HISTORIC EVENT: “Mile High Miracle” OTD in 2013

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The “Mile High Miracle” is a legendary moment in NFL history that took place on January 12, 2013 during the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos. This iconic play, which occurred in the closing seconds of the game, has since become one of the most unforgettable finishes in football. With the Ravens trailing by a field goal and time running out, quarterback Joe Flacco launched a 70-yard pass to Jacoby Jones, who made a spectacular catch in the end zone, securing the Ravens a dramatic victory.

This remarkable game-tying touchdown pass, later dubbed the “Mile High Miracle,” propelled Baltimore to an AFC Championship appearance and eventually led them to win Super Bowl XLVII. What made the Mile High Miracle so extraordinary was not just the length of the pass, but the way it unfolded under immense pressure. 

At the time, the Broncos had one of the most potent defenses in the league, and their star player, Peyton Manning, had delivered a clutch performance in the final minutes to give them a lead. However, Flacco’s deep throw and Jones’ incredible reception stunned both the Broncos’ defense and their fans, taking the Ravens to the next level. It became a defining moment for both players, with Flacco earning the moniker “Joe Cool” for his poise in critical situations, and Jones becoming a hero in Baltimore’s postseason lore.

The Mile High Miracle is not only a defining play for the Ravens’ 2013 Super Bowl run during Ray Lewis‘ final season but also an unforgettable chapter in the NFL history. It cemented Joe Flacco’s reputation as a clutch quarterback and remains in the conversation for one of the greatest NFL playoff games ever.

On the same day, Colin Kaepernick ran for 181 yards against the Green Bay Packers to lead the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC Championship, preceeding a Harbaugh Bowl in the final game. Kap’s 181 yards are still the most by a Quarterback during a single game in NFL history (regular or postseason). 

January 12, 2013: Known as the “Mile High Miracle”, the Baltimore #Ravens trailed the Denver Broncos 35-38 with just over 1:00 left before Ravens QB Joe Flacco threw a game-tying 70-yd TD to WR Jacoby Jones as Baltimore would win in OT en route to a titlepic.twitter.com/SEmRffBqtS

— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) January 12, 2022





FACTS & RECORDS

January 12, 2013: Known as the “Mile High Miracle”, the Baltimore Ravens trailed the Denver Broncos 35-38 with just over 1:00 left before Ravens QB Joe Flacco threw a game-tying 70-yd TD to WR Jacoby Jones as Baltimore would win in OT en route to a titleJanuary 12, 2013: Colin Kaepernick led the 49ers over the Packers in the NFC Divisional Rd where San Francisco’s QB recorded the most RUSH YDS (181) by a QB in NFL history (including regular season)

 

Joe Flacco’s NFL Playoff records:

Consecutive games (8) with 2+ PASS TDConsecutive road games (5) with 2+ PASS TD1st QB to win 7 career road GS1st QB to win 1 GS in each of his 1st 5 career seasons1st with 100+ PASS RTG in all 4 season games of a Playoff run1st rookie QB with 2 WinsT-most season PASS TD (11)





SIGNIFICANCE

MEMORABLE “MILE HIGH MIRACLE” PLAY DEFINED LEGACIES

 

The “Mile High Miracle” was a turning point in NFL playoff history, with a lasting impact on the legacies of Joe Flacco, Ray Lewis, and head coach John Harbaugh. Flacco’s incredible 70-yard touchdown pass to Jacoby Jones not only tied the game in the final seconds but also solidified his reputation as one of the most clutch quarterbacks in postseason history. This performance was the cornerstone of Flacco’s historic playoff run, culminating in a Super Bowl MVP award after leading the Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XLVII. 

The play also established Flacco as an elite quarterback under pressure, redefining perceptions of his career. For Ray Lewis, the Mile High Miracle was instrumental in his final postseason journey, allowing him to retire as a two-time Super Bowl champion. Lewis’ leadership and defensive prowess throughout the playoffs were critical, but the win over Denver symbolized his team’s resilience and determination. 

The dramatic victory further cemented Lewis as one of the greatest linebackers and leaders in NFL history, with his final season becoming a storybook ending to an iconic career. The impact extended beyond the players, with John Harbaugh’s coaching earning significant praise for the team’s preparation and mental toughness. The Ravens’ improbable victory validated Harbaugh’s leadership style and emphasized his ability to navigate high-pressure situations. 

The win also helped reshape the narrative of the Ravens as a franchise, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity and compete against the league’s best. The “Mile High Miracle” remains a defining moment, not only for the individuals involved but for the legacy of the Baltimore Ravens as a whole. It remains one of the most memorable and intense playoff games in recent history that help define what postseason football means to many fans across the globe. 





BEST HIGHLIGHTS

Joe Flacco’s NFL Playoff records:
-Consecutive GP (8) & road GP (5) with 2+ PASS TD
– 1st QB to win 7 career road GS or 1 GS in each of 1st 5 seasons
– 1st with 100+ PASS RTG in all 4 season GP
– 1st rookie with 2 Wins
– T-most season PASS TD (11)pic.twitter.com/tMwLsFxCGq

— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) January 12, 2022

January 12, 2013: Colin Kaepernick led the #49ers over the Packers in the NFC Divisional Rd where Kap recorded the most RUSH YDS (181) by a QB in NFL history (including regular season)
pic.twitter.com/PaIRbB01SA

— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) January 12, 2022

Colin Kaepernick’s NFL Playoff records by a QB:
– RUSH YDS (181)
– Longest RUSH (56 YDS)
– 1st with 100+ RUSH YDS & 1+ RUSH TD in 1 GP
pic.twitter.com/FaYTWzLldj

— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) January 12, 2022

 

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