Steelers’ Santonio Holmes' Super Bowl-Winning Touchdown Will Forever Live In The Mind Of Kurt Warner: 'Ben Should’ve Never Thrown It'

The Pittsburgh Steelers etched one of the most exhilarating moments in their storied history with a thrilling victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, prevailing 27-23. The game kicked off in spectacular fashion for the Steelers, who held a commanding 10-point lead at halftime courtesy of James Harrison's jaw-dropping 100-yard interception return for a touchdown.

However, the Cardinals mounted a fierce comeback, seizing the lead late into the fourth quarter. With time ticking away and the Steelers in dire need of a miracle, wide receiver Santonio Holmes stepped up to deliver. With a mere 42 seconds remaining, Holmes executed one of the most remarkable catches in NFL history, propelling the Steelers ahead 27-23. That score held, clinching the Steelers their sixth Super Bowl title.

Fast forward to 2024, and Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner still finds himself fielding questions about that unforgettable night. Despite his team's valiant effort, Warner has gracefully accepted the outcome. 

Yet, even during an appearance on The Fantasy Footballers Podcast to discuss offseason happenings and fantasy football, Warner found himself playfully prodded by the hosts in an attempt to elicit a concession regarding Holmes' catch. While Warner refrained from taking the bait, a chuckle betrayed his amusement at the persistent inquiries.

"You know, those are things I'm never gonna agree on. Whether he got that other toe down or not, the throw, the catch, the effort, it was just incredible. That's just one of those plays that you gotta tip your hat and go, 'Come on.'”

The catch was as crystal clear as daylight. Numerous photos from various angles unequivocally depict Holmes securing the ball with both feet in bounds. It stands as one of the most extraordinary plays in Steelers history. Warner further opined that Ben Roethlisberger ought not to have thrown the ball into that particular area.

“Ben should've never thrown it, we had three guys in the area. Santonio should've never been close to catching it, yet, you know, made the perfect throw, made the catch. Whether that toe scraped the turf or not, I don't really know, but it was one heck of an effort. We're sitting here and we can't definitively say whether he touched it or not, which to me makes it close enough, in a moment like that, where you gotta tip your hat and give it to him."

Steelers fans breathed a collective sigh of relief when Roethlisberger completed that pass. Yet, there's no denying it was a daring move. Warner, ever gracious, acknowledged the correctness of the call amidst the disappointment of defeat. 

That Super Bowl will eternally be etched in the annals of history as one of the most thrilling ever played. Replete with twists and turns, it kept fans on the edge of their seats, with moments of doubt sprinkled throughout. Without that game, the legacies of Mike Tomlin and Roethlisberger might have taken a different trajectory. Thankfully, the Steelers rose to the occasion, executed the crucial plays, and emerged victorious.

Steelers Are Hopeful To Get Back To The Big Game In 2024

The postseason fervor that once defined Steelers fandom has waned in recent years, with the team failing to secure a playoff victory since the 2016 season. As a result, the pressure is palpable, prompting the organization to make bold moves this offseason, bolstering their roster with new playmakers and fresh personnel. The time has come for the Steelers to reassert themselves as contenders for Super Bowl glory.

Steelers fans eagerly anticipate the debut of their revamped team in 2024. Under the guidance of Arthur Smith, the offense boasts Russell Wilson at quarterback, poised to lead the charge. Additionally, the emergence of George Pickens in a more prominent role, alongside Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren in an ideal setting, bodes well for offensive firepower. With a formidable defense and improved special teams, the Steelers are poised to defy expectations and make a resounding return to prominence in 2024.