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
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

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

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

From Jay-Z and Jill Scott—a lot our music faves are hitting the road for some amazing tours. Let’s check out who and when! …
These Black Leading Men Aren't Just Paving the Way, They're Building New Roads

These Black Leading Men Aren’t Just Paving the Way, They’re Building New Roads

After Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler’s Oscar wins last weekend, we’re looking at more Black men who are leading in their respective fields …
Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court's Backing

Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court’s Backing

For Cherise Doyley and Brianna Bennett, the battle for bodily autonomy played out at their hospital bedsides, where virtual court hearings allowed judges to prioritize the perceived health of their unborn children over their right to refuse C-sections …
Jay-Z is Up to Something Big, Now We Have an Idea What it is

Jay-Z is Up to Something Big, Now We Have an Idea What it is

After nearly a decade since Jay-Z’s last album, rumors about new music are circulating from fans gearing up for his first performance in years …
Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand 'Uncle Nearest' Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand ‘Uncle Nearest’ Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

The Black-owned brand was cemented as the fastest growing whiskey company in the U.S. Now, the legacy is at risk …
Solange's Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s only child Julez Smith is opening up about his sexuality and sparking some discourse online! …
As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

Gasoline prices are up in every state since the Iran war begin and they’re expected to rise …
News of Chuck Norris' Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

News of Chuck Norris’ Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ star Chuck Norris’ shocking death is sparking some interesting responses from Black folks online. We’ll tell you why! …
How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

Fifty years prior to rumors of fascism circling President Trump, activist and philosopher Angela Davis made a spooky prediction about dictatorship in the U.S …
Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

La-Kebbia “Kiki” Wilson sued the city of Fresno after she became the subject of horrific discrimination from her supervisor …
What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

Usher was Justin Bieber’s mentor early on in his career, but now it seems like the two may not be in good-standing with each other. Let’s get into it! …
Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Millions of Americans depend on USPS to receive medicines, cast mail in ballots and even pay bills. Now, that’s all at risk …
New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

Clips of a Tuskegee University coach handcuffed at Morehouse shocked the sports world; now, he’s making a move that could change everything …
5 Things You Didn't Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington's Films Over the Years

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington’s Films Over the Years

In honor of Spike Lee’s birthday, let’s take a look at a few fun facts about him and frequent collaborator Denzel Washington that you may not have heard about! …
New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

Gabrielle Henry, knowns as Miss Jamaica, suffered a frightening fall at the Miss Universe pageant in November 2025. And now we have major news on her condition …
Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is letting it be known she’s not here for Nicki Minaj’s alleged spread of misinformation. Now, the Barbz are responding! …
Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

After Shyne and Ma$e reminisce about 90s romance on the “It Is What It Is” podcast, Brandy shuts down the rumors and distances herself from her brother’s erratic behavior …
New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

First, Southwest took away free checked bags and open seating. Now, Black women are speaking out on a new seating policy that allegedly causes more harm than good …
States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump's 'Illegal' Tariffs

States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump’s ‘Illegal’ Tariffs

Over 15 states penned a letter to Congress demanding they receive compensation following Trump’s “illegal” tariffs …
Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

A former Magic City dancer just gave her two cents amid ongoing fallout from the Hawks’ collaboration with the popular strip club …