Today (1964): Don Beebe is born; Leon Lett not born yet.

Posted by Matt Sebek, December 18, 2009

December 18, 1964

On this day 45 years ago, NFL receiver, Don Beebe, was born. Beebe played for the Buffalo Bills from 1989 to 1994 and is best known for one of the more memorable moments in Super Bowl history.

In the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXVII, Cowboys defensive tackle Leon Lett recovered a fumble and was preparing to return it for a touchdown. As Lett was celebrating around the 10 yard line, Beebe streaked across the field and knocked the ball out of Lett's hands just before the goal line.

Buffalo was awarded a touchback on the play. It's too bad they were down 52-17 at the time.

Don Beebe; one of the scrappiest players the sports media has ever seen? I think so.

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Sebek, December 18, 2009 12:12 PM

Agreed, Dave. Although, Beebe came first. Remember that when you're compiling your Scrappiness Power Rankings.

J, December 18, 2009 10:12 AM

I love the title "Leon Lett Blunder

Ernest, December 18, 2009 10:12 AM

Don Beebe also had the play where he pogoed off his head. He was with Buffalo, in a playoff game at Cleveland. He seemed to have one or two plays every year like that.

Dave, December 18, 2009 10:12 AM

Don Beebe is the football equivalent of David Eckstein: Pure scrappiness.