Now that the 2012 NFL regular season is behind us, we can take a look back with some perspective upon the moments that truly mattered. Like any season, there were big hits, great catches and fancy footwork. But this year had something special too, something that will likely be the enduring image of football in 2012: Chuckstrong. It wasn’t just Chuckstrong that made this season memorable, though. We had the replacement ref debacle, saw the single-season receiving yards record fall, the single-season rushing yards record come within yards of falling, rookies establish themselves as stars for years to come and a future Hall of Famer rise from the ashes on a new team. It was a year where the old guard (Patriots, Packers, whoever Peyton Manning plays for) and the new (Seahawks, Texans, 49ers) meshed together to form the league’s elite teams.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Kansas City Chiefs sucked so much that as of this moment the @saveourchiefs Twitter account has 92,574 followers. As the playoffs get going and fans’ focus begins to shift, let’s take a look back at the 50 Best GIFS from the 2012 NFL Season.
RELATED:Â The 25 Best Sports GIFs of December 2012
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Choppa City
50. Choppa City
Week: Week 11
There are few wide receivers in football who drop as many passes as the Ravens' Jacoby Jones, and it's the reason the Texans let the speedy receiver depart in the offseason. He is a special teams ace, however, and this season he returned two kickoffs and a punt for touchdowns. The Baltimore Raven's signature "Choppa City Juke" remains the gold standard for all dance-related celebrations, as Jones shows just how coordinated he can be with this elaborately choreographed jig. If he spent half as much time working on holding on to the ball, he'd be one of the top wide outs in the league by now.
Look What I Found
49. Look What I Found
Week: Week 13
Knowshon Moreno has always had excellent hands, but in Week 13 he took this to a new level on a reception against the Buccaneers. After getting pushed down to the ground, Moreno managed to sit up and one-hand a Peyton Manning pass that appeared to be headed straight for the turf. Moreno gets high marks for making this tumble-somersault-butt pivot-grab routine look astonishingly easy.
Misery Has a Name
48. Misery Has a Name
Week: Week 15
Ravens' quarterback Joe Flacco will be a free agent after this season, and he certainly expects to get paid like the elite quarterback he purports himself to be. While he does not exactly burst with personality, his even-keeled demeanor can be useful over the course of a brutal 16 game season. After surrendering a 98 yard pick-six to Denver in Week 15, though, Flacco flopped in vain at the ankles of Broncos cornerback Chris Harris as he scampered into the end zone. Rather than dust himself off and get ready for the next series, Flacco simply stayed face down on the ground, a living image of defeat. If you're a team in the market for a quarterback this offseason, this is a good picture to keep in mind.
Worst Call of the Year
47. Worst Call of the Year
Week: Week 12
Even the best officials have bad moments, but this one from Thanksgiving Day stands out above all others. The Texans' Justin Forsett is clearly tackled and down, only he keeps running and eventually scores. While the officials clearly missed the call, normally it would have been reversed by the automatic review after a scoring play; however, in a decision clearly motivated by his desire to one-up the stupidity of the refs' call, Lions coach Jim Schwartz managed to get the replay review canceled and the touchdown upheld. The Lions, naturally, went on to lose the game by less than a touchdown.
Where Did He Go?
46. Where Did He Go?
Week: Week 14
There's a reason the Lambeau Leap is generally done only in Green Bay. Outside of Packers fans, few are eager to grab a player and willingly hoist him up into the crowd. When the Bills' Lee Smith tried to bring some Wisconsin flavor to upstate New York in Week 14, he got a hard landing for his trouble before he was swallowed up into an abyss of Bills fans. This most likely occurred because Bills fans are not used to celebrating touchdowns for their own team.
Worst Long Snap Ever
45. Worst Long Snap Ever
Week: Week 1
Oakland's Week 1 performance against San Diego saw some of the worst long snapping in history, with this particular play the worst of the lot. The Raiders' long snapper left the game with a concussion, forcing the team to insert seldom-used backup lineman Nick Guess into the game. It didn't go well. Seriously, someone could probably snap the ball with their feet more accurately than Guess. It's unclear if he even tried to pick it up off the ground, or if perhaps he thought it was more efficient to roll the ball back to the punter instead. Maybe he thought he was bowling.
