensive star, what's his name on the Dolphins? The true star I wanted to see that night was Hannah of the Patriots, and he was like...blocking people. Learning about John's death turned my world upside down for several days, and made an otherwise unmemorable game one of the events that will live with me to the day I die. A true warrior in the way of peace, John will always be missed.

November 18th, 1985. The Washington Redskins face off against the New York Giants. I watch as I see two teams I can not stand face off against each other. I'm hoping for a Giants win. Why? I don't rmember at this time. I see Taylor, Carson, and that deadly crew they had swarm Theisman. I remember seeing Taylor in a frantic mode signal the Redskins medics to the field. Just for fun, the MNF crew shows us Theismans leg snap over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. In slow-mo, in full speed. It's there at all angles baby, just ready to see. Joe Theisman then starts to his career path where he is today. Boring us on Sunday nights explaining how the QB in any particular game was the entire difference in how the game was decided.

I want to see his leg snap again.

December 2nd, 1985. The Chicago Bears see the only loss in what is the greatest season I have ever witnessed by any team ever. Keep in mind I'm 36, and only got serious into the NFL during the 79 season when Pittsburgh beat Los Angeles. The goddamn Rams beat my Cowboys in the play-offs that year, but that's okay. We'll take our 5 Lombardis over their 1 over the decades. Well, as I remember it, Miami was killing the Bears and asshat Buddy Ryan's vaunted defense. McMahaon didn't start that game, but came off the bench and threw three touchdowns(If I remember right), to make a game out of it. It was too late though. If the Bears had started him, I have no doubt that the Bears would've had a perfect season that year, and we would now be able to go without hearing Mercury Morris ever again on how NFL history stacks up. Reality is, they didn't, the Bears Lost, but they were probably the most brutal team I've seen assembled over the last 25 years.

November 11th, 2000. The "Monday Night Miracle" features the New York Jets(Who play so big a part in monday night history) against the Miami Dolphins. Down 30-7 in the fourth quarter, Vinny Testaverde, the only quarter back left from the helmetless football era, leads the Jets to an unbelievable come from behind victory that only parallels the Buffalo Bills comeback against the Houston Oilers in the early 90's play off all time classic. Neither team would go on to a Superbowl, but oh what a game!

Do you have a favorite Monday Night Football memory? I would like to see your opinion on any game or moment you believe should be in the top 5.