Thomas Morstead

Super Bowl moment No. 26: Sean Payton's onside kick gamble

Published Jan. 1, 2016 6:47 p.m. ET

Alex Marvez

As we count down to Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, it's time to look back on the magical and memorable moments in the 49 previous Super Bowls. FOX Sports senior NFL writer Alex Marvez has ranked the 50 greatest moments in the big game's big history, and every weekday from now until Feb. 7 we'll unveil the latest addition to our countdown. Today, we look back at moment No. 26, when the Saints pulled off a stunner to start the second half.

New Orleans might not have beaten Indianapolis without the most celebrated onside kick in Super Bowl history.

Trailing by four points at halftime, Saints head coach Sean Payton rolled the dice to open the third quarter.

The grounder booted by kickoff specialist Thomas Morstead bounced off the chest of Colts wide receiver Hank Baskett and was recovered by Saints reserve wideout Chris Reis.

Not only did New Orleans drive for a go-ahead touchdown, the play helped New Orleans continue to wear down Indianapolis' defense and strand quarterback Peyton Manning on the bench by enjoying an 18:55 to 2:34 time of possession from since the start of the second quarter to that point.

Here are highlights from Super Bowl XLIV.

Final score: New Orleans 31, Indianapolis 17.

Drew Brees holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy with head coach Sean Payton.

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Thomas Morstead

New Orleans Saints

National Football League