Maybe He Should Have Just Stayed...
44. Maybe He Should Have Just Stayed...
Week: Week 1
29-year-old rookies are rarely seen in the NFL, but in 2012 Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden became one of the oldest rookies to come to the league straight out of college. When he was anointed the team's starter after the preseason, the Browns hoped that his maturity would help Weeden lead the Browns to the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Does getting lost under big flag count as mature? Weeden getting swallowed up by Old Glory was perhaps a harbinger of things to come, as the former Oklahoma State quarterback saw his passes get gobbled up by opposing defenses all season long.
Who Says WRs Can't Block?
43. Who Says WRs Can't Block?
Week: Week 2
The general perception around wide receivers is that they are all pretty boys who don't like to get their hands dirty and are more interested in the arrangement of their wristbands than the actual game. Golden Tate is clearly trying to change that thought, and on this play in Week 2 the third-year former Notre Dame man announced his arrival by clocking Cowboys standout linebacker Sean Lee. The way Lee goes down, you'd think he got hit by someone twice his size. Despite there not being a flag thrown on the play, Tate got hit with a $21,000 fine from the league.
Don't Look Now...
42. Don't Look Now...
Week: Week 3
As it turned out, the great Titans-Lions game from Week 3 was really just a matchup for two equally bad teams. At the time, though, it looked like a heavyweight bout between two potential playoff contenders. The teams combined for 46 fourth quarter points, and when Nate Washington pulled this pass off the head of Detroit's Jacob Lacey it looked like the Titans had struck the decisive blow. His miraculous effort, while not enough to win the game in regulation, helped fuel Tennessee's eventual 44-41 overtime triumph.
Welcome to the NFL
41. Welcome to the NFL
Week: Week 5
Every rookie has a moment where they realize they aren't in college anymore. The players are bigger, faster and stronger than ever before, and one big hit can drive that home. Andrew Luck is proof positive of that, as we can see here when he got blindsided by the Packers' Nick Perry in Week 5. Perry got saddled with a $15,000 fine, although with the way Luck's head whips around like a rag doll it looks like it could have been worse.
Using the Whole Field
40. Using the Whole Field
Week: Week 10
Although they're known much more for their prolific passing attack, the New Orleans Saints have several good running backs. Switching to a more running-oriented attack for their Week 10 game against the Falcons, the Saints showed how dangerous they can be on the ground. Chris Ivory absolutely ripped Atlanta's defense apart on this 56-yard touchdown run, beating several defensive backs to one edge before cutting across the entire width of the field on his way to the end zone. His stiff-arm at the end puts a fitting stamp on an absolutely awesome TD run.
Must Have Been the Lines
39. Must Have Been the Lines
Week: Week 6
It's every wide receiver's dream: a wide open gallop to the end zone, nothing but green in front of you. For Eric Decker, it looked like he was going to cruise to an easy touchdown after corralling a long pass from Peyton Manning in the Broncos' Week 6 contest with the Chargers. As if touched by God, though, Decker miraculously stumbled on nothing, fell down, and in the process cost his team a touchdown. Although this moment of supreme un-coordination nearly cost Denver a victory, fortunately for Decker the Broncos did eventually go on to narrowly win the game.
Metaphor for an Entire Season
38. Metaphor for an Entire Season
Week: Week 14
Once upon a time, the Arizona Cardinals were one the year's big surprises after bursting out of the gate at 4-0 and looking like a legitimate contender. By the time Patrick Peterson bungled this punt in a humiliating 58-0 Week 14 loss to the Seahawks, the Cardinals had fallen to 4-8 and were clearly a team that couldn't get out of its own way. Peterson and Co.'s futile attempts to keep the Seahawks from scoring show a unique ability to take a play from bad to worse, and serve as a living metaphor for the team's horrible 1-11 finish to the season.
