The Most Controversial, Shocking Super Bowl Moments Over the Years

Everything from the lights going out in the Superdome, to the New England Patriots 28-3 comeback against the Atlanta Falcons.

Super Bowl week is here. And that means it’s the perfect time to revisit all the strange and shocking moments in the game’s 59-year history. Everything from Janet Jackson’s infamous halftime performance with Justin Timberlake to the Seattle Seahawks’ baffling decision to run the ball at the one-yard line in their Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, lets remember the moments that shocked everyone.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Biggie and Diddy’s Strange Friendship: Revisiting the Most Defining Moments

Lights out

Photo: Getty Images Perry Knotts

Shortly after Beyoncé’s first solo performance at the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans, the lights went out in the entire stadium, shocking everyone at home and on the field.

Janet Jackson debacle

Photo: Getty Images Donald Miralle

In many ways, Janet Jackson still has not recovered from her wardrobe malfunction during her Super Bowl halftime performance, even though it was never her fault.

Prince Halftime Performance

Photo: Getty Images Jamie Squire

Prince’s halftime performance at the 2007 Super Bowl was one to remember. Poetically, as Prince was performing “Purple Rain” it started to rain in the stadium.

Seahawks pass the ball

Photo: Getty Images Jamie Squire

With a chance to take the lead in the 2015 Super Bowl, the Seattle Seahawks opted to pass the ball on the one-yard line instead of handing the ball off to Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch. Russell Wilson’s pass ended up being intercepted and they lost in heartbreaking fashion.

28-3

Photo: Getty Images Barry Chin/The Boston Globe

The New England Patriots winning this game wasn’t shocking. It’s the fact that they came back from a 28-3 deficit to do it. It’s still the largest comeback in Super Bowl history.

Tom Brady Stolen Jersey

Photo: Getty Images Simon Bruty/Anychance

After his magical comeback against the Falcons, Brady’s game-worn jersey went missing. Thankfully, it was recovered a month later in Mexico.

Ray Lewis’ legal issues

Photo: Getty Images KIMBERLY SMITH/AFP

While he wasn’t involved in the game, Ray Lewis was one of the biggest stories during the 2000 Super Bowl in Atlanta. Lewis was allegedly involved in a fight at a nightclub that resulted in two men being stabbed to death. Although he was charged with murder, they were later dropped.

Wide right

Photo: Getty Images Mike Powell / Staff

Close your eyes Buffalo Bills fans. For a chance to win their first Super Bowl, Scott Norwood, who led the NFL in scoring, missed what would’ve been a game-winning field goal kick. The Bills lost to the Giants 20-19

17-1

Photo: Getty Images Doug Pensinger

The outcome of this game shocked the world. In the 2008 Super Bowl, the New York Giants, who snuck into the playoffs, were going up against the undrafted New England who had one of the best offenses ever. Shockingly, the Giants won 17-14.

Michael Jackson’s Halftime Performance

Photo: Getty Images Steve Granitz/WireImage

For the first couple minutes of his Super Bowl halftime performance, MJ didn’t even do anything. He just stood there and soaked in the crowd. Although he was idle, fans screamed the entire time. Few artists in history have reached this level of fame and popularity.

Beyoncé’s “woke” performance

Photo: Getty Images Robert Beck /Sports Illustrated

Beyoncé’s guest appearance at Super Bowl 50 was heavily criticized for its celebration of Black history. Many NFL fans criticized the performance for being anti-police and “woke.”

Maroon 5 petition

Photo: Getty Images Patrick Smith

Some people may forget, but prior to the 2019 Super Bowl, 75,000 people signed a petition requesting that Maroon 5 not perform during the halftime show in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, who had been “exiled” from the league for taking a knee during the national anthem in previous seasons.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Black Celebs Who Have Stars On the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Black Celebs Who Have Stars On the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Brandy Norwood is one of the latest Black celebrities who’s finally received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Discover who else has been honored! …
Black Films To Look Forward to in 2026

Black Films To Look Forward to in 2026

From Zendaya to Tyler Perry, Black stars are coming in hot with new movies in 2026. Let’s take a look! …
This Black Woman Is The Most Gorgeous Barber on TikTok

This Black Woman Is The Most Gorgeous Barber on TikTok

Folks on TikTok are loving this Black barber, who’s not only great at her job, but looks like a model too …
After Tyler Perry Attempts to Pay TSA Works Himself, DHS Officially Steps In

After Tyler Perry Attempts to Pay TSA Works Himself, DHS Officially Steps In

To help ease financial pain on TSA amid the government shutdown, billionaire Tyler Perry stepped in… and then, this happened …
How Carlos Boozer's Twin Sons, Duke Basketball Stars Cameron and Cayden, Saved Their Big Brother's Life

