30 Years Ago Today, The Greatest Catch To Ever Take Place Inside An NFL Stadium, Occurred At Soldier Field
Every time I see this video, my brain can't comprehend how this guy walked away from this perfectly fine.
I mean, look at how high up he was when he jumped. And the timing of it!
Just a tour de force by this gentleman, Mike Pantazis. First, he makes a death-defying, perfectly timed leap to catch this 50-yard boomer off Bears kicker Kevin Butler's foot. He showed perfect touch, cradling the ball, and falling gracefully to the concourse cement, who knows how far down off-screen (25 feet according to Mike).
Full extension (or send, as the kids are calling it), perfect form, perfect mid-air adjustment, perfect stonewashed jeans. Laying it all out on the line for the ball. Every eye in the building was fixated on Mike here.
Entire place gave him a standing ovation and everything.
Then he joined up with MNF's (and HOF) Lynn Swann afterward to break down the catch and give the world a taste of one of the finest mullet-ponys these eyes have ever seen.
He also casually mentions he's a proud north sider and played high school football at Sullivan High School (Rogers Park stand up!).
Not only did he play, but he played both ways. And he has great hands. According to himself and the tape doesn't lie, baby.
He then parlayed that interview and 15 seconds of fame into an appearance on Letterman. Where he made one of the boldest entrances in the history of entrances.
(CBS Took the video down because they're losers)
Stonewashed's, pony, button-down, with "Jump" by Van Halen being played and Dave tossing him a bomb (which he overthrew) which Mike easily pulled in.
Happy anniversary Mike. Treat yourself tonight king.
p.s. - somebody made a mini-documentary about the entire thing