4th and 29
37. 4th and 29
Week: Week 12
The 2012 San Diego Chargers could best be described as "disinterested." They took on the personality of their quarterback Phillip Rivers, who fluctuated between Incredible Hulk-level anger and Jay Cutler-level apathy. Looking at a 4th and 29 against the Baltimore Ravens, all the Chargers' defense needed to do was not give up a 29-plus yard play. And they didn't. They gave up about 28.5 yards. Unfortunately for them, the officials decided to punish the tackling ineptitude displayed by the entire defense by giving the Ravens an extra half yard and a first down. In a surprise to nobody, the Ravens soon kicked the game-tying field goal and then won the game in overtime.
Vince McMahon, Take Notice
36. Vince McMahon, Take Notice
Week: Week 12
Darren Sproles is a small guy, officially listed at 5'6" and 185 pounds. Aldon Smith, who was fifth in the NFL in sacks in 2011, is almost a foot taller and a hundred pounds heavier. You wouldn't expect Sproles to channel his inner Stone Cold Steve Austin when Smith grabs on, but that's exactly what the pesky little running back did in their Week 12 game in New Orleans. As Smith tried to wrestle Sproles to the ground, the Saint executed a flawless back body drop that had to have gotten the attention not just of the entire 49ers defense, but hopefully Vince McMahon as well.
Quick Cuts
35. Quick Cuts
Week: Week 12
The Seahawks' Leon Washington has made a name for himself in recent years as a tremendous kick returner, and in his three seasons in Seattle he has returned four kickoffs for touchdowns. This past year, he took one back against the Dolphins to put his team up with eight minutes to go in the game. Washington's slashing moves and blinding speed left Dolphin special teamers face down in the turf in what looked at the time to be a game-clinching score. Although the Seahawks ultimately choked the game away, Washington's eighth career kickoff TD tied the all-time record held by Josh Cribbs.
Digging for Gold
34. Digging for Gold
Week: Week 17
Referees grabbed a lot of headlines this year for their immeasurable value to the entire league. By Week 17, though, the luster had faded and the zebras were back to facing the typical derision afforded to all professional sports officials. Sometimes, though, there are brave officials who could not care less about the judgment of others. One such man decided that the field at the Mercedes Benz Super Dome was a perfect place to vigorously pick his nose, and we must salute him for it. Maintaining such steadfast commitment to clear nasal passageways while pooh-poohing what society tells us is unacceptable and gross is a truly noble cause, and one we should all celebrate.
Certified Ankle Breaker
33. Certified Ankle Breaker
Week: Week 5
Before he got hurt, the Vikings' Percy Harvin was enjoying a phenomenal season. The former wide receiver/running back hybrid at Florida showed off his incredible moves in Week 5 against Tennessee, where after collecting a Christian Ponder screen pass he made four different Titans defenders look completely helpless as he shifted and then bulldozed his way into the end zone. Unfortunately for Harvin, his ankle-breaking quickness did not impact just other teams; he severely sprained his own ankle in a Week 9 loss to the Seahawks and didn't play again.
Little Man Gets Laid Out
32. Little Man Gets Laid Out
Week: Week 6
New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker is pretty much fearless going across the middle, but maybe he should be. In the Patriots' eventual loss to Seattle, the star slot man was absolutely lit up by cornerback Brandon Browner. If you find that Browner looks particularly full of rage in making this hit, there might be a reason for it: he was suspended a few weeks later for violating the league's performance enhancing drugs policy. While he claimed it was Adderall, I think we all know roid rage when we see it.
Must Be the Shoes
31. Must Be the Shoes
Week: Week 1
The crossbar dunk celebration has become a staple of football. Tony Gonzalez pioneered the move in the modern game, and in Week 1 the 49ers' Vernon Davis thought he'd give it a try. At 6'3" and having a measured vertical leap of 42", completing the dunk should not have been a problem. Call it fatigue, bad luck or simply being out of shape, but the crossbar clearly had other plans for the tight end when he attempted to celebrate his touchdown grab against the Packers. The best part is watching him attempt to crawl away afterwards, looking around in hopes that nobody saw him. Sorry, Vernon, we saw everything.
