David Tyree's 'helmet catch' ended historic run for Patriots

Tom Pelissero | USA TODAY Sports

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CHANDLER, Ariz. – David Tyree doesn't watch much TV. But if he wants to relive one of the greatest catches in Super Bowl history this week, all he has to do is log on to social media.

"There are going to be many people who have played or will continue to play that will have much more decorated careers," Tyree told USA TODAY Sports. "But by the grace of God – and I say that genuinely – I get a chance to be remembered as a part of the game."

The New England Patriots are back for another Super Bowl in Arizona, where seven years ago their undefeated season came to a stunning halt against the underdog New York Giants, with Tyree getting help from his helmet to become the unlikeliest of heroes.

Just three Patriots players who appeared in that game remain – quarterback Tom Brady, defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and place-kicker Stephen Gostkowski – and they've had plenty of time to recover from the sting, even if seeing replays this time of year is unavoidable.

"That was a long, long time ago," Gostkowski said. "Obviously, losing in the Super Bowl hurts. We've played in a lot of games and another Super Bowl since then. But as players, you've got to learn to move on from wins and losses."

Tyree has moved on, too. He never had another NFL catch, missing the 2008 season because of injuries and getting cut in 2009. He appeared in 10 games with the Baltimore Ravens that season, mostly on special teams, and signed a one-day contract to retire a Giant in 2010.

But speaking on the phone Thursday morning from Giants headquarters, where he's now director of player development, Tyree detailed the famed "helmet catch" that extended New York's winning drive in Super Bowl XLII as if it happened yesterday.

He was the Giants' No. 4 receiver and had four catches the entire regular season. But the team had played more four-wide sets after an injury to tight end Jeremy Shockey late in the season, and receiver Plaxico Burress was playing through a knee injury suffered in a hotel shower fall.

It's often forgotten Tyree scored a go-ahead touchdown early in the fourth quarter, only for the Patriots to regain the lead on Randy Moss' 6-yard touchdown grab with 2:42 to go. With 1:15 to play, the Giants trailed 14-10 as they faced third-and-5 from their own 44-yard line.

"The play call was 62 Max Y Sail Union," said Tyree, now 35. "I'm running a post over the top. Steve Smith's running an out cut, a deep out inside, and you've got some in-breaking routes with Amani (Toomer) and Plaxico."

Tyree got the right coverage to come open on the post. But the pocket collapsed quickly on quarterback Eli Manning, who escaped the grasp of three defenders to extend the play.

"It was just kind of like playing backyard football, living in the moment," Tyree said. "Eli's doing his best impression of Michael Vick or something and playing way above the Xs and Os."

So was Tyree, who leaped for the jump ball against Patriots star safety Rodney Harrison in the middle of the field and briefly pinned it against his helmet with his right hand before securing the ball with his left as he and Harrison crashed to the ground.

Four plays later, Manning hit Burress for a 13-yard touchdown. The Patriots' last-gasp drive fell short and the Giants were champions with a 17-14 win. Tyree had no idea just how incredible his catch was until he got back to the hotel that night and saw a replay on TV.

"It stunned me," Tyree said. "For me, it brings on a real sense of humility. I knew my role. I knew what I was capable of as a player and a wide receiver. But obviously, that really exceeds anybody's expectations as far as the timing of the play. I always see it as a gift from God."

Coincidentally, the Patriots are staying this week at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass – the same hotel the Giants stayed in during the week leading up to Super Bowl XLII.

Wilfork was particularly short-winded when questioned Thursday about what he remembers from that game, saying he doesn't think about it. Asked what pops into his head if he does, Wilfork said flatly, "It won't pop in my head."

Told of Wilfork's responses, Tyree laughed before noting the 2007 Patriots "were legitimately one of the best teams in NFL history, I believe."

That just makes the memory of the play Tyree sees "pretty much running through and through" from the NFL and Giants social media accounts all the more miraculous. Plenty of NFL greats don't have such a defining moment, especially on the biggest stage of all.

"That's why I attribute it to something far beyond myself," Tyree said. "I never tried to act like it was a skill thing, but I also don't credit luck to it either. There was some genuine purpose behind it, and I was glad to be a recipient of it."