The Infamous "Doink!" – Reliving the Most Shocking Kick in NFL History

The National Football League (NFL) has seen its fair share of unforgettable moments, but one kick in particular has become etched in the annals of sports history – the infamous "Doink!" kick. It was a moment that left fans stunned, sparked controversy, and cemented Jeff Feagles' place in the record books. In this article, we'll delve into the story behind the "Doink!" kick, exploring its impact on the NFL and why it remains one of the most shocking moments in league history.

The "Doink!" kick was a game-changer, not just for the Philadelphia Eagles but for the entire NFL. It occurred on November 28, 1993, during a Monday Night Football matchup between the Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. The game was tied 20-20 with just 20 seconds remaining, and the Eagles had the ball. Quarterback Randall Cunningham dropped back to pass, but the Vikings' defense was relentless, and he was sacked. As he was being dragged down, Cunningham appeared to kick the ball, but it sailed through the uprights, giving the Eagles a 27-20 victory.

The kick was marked by controversy, as many claimed that the ball had not been fully kicked, leading to accusations of a false start. The NFL later reviewed the play and determined that the ball had indeed sailed through the uprights, awarding the Eagles the win. However, the controversy surrounding the kick would go on to spark a heated debate about the NFL's rulebook and the importance of kickoffs.

One of the key players involved in the "Doink!" kick was Jeff Feagles, the Eagles' kicker at the time. Feagles was known for his strong leg and clutch performances, but the "Doink!" kick would become a defining moment in his career. In an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, Feagles recalled the moment, saying, "I remember it like it was yesterday. I was being dragged down by the Vikings' defenders, and I felt like I had kicked it, but I wasn't sure. The ball sailed through the uprights, and I thought, 'This is going to be huge.'"

The "Doink!" kick had a significant impact on the NFL, leading to changes in the league's rulebook regarding kickoffs. Prior to the play, kickoffs were not reviewed by officials, and it was not uncommon for disputed kicks to be ruled in favor of the opposing team. However, the controversy surrounding the "Doink!" kick led to a shift in the way the league approached kickoffs. The NFL introduced a new rule, requiring officials to review kickoffs on instant replay, a move that would help prevent similar disputes in the future.

Another significant impact of the "Doink!" kick was on the Eagles themselves. The team would go on to win Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005, but the "Doink!" kick would always be remembered as a turning point in their season. In an interview with ESPN, Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb recalled the play, saying, "The 'Doink!' kick was a defining moment for us. It was a game-changer, and it gave us momentum for the rest of the season."

The "Doink!" kick also had an impact on the NFL as a whole. It highlighted the importance of officiating and the need for clarity in the league's rulebook. The controversy surrounding the kick sparked a heated debate about the role of officials in the game, with some arguing that the league needed to do more to ensure accuracy and consistency. The NFL responded by increasing the number of officials on the field and introducing new technology to help officials make more accurate calls.

The Players Involved

Jeff Feagles

As mentioned earlier, Jeff Feagles was the Eagles' kicker at the time of the "Doink!" kick. Feagles was a veteran player with a strong leg and a clutch performance under his belt. In an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, Feagles recalled the moment, saying, "I remember it like it was yesterday. I was being dragged down by the Vikings' defenders, and I felt like I had kicked it, but I wasn't sure. The ball sailed through the uprights, and I thought, 'This is going to be huge.'"

Feagles went on to have a successful career in the NFL, playing for several teams including the Eagles, Giants, and Cardinals. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and holds the record for most consecutive field goals made.

Randall Cunningham

Randall Cunningham was the Eagles' quarterback at the time of the "Doink!" kick. Cunningham was a dynamic player known for his athleticism and ability to extend plays with his feet. In an interview with ESPN, Cunningham recalled the play, saying, "I remember it like it was yesterday. I was being dragged down by the Vikings' defenders, and I felt like I had kicked it, but I wasn't sure. The ball sailed through the uprights, and I thought, 'This is going to be huge.'"

Cunningham went on to have a successful career in the NFL, playing for several teams including the Eagles, Vikings, and Cardinals. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and holds the record for most consecutive games with a touchdown pass.

The Vikings' Defense

The Vikings' defense was instrumental in the "Doink!" kick, as they were able to sack Cunningham and force him to the ground. In an interview with the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Vikings defensive end Chris Doleman recalled the play, saying, "We knew we had to get to Cunningham and stop him. He was a tough player, but we were able to get to him and bring him down."

The Vikings' defense would go on to have