Missed it by That Much
30. Missed it by That Much
Week: Week 8
Although they finished 8-8, there was a time when the Cowboys had their sights on a division title, and they had a huge opportunity to take the lead on the rival New York Giants heading into their Week 8 matchup. After the G-men took a late lead, Tony Romo led the Cowboys down the field and looked like he had thrown a game winning touchdown pass to Dez Bryant; however, on replay it was determined that Bryant's finger had touched out of bounds and therefore the pass was incomplete. The Cowboys had proven, yet again, that they are the class of the NFL when it comes to finding new and creative ways to lose games.
Corkscrew Dive
29. Corkscrew Dive
Week: Week 8
The improbable success of the Indianapolis Colts this year can primarily be attributed to the standout performances of their rookies. While Andrew Luck may grab a lot of the headlines, running back Vick Ballard has been a huge contributor as well. In addition to a solid runner (he collected 814 rush yards despite not being the starter until Week 7), he may also be an amateur contortionist. His corkscrew dive into the end zone against the Titan gave the Colts a thrilling overtime win, and helped launch Indianapolis' playoff run.
Delicate Fingers
28. Delicate Fingers
Week: Week 8
Steve Smith has been really good for a long time, and is moving up the list of the greatest receivers ever to play the game. In the Panthers' Week 8 matchup with the Bears, Smith showed exactly why he belongs in the conversation with this era's best as he made a theatrical grab, batting the ball to himself with his left hand then scooping it up with his right, all while being mauled by a Chicago defensive back. The diminutive Smith's incredible effort has netted him seven 1000-plus receiving yard seasons in the last 10 years, and his 11,452 career yards currently rank him 23rd in league history.
Serious Hops
27. Serious Hops
Week: Week 15
Even though he has battled injury problems throughout his career, the Broncos' Knowshon Moreno has the potential to be one of the league's best running backs due to his quickness and tremendous athleticism. If you don't believe me, just ask future Hall of Famer Ed Reed, who tried to flatten Moreno and ended up hitting nothing but air. That's because the Bronco back elevated with the grace of an Olympic gold medalist, clearing Reed with absolutely flawless technique. His background as an elite track star in high school certainly came in handy, although the Broncos would likely prefer that their oft-injured former first round pick keeps his feet primarily on the ground.
Gangam Style
26. Gangam Style
Week: Week 4
By now, Gangam Style (and its accompanying dance) is about as played out as its predecessors such as the Dougie and the Macarena. As a society, we're ready for Psy to go away. Early in the NFL season, however, performing the Gangam Style dance to celebrate a touchdown was all the rage. While many tried, Domata Peko of the Bengals proved to be the most adept, as the burly defensive lineman showed after scoring a touchdown in Week 4. He gets bonus points for enthusiasm, too; there's just something about those monster linemen scoring touchdowns that brings out their goofy side. After this one, it's safe to say that Gangam Style should be retired immediately.
No Thanks, Coach
25. No Thanks, Coach
Week: Week 4
In the pantheon of curmudgeonly quarterbacks, Jay Cutler ranks up there with Ryan Leaf and Jeff George among the all-time greats. His disdain for pretty much everyone and his biting sarcasm in interviews is legendary, and he put this dickish attitude on full display on Monday Night Football against Dallas. After Cutler had to burn a second timeout early in the first half, offensive coordinator Mike Tice tried to have a conversation with him. As you can see, Jay Cutler is above such things. While showing up one's coaches on national TV may be seen as disrespectful by some, for the Bears' petulant QB it's just another day at the office.
Bobbin' and Weavin' Pick-Six
24. Bobbin' and Weavin' Pick-Six
Week: Week 4
Lance Briggs is not your typical linebacker. Not only can he get after ball carriers and receivers downfield (100-plus tackles in eight of his ten pro seasons), but he also is a ball hawk with 15 career interceptions, including five returned for touchdowns. His pick-six against Dallas displayed everything Briggs can do, as he managed to make the pick, juke a couple defenders, then leave them all behind as he raced downfield. Also worth noting is his unconventional handling of the ball; he holds it out in front of him like something meant to ward off evil spirits.
23. Butt Interception
23. Butt Interception
Week: Week 17
Trying to be tactful with this one just isn't going to work. Quite simply, as he is rolling on the ground trying to make the catch, Wes Welker poops the ball out to a Miami Dolphins defensive back. The only thing that saved this play from becoming an all-time blooper is the fact that the ball actually hit the ground before it came fortuitously shooting out of Welker's backside, flushing away the Dolphins' chances of collecting an interception.
