99-yard TDs
Eli Manning connected with Victor Cruz on a 99-yard play touchdown pass play late in the first half of the New York Giants Week 16 victory over the New York Jets.
Aside from being a crucial play that put the Giants ahead, the play marked just the 13th time in National Football League history that a tandem has hooked up on a 99-yard touchdown pass.
Manning-to-Cruz also marked two other NFL firsts. They joined the New England Patriots Tom Brady and Wes Welker, who had a 99-yard TD play during Kickoff Weekend, to make 2011 the first year ever that the NFL has had two 99-yard TD passes in the same season.
In addition, the weekend’s action marked the first time in NFL history that two different quarterbacks had touchdown throws of more than 90 yards on the same day. Carolina Panthers rookie QB Cam Newton had a 91-yarder to receiver Brandon LaFell against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
99-yard TD pass plays
Victor Cruz from Eli Manning, New York Giants vs. New York Jets, Dec. 24, 2011
Wes Welker from Tom Brady, New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins, Sept. 12, 2011
Bernard Berrian from Gus Frerotte, Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears, Nov. 30, 2008
Andre' Davis from Jeff Garcia, Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Oct. 17, 2004
Marc Boerigter from Trent Green, Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Diego Chargers, Dec. 22, 2002
Robert Brooks from Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears, Sept. 11, 1995
Tony Martin from Stan Humphries, San Diego Chargers vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sept. 18, 1994
Mike Quick from Ron Jaworski, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons, Nov. 10, 1985
Cliff Branch from Jim Plunkett, Los Angeles Raiders vs. Washington Redskins, Oct. 2, 1983.
Gerry Allen from Sonny Jurgensen, Washington Redskins vs. Chicago Bears, Sept. 15, 1968
Pat Studstill from Karl Sweetan, Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Colts, Oct. 16, 1966
Bobby Mitchell from George Izo, Washington Redskins vs. Cleveland Browns, Sept. 15, 1963
Andy Farkas from Frank Filchock, Washington Redskins vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Oct. 15, 1939.
Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett of the Dallas Cowboys is the only player ever to have a 99-yard run when he accomplished the feat against the Vikings on January 3, 1983.
Rob Gronkowski's jersey
The New England Patriots jersey Rob Gronkowski wore when he tied the single-season NFL record for most touchdowns receptions by a tight end is now part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s collection.
Remember When…Week 16 edition
The final week of the 1953 season produced the first time in NFL history that at least 11 games into the season a undefeated team suffered its first loss on the same day a winless team got Win No. 1.