Las Vegas Raiders

Super Bowl moment No. 23: Jack Squirek intercepts Joe Theismann

Published Jan. 6, 2016 9:15 a.m. ET

Alex Marvez

As we count down to Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, Calif., 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. 23, when Raiders opened the floodgates in Super Bowl XVIII.

Jack Squirek, a Los Angeles Raiders reserve linebacker used mostly on special teams, was put on the field to blanket Washington Redskins running back Joe Washington just before halftime.

Squirek recognized the "rocket screen" the Redskins were trying to run, intercepted the pass and returned it five yards for a touchdown that gave Oakland a 21-3 halftime lead.

The image of Squirek holding the ball overhead while scoring as Theismann looked on dejectedly symbolized how the game would unfold.

Final score: Los Angeles Raiders 38, Washington 9