91 Yard TD Dash
22. 91 Yard TD Dash
Week: Week 3
With apologies to the Jacksonville Jaguars, there was no worse team in football this past season than the Kansas City Chiefs. I mean, these fans cheered when their quarterback got a concussion and even flew a banner over the stadium one week that read "We deserve better! Fire Pioli. Bench Cassel." The one bright spot of their season was the return of a healthy Jammal Charles, who showed that he still has the speed that made him an elite back before he tore his ACL last season. His 91 yard burst against the Saints ignited a furious comeback by the Chiefs, who ended up beating coach-less New Orleans in overtime.
Mr. Jones, Meet Big Vince
21. Mr. Jones, Meet Big Vince
Week: Week 4
Vince Wilfork is a big man, tipping the scales at about 325 pounds. Donald Jones weighs just over 200. Thus, when one big man meets another little man running full speed and not looking, the collision can be violent. Such was the case on a sunny day in Buffalo, where Wilfork absolutely demolished Jones as the Bills' receiver ran across the middle to grab a short pass. As Jones is getting hit, one's first thought should probably be "is he dead?" Don't worry, he isn't. However, the psychological damage a hit like this did cannot be so easily dismissed. Needless to say, he will probably think twice about going over the middle against the Patriots again.
Crazy-Long Scramble
20. Crazy-Long Scramble
Week: Week 15
In a strange role reversal, Ben Roethlisberger found himself struggling to get free from someone else's grip in the Steelers' Week 15 game in Dallas. As the Cowboys pass rush descended on him, Ben did what he does best: extricate himself from seemingly impossibly bad situations, using his guile to turn a surefire disaster into something positive. After evading Cowboys linemen for nearly 10 seconds, Roethlisberger suddenly found an open Heath Miller, who dashed into the end zone to pull the Steelers even in a game they'd eventually go on to lose in overtime.
Hailmary
19. Hailmary
Week: Week 4
Pinned back on their own one yard line with under a minute to go and trailing by a point, it looked like the Atlanta Falcons were on their way to their first loss of the season during their Week 4 matchup with the Carolina Panthers. However, Matt Ryan proved why he is considered one of the league's top quarterbacks when he threw a bomb off his back foot to Roddy White, who made an equally impressive catch amidst two Panther defensive backs. Four plays later, the Falcons would kick a game winning field goal in one the season's most impressive last-second victories.
F*** You Bitches
18. F*** You Bitches
Week: Week 4
Somewhere between the multi-million dollar mansions and Ugg ads, the Tom Brady mean streak has begun to dull in recent years. The veteran quarterback has little left to prove, and in his advancing age it's fair to wonder if some of his fire has quieted a bit. Against the Bills in Week 4, though, Brady showed that he still is as competitive as they come. After scoring a touchdown to tie the game, Brady emphatically cursed at anyone who would listen on the Patriots bench, signifying that he cared about neither the Bills' feelings nor the viewers at home's delicate sensibilities. Considering the Pats went on to score 52 points, I'd say Brady's point was well made.
Reggie Can Move
17. Reggie Can Move
Week: Week 2
The former Mr. Kardashian has finally blossomed in Miami, showing off the skills that made him the most highly-paid college athlete of all time (unofficially at least). Speed has always been Bush's game, and at the beginning of this season he started to show that he had some power to go with all that finesse. In a Week 2 clash against the Raiders, he displayed the incredible blend of balance, strength, and speed that makes him one of the most dynamic players in the NFL as he broke four tackles en route to a 23 yard touchdown scamper.
Megatron Doing Work
16. Megatron Doing Work
Week: Week 13
Calvin Johnson is an absolute freak. There is no other way to describe it. Standing at 6'5" and weighing in at 235 pounds, his mere size dwarfs anyone who tries to cover him. Mix in his 4.35 40-yard dash speed and 42.5 inch vertical leap, and you've got perhaps the single most uncoverable player in the history of football. He makes plays where he hauls in a long pass over a defender, with one arm, while keeping his feet in bounds look absolutely routine. It's no wonder that he was completely unaffected by the Madden curse this year. The man cannot be stopped.