How Carlos Boozer’s Twin Sons, Duke Basketball Stars Cameron and Cayden, Saved Their Big Brother’s Life

Conceived to save their brother’s life, ex-NBA star Carlos Boozer’s twins Cameron and Cayden are living proof that some wins don’t show up on a scoreboard …
Kerry Washington Shares the Marriage Move That Has Made Her Relationship Last

Kerry Washington Shares the Marriage Move That Has Made Her Relationship Last

Kerry Washington is usually private about her marriage to former NFL-star and actor Nnamdu Asomugha. But now she’s opening up like never before! …
How One Black Woman Is Saying 'No' to Work and 'Yes' to Unapologetic Rest

How One Black Woman Is Saying ‘No’ to Work and ‘Yes’ to Unapologetic Rest

After being laid off in 2025, Brandy Walker is launching a one-year sabbatical for all Black women to join! …
Pete Hegseth Shockingly Blocks Army Promotions for Black and Women Officers

Pete Hegseth Shockingly Blocks Army Promotions for Black and Women Officers

Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly targeting Army officials who– according to his standards– fit under DEI …
Mississippi Mom of Three Savagely Mauled to Death by a Pack of Dogs— So Why Are the Dogs Still Alive?

Mississippi Mom of Three Savagely Mauled to Death by a Pack of Dogs— So Why Are the Dogs Still Alive?

A Mississippi mother died after she was savagely mauled by a pack of dogs. Now, her family is demanding justice because her attackers are still alive …
Omar Gooding Shares Shocking Update With Fans About How a Seatbelt Saved His Life

Omar Gooding Shares Shocking Update With Fans About How a Seatbelt Saved His Life

Veteran actor Omar Gooding sent a message to his fans following a shocking ordeal …
What's Up With All These Black Celebs Supporting Trump, MAGA?

What’s Up With All These Black Celebs Supporting Trump, MAGA?

Comedian Nick Cannon is the latest celeb to pledge support for President Trump, but he’s not the only Black star under fire for MAGA ties …
Druski Breaks His Silence Over <i>That</i> Viral 'White Grandfather' Picture

Druski Breaks His Silence Over That Viral ‘White Grandfather’ Picture

Druski’s “white conservative women” skit had the timeline in a frenzy—then that photo of him and an older white man dropped …
Rev. William Barber: Why the Midterm Election is So Important

Rev. William Barber: Why the Midterm Election is So Important

Rev. Barber: We have to start teaching people that when we talk about politics, there is not an aspect of your life—from your birth to your death—that is not impacted …
Tiger Woods' Friends Call Out His Problematic Behavior After DUI Arrest

Tiger Woods’ Friends Call Out His Problematic Behavior After DUI Arrest

As Tiger Woods prepares to deal with both the public and legal ramifications of his latest DUI arrest, his friends are speaking out about the unfortunate turn of events! …
Black Nurse Details Terror, Heroism After Plane Crash on LaGuardia Runway

Black Nurse Details Terror, Heroism After Plane Crash on LaGuardia Runway

A Black nurse explains what happened in the moments after the LaGuardia plane crash which killed two pilots …
Brandy Reveals Her Last Conversation With Whitney Houston The Day Before Her Death

Brandy Reveals Her Last Conversation With Whitney Houston The Day Before Her Death

Brandy Norwood is detailing her last moments with Whitney Houston before her shocking death in 2012 …
The Chilling Rise of the 'Alpine Divorce,' Where Men Take Their Wives to Hike— Then Purposefully Abandon Them

The Chilling Rise of the ‘Alpine Divorce,’ Where Men Take Their Wives to Hike— Then Purposefully Abandon Them

Inside the dangerous relationship trend you’ve never heard of: Alpine divorces, where men desert their partners on hikes to break up …
Could This Brilliant Morehouse Student Become The Next Mike Tyson?

Could This Brilliant Morehouse Student Become The Next Mike Tyson?

A top-ranked boxer and a star student, Morehouse junior Chad Pitts is changing the narrative about what a Morehouse man can be …
Professor: The Tiger Woods Crash Is Exactly Why Rich Black Men Need Drivers

Professor: The Tiger Woods Crash Is Exactly Why Rich Black Men Need Drivers

Opinion: A rollover crash adds to a troubling pattern and raises a bigger question about risk, control, and why some Black stars still insist on driving themselves …
Expert Weighs in on Mental Toll of Record-Breaking Job Loss for Black Women

Expert Weighs in on Mental Toll of Record-Breaking Job Loss for Black Women

Dr. LaNail R. Plummer, CEO of Onyx Therapy Group, explains how job loss can trigger anxiety, depression, and trauma among Black women …