The Most Iconic NFL Kickoff Games To Relive this Labor Day

Our favorite post-Labor Day tradition is on the horizon…

On Thursday, 5th September, the NFL season kicks off with The Ravens vs the reigning champs, the Kansa City Chiefs.

Over the years, this opening game has become synonymous with memorable moments and thrilling matchups, creating a sense of anticipation as football returns. 

And so, in honor of the unofficial end of summer and the beginning of the 2024 season—we’re celebrating the most iconic kickoff games since the tradition began. 

2002: San Francisco 49ers 16, New York Giants 13

In the first-ever NFL Kickoff Game, the San Francisco 49ers narrowly defeated the New York Giants in a tight contest at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 

Despite the Giants' offense racking up 361 total yards, they managed only one touchdown due to three interceptions thrown by quarterback Kerry Collins. 

The 49ers secured the win with a late drive, highlighted by a crucial 33-yard reception by Terrell Owens. A 36-yard field goal by Jose Cortez sealed the victory with just six seconds remaining.

2011: Green Bay Packers 42, New Orleans Saints 34

This high-scoring thriller at Lambeau Field in Green Bay saw two of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees, go head-to-head. 

The Packers, fresh off their Super Bowl win, came out strong, with Rodgers connecting with Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson for early touchdowns. 

Randall Cobb’s 108-yard kick return for a touchdown was a standout moment. Despite a late push by Brees, the Packers held on for a 42-34 victory in a game that featured a combined 76 points.

2012: Dallas Cowboys 24, New York Giants 17

On a rare Wednesday night to avoid a conflict with the Democratic National Convention, the Dallas Cowboys stunned the reigning Super Bowl champion New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. 

Tony Romo led the Cowboys with 307 passing yards and three touchdowns, outshining Eli Manning, who was known for his fourth-quarter heroics the previous season. The Cowboys’ 24-17 victory marked a surprising start to the new season.

2013: Denver Broncos 49, Baltimore Ravens 27

In a rematch of a dramatic playoff game from the previous season, the Denver Broncos, led by Peyton Manning, dominated the Baltimore Ravens at Mile High Stadium. Manning tied an NFL record by throwing seven touchdown passes, leading the Broncos to a 49-27 win. 

The Ravens, who were the defending Super Bowl champions, were forced to play on the road due to a scheduling conflict in Baltimore, and Manning took full advantage, setting the tone for a record-breaking season.

2016: Denver Broncos 21, Carolina Panthers 20

In a rematch of Super Bowl 50, the Denver Broncos once again edged out the Carolina Panthers, this time in a thrilling season opener at Mile High Stadium. The game was largely a defensive battle, with the Panthers holding a lead until the fourth quarter. 

But, a missed 50-yard field goal by Graham Gano in the closing moments allowed the Broncos to escape with a narrow 21-20 victory, starting their season with a dramatic win.

2017: Kansas City Chiefs 42-27 New England Patriots

One of the most shocking upsets in NFL Kickoff Game history happened  when the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the New England Patriots 42-27 at Gillette Stadium. 

The Patriots—fresh off a historic Super Bowl comeback win—were stunned by a dominant performance from Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith, who threw for four touchdowns and 368 yards. The win marked a significant statement by the Chiefs as they dismantled the defending champions in front of their home crowd.

2021: Dallas Cowboys 29, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31

In a nail-biting start to the 2021 season, Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers narrowly defeated the Dallas Cowboys 31-29 at Raymond James Stadium. 

Brady, playing at the venue where he had won Super Bowl 55 earlier that year, delivered a masterclass in the final minutes, orchestrating a game-winning drive capped by a 36-yard field goal by Ryan Succop. 

Despite a strong performance by Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns, Brady once again demonstrated his legendary status with another clutch performance.

Get ready for the NFL season…

As the new NFL season approaches, these unforgettable Kickoff Games remind us of the excitement and unpredictability that football brings. Get ready for more thrilling moments as the 2024 season gets underway.

Want to emulate the training sessions of the NFL hall of Fame-ers?

Why not check out our NFL training guide and use the season as inspiration to go beast mode in the gym?