One-Handed Sideline Grab
15. One-Handed Sideline Grab
Week: Week 14
While most years in Philadelphia end with their angry and emotional fanbase in a fit of rage, this year they got that part over and done with early. By the time the hugely disappointing Eagles took the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they were 3-9 and just hoping for the season to end. Jason Avant didn't get the memo on quitting early, though, as the veteran receiver elevated to make one of the best catches of the entire season, managing to keep himself inbounds while pulling the ball in with one hand.
Have Some, Old Man
14. Have Some, Old Man
Week: Week 15
Touchdowns are great, and the spike is amongst the most venerable of celebrations. It isn't overly showboaty and doesn't involve props or cheesy dances. What it does do is show that you have a soul and yes, you enjoyed scoring. Simple, but effective. Sometimes, though, these simple celebrations can go horribly wrong. Such was the case for the Rams' Danny Amendola, when his spike ended up hitting some poor usher right in the eye. The usher's glasses were destroyed, and possibly his hope for decent vision in the future too. Amendola ended up scoring again and tried to rectify the situation by giving the ball to the person he thought he had hit, but the unfortunate usher had already fled the scene.
Monster Grab
13. Monster Grab
Week: Week 15
The Buffalo Bills' annual game in Toronto was an unmitigated disaster this past season. The Bills were embarrassed 50-17 in what was allegedly a "home" game, with Seattle even running a fake punt while up 30 points in the fourth quarter. The one bright spot for the Bills was Stevie Johnson, the wide receiver who famously blamed God for making him drop a game-winning touchdown pass two years ago. His putdown of the Lord clearly did not adversely affect him in this contest, as he hauled in eight passes for 115 yards and a touchdown. No catch was more impressive than this one-handed grab, which he made while hovering pretty much parallel to the ground.
Griffining
12. Griffining
Week: Week 1
Robert Griffin III made the transition from college to the NFL look easy, putting together one of the best rookie seasons by a quarterback in history. He threw for 3200 yards and ran for 815 more, tossing 20 touchdown passes against just five interceptions. He impressed from the season's very first game, launching an 88 yard touchdown bomb to Pierre Garcon and creating a signature celebration in the process. "Griffining" quickly replaced "Tebowing," and while it doesn't get as much mainstream love as its predecessor, its standard bearer can at least throw a spiral.
Alpha Male
11. Alpha Male
Week: Week 1
It's good to be Jerry. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones scored a victory for fathers-in-law everywhere with his "clean my glasses" move he pulled on his son-in-law during the Cowboys' Week 1 win over the Giants. It's one thing to effectively castrate your son-in-law in private; it's entirely different to do it on national TV. Jones announced to the world that he is not to be trifled with, and even if his moves as GM are running the Cowboys into the ground, there is no question who is the boss of the Jones family.
The Hynocerous
10. The Hynocerous
Week: Week 17
Very few people outside of the tristate area know who Henry Hynoski is, what position he plays, or what team he plays for. However, the burly fullback known as the "Hynocerous" is beloved by Giants fans and was a bright spot in their otherwise wildly disappointing season. When he finally bagged his first career touchdown in Week 17, the crowd went wild as he went into a full blown rhino-esque fury. While it is hugely disappointing that he did not charge and attempt to spear an opposing player, this was still a tremendous celebration.
Record-Setting Catch
9. Record-Setting Catch
Week: Week 16
What a year it was for Calvin Johnson. Not only did he set the all-time single season receiving yards record (1848, surpassing Jerry Rice), but he also set records in consecutive 100-yard games (eight) and consecutive games with 10 or more receptions (four) and tied for the record for most 100-yard games in a season (11, shared with Michael Irvin). If he retired today, Megatron would probably still be a Hall of Famer, and he has proven worthy of every cent of the eight-year, $132 million extension he signed with the Lions in the offseason. While his record-setting grab wasn't the flashiest of his plays, it was a fitting stamp for a truly transcendent season.
