With the 2025 season approaching, Steelers.com is revisiting memorable games against their opponents. This edition focuses on a game against the Minnesota Vikings.
On October 25, 2009, at Heinz Field (now Acrisure Stadium), the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 27-17. The game showcased a strong defensive performance by the Steelers.
The Vikings arrived in Pittsburgh with an undefeated 6-0 record. As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, the Steelers led by a narrow margin of 13-10. It was then that significant plays unfolded.
Brett Favre drove the Vikings to within eight yards of scoring when he was sacked by Brett Keisel, causing a fumble. LaMarr Woodley recovered and returned it for a touchdown, extending the lead to 20-10.
“I saw the ball come out and I saw it laying on the ground,” said Woodley. “My thought process was fall on it, or else pick it up. I decided to pick it up. I was taking a chance.”
The excitement continued as Percy Harvin responded with an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 20-17.
When Favre once again moved his team close to scoring range at Pittsburgh’s 19-yard line, linebacker Keyaron Fox intercepted him and returned it for another touchdown, securing a lead of 27-17.
In their final attempt to score, James Harrison sacked Favre on what became the last play of the game.
Despite not having impressive offensive numbers, Coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged his team’s resilience: “We’re pretty fortunate to win that football game to say the least… When you put up a couple of splash plays defensively… you can overcome a lot of errors.”
