Pictures have the power to capture moments in time, some remembered by many and others never seen. Steelers.com has launched ‘Picture Perfect,’ a series that will showcase historical photos of the Steelers throughout their history.
In this feature, they highlight Santonio Holmes’ game-winning catch in Super Bowl XLIII. The game took place in Tampa, Florida, with the Steelers trailing the Arizona Cardinals 23-20 with only 2:30 left on the clock. The ball was at their own 22-yard line when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger decided to make a move.
Roethlisberger connected with Holmes on several plays during the drive, including a crucial 40-yard gain to the Cardinals’ six-yard line. “I came up and told Ben that I want to be the guy,” Holmes said about his conversation with Roethlisberger before the final drive.
Despite an incomplete pass on first-and-goal, Roethlisberger maintained confidence in Holmes. “Heath (Miller) tapped me on the hip and said don’t worry, he is going to throw you the next pass,” recalled Holmes.
Roethlisberger described his thought process: “I was going to throw the ball in the flat…But all of a sudden, I saw (Santonio) go to the corner.” He delivered a perfectly placed ball that Holmes caught while keeping both feet in bounds for a touchdown. This play secured a 27-23 victory for the Steelers and earned Holmes Super Bowl MVP honors.
Holmes vividly remembers every detail of that moment: “I knew it was a touchdown, 100 percent.” Steelers President Art Rooney II remarked, “That last drive is something we will all remember.”
Holmes ended his career with notable statistics but holds particular pride in this memorable catch. Reflecting on his time with the team, he stated, “Opportunities are created in time that leave a legacy behind.”