Simply Outclassed
8. Simply Outclassed
Week: Week 15
This list could probably contain about 20 Adrian Peterson highlights. His nearly record-setting season was a sight to behold, as the Vikings running back absolutely steamrolled everybody despite being less than a year out from major knee surgery. This particular run against the Rams has it all: broken tackles, quick jukes and incredible breakaway speed. It's impossible to overstate Peterson's importance to his team; over the last 10 games of the regular season, he had more rushing yards (1598) than quarterback Christian Ponder had passing yards (1501).
Cheerleader Head Shave
7. Cheerleader Head Shave
Week: Week 12
One of the things the 2012 season will be most remembered for is "Chuckstrong," the movement to support Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano as he battled leukemia. The entire Colts organization rallied behind the coach, and in an incredible sign of solidarity two of the team's cheerleaders agreed to have their heads shaved on national television during their Week 12 game. Call me crazy, but the bald head isn't a bad look on them at all.
Getting De-Eared
6. Getting De-Eared
Week: Week 3
Quarterbacks get hit a lot. It comes with playing the position. You know what doesn't usually come with the territory, though? Losing a piece of your ear. However, that's exactly what happened to Matt Schaub on this vicious hit from the Denver Broncos' Joe Mays. He hit the Texans' QB with such violence that Schaub's helmet came flying off, taking with it a piece of his ear. Mays ended up getting a one game suspension and $50,000 fine for the hit, but in all it was probably worth it.
Golden-Gate
5. Golden-Gate
Week: Week 3
Thanks to countless other storylines that have emerged, for most people the replacement refs are more or less a distant memory. We have this play from Week 3 to thank for that, as the complete atrocity the scabs committed forced villainous commissioner Roger Goodell to finally bring back the real refs. The Seahawks stole a win and early momentum, and the Packers simply had to hope that this unjust loss wouldn't come back to haunt them. Now, with a possible NFC Playoff rematch at Lambeau Field looming, it appears the final chapter of this crazy story may have yet to be written.
The Safety Dance
4. The Safety Dance
Week: Week 10
The Denver Broncos' Von Miller has made quite a name for himself in his first two years in the league. He has emerged as not only a prolific pass rusher, but also a prolific dancer and general celebration enthusiast. While his sack dances have long been a part of his repertoire, in Week 10 he added a new element: the safety dance. After a swarm of Broncos defenders pancaked Cam Newton in his own end zone, Miller busted out his new moves with unbridled enthusiasm much to the delight of audiences everywhere. His gyrating hips could truly make anyone blush.
Gronk Soldier TD Dance
3. Gronk Soldier TD Dance
Week: Week 8
The New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski is not known for his raw intelligence off the field. What he is known for is his ability to haul in touchdown passes better than perhaps any tight end to ever play in the NFL. When the Patriots played in London in Week 8, Gronk wanted to make sure his signature spike was befitting of the game's location. His robotic, marching tribute to the Palace Guards (or "Nutcracker dudes," as Gronk calls them) provided fans with a glimpse inside this behemoth's simple yet beautiful mind.
The Butt Fumble
2. The Butt Fumble
Week: Week 12
The New York Jets were absolutely pathetic in 2012. Nothing went right at any point in the season, and even Fireman Ed was disgusted enough to quit on them. No more comedic were the Jets' follies than in their Thanksgiving night game against the Patriots, where inept Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez managed to wedge his face directly into his lineman's ass in the middle of the game. Not only did he make a fool of himself with this graphic and horrifying display, but he also fumbled the ball and allowed the Patriots to score yet another touchdown in what quickly turned into a New England rout.
A Glorious Return
1. A Glorious Return
Week: Week 17
The Chuck Pagano story was the most heartwarming storyline of the entire season. The Colts and their entire organization rallied around their leukemia-stricken coach, taking on the motto "Chuckstrong" and throughout the entire season showing their solidarity regardless of whether it was through shaving their heads or raising money. That Pagano returned cancer-free to the sidelines in Week 17 was triumph enough; that the Colts pulled of a dramatic win heading into the playoffs was a dream scenario. Pagano's postgame dance celebration, while profoundly goofy and distinctly white, was something all fans could enjoy.