
Throughout the history of sports, there have been countless instances where individuals and teams have defied the odds, creating unforgettable memories that continue to inspire generations. Whether it’s a last-minute surge in a major game, an underdog triumphing against a powerhouse, or an athlete returning from injury to reclaim their former glory, comebacks are the heartbeats of sports legends. This article will highlight 15 iconic comebacks in the history of sports.
Tiger Woods

After years of personal struggles and physical ailments that saw him undergo multiple back surgeries, many doubted if Tiger Woods would ever return to his former glory. In 2019, he orchestrated one of the most dramatic comebacks in sports history at the Masters. Entering the final round at Augusta National, Woods trailed the leaders but played a masterful game of golf, capitalizing on mistakes by his competitors. His steady performance under immense pressure culminated in winning his fifth Green Jacket and fifteenth major title, 11 years after his last major victory.
Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan made a sensational return to the NBA after a brief career in baseball in March 1995 with the simple yet profound statement: I’m back. Initially, Jordan showed signs of rust, but he quickly regained his form. By the time the 1995-96 season began, Jordan was fully back to his dominant self, leading the Chicago Bulls to an NBA record 72-win season and capturing his fourth NBA championship.
Indiana Pacers

On May 7, 1995, during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Indiana Pacers faced an 8-point deficit against the New York Knicks with just 18.7 seconds remaining. Reggie Miller scored eight points in an astonishing turn of events in 8.9 seconds. He started with a three-pointer, followed by stealing the inbounds pass for another three-pointer. After the Knicks missed two key free throws, Miller was fouled, sinking both free throws to complete one of the most unbelievable comebacks in the history of the NBA. This miraculous sequence shocked the basketball world and remains a defining moment in playoff lore.
Tracy McGrady

Tracy McGrady pulled off one of the most incredible personal comebacks in NBA history in 2004. With his Houston Rockets falling behind the San Antonio Spurs by eight points with just 35 seconds left, McGrady unleashed an unforgettable scoring barrage. He nailed four three-pointers, including one where he was fouled and converted the free throw, totaling 13 points in 33 seconds. McGrady’s heroics turned an almost certain defeat into a stunning 81-80 victory.
Toronto Maple Leafs

The 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs achieved an unprecedented feat in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Detroit Red Wings. After falling behind by 3-0 in the best-of-seven series, the Maple Leafs faced seemingly insurmountable odds. However, they rallied back with three consecutive wins to tie the series. In the decisive Game 7, Toronto completed their historic comeback with a 3-1 victory. This remarkable turnaround marked a team’s first return from such a deficit to win the Stanley Cup.
Paul Lawrie – British Open

In 1999, the British Open at Carnoustie saw one of golf’s greatest comebacks. Paul Lawrie began the final round ten strokes behind the leader, Jean van de Velde. However, van de Velde’s infamous collapse on the 18th hole, where he triple-bogeyed, allowed Lawrie to force a playoff with Justin Leonard and van de Velde. Lawrie played impeccable golf in the four-hole playoff, securing his first major championship.
Tommy John

Pitcher Tommy John underwent revolutionary surgery to repair a damaged ulnar collateral ligament, an injury that was once considered career-ending. The procedure, now famously known as Tommy John surgery, involved replacing the torn ligament with a tendon from another part of the body. After a grueling 18-month rehabilitation, John made a remarkable comeback, returning to Major League Baseball and pitching successfully for another 14 seasons.
Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs ended a 108-year title drought by overcoming the Cleveland Indians in the World Series in 2016. They won the final three games, including a dramatic Game 7. Rain delayed the game briefly before the Cubs emerged victorious with an 8-7 win. This historic comeback ended the longest championship drought in American sports history.
New England Patriots

Super Bowl LI is etched in history as one of the greatest comebacks ever. The New England Patriots faced a 28-3 deficit against the Atlanta Falcons midway through the third quarter. Led by quarterback Tom Brady, the Patriots engineered a historic rally, scoring 25 unanswered points to start the first overtime in Super Bowl history. In overtime, the Patriots secured the victory with a touchdown, completing a 34-28 win. This stunning turnaround highlighted Brady’s leadership and underscored the Patriots’ never-say-die attitude.
Alex Smith

In November 2018, the Washington Redskins quarterback suffered a gruesome leg injury, leading to multiple surgeries and a life-threatening infection. Many believed his career was over, as the doctors suggested to have his leg amputated. However, after 17 surgeries and a grueling rehabilitation, Smith made an incredible comeback in October 2020. His return to the field, despite the severe trauma and risk, was a pivotal moment in sports history.
Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose’s career was marred by injuries, including multiple knee surgeries that left many doubting his ability to return to his former MVP form. On October 31, 2018, Rose delivered a performance for the ages, scoring 50 points for the Minnesota Timberwolves in a victory over the Utah Jazz. This emotional and inspiring performance was a powerful statement of his determination to overcome adversity. Rose’s comeback silenced his critics and touched the hearts of fans, celebrating his triumphant return to greatness.
Jack Nicklaus

At 46, Jack Nicklaus was considered past his prime when he entered the 1986 Masters. However, on the final day, Nicklaus produced a legendary performance, shooting a final-round 65, including a back-nine 30, to claim his sixth Green Jacket and 18th major title. His dramatic charge up the leaderboard, marked by precision and composure, stunned the golfing world.
German National Team

The 1954 World Cup Final saw West Germany face the heavily favored Hungarian team, which had beaten them 8-3 earlier in the tournament. Trailing 2-0 within the first eight minutes, the German team mounted an incredible comeback. They equalized by halftime and scored the winning goal in the 84th minute, securing a 3-2 victory. This marked Germany’s first World Cup title and symbolized the country’s post-war resurgence.
Tony Conigliaro

Tony Conigliaro’s story is one of bravery and determination. In August 1967, the Boston Red Sox outfielder was struck in the face by a pitch, suffering a severe eye injury. After a lengthy recovery, Conigliaro made a courageous comeback in 1969, hitting 20 home runs and winning the Comeback Player of the Year title despite becoming legally blind in one eye. His return to baseball after such a traumatic injury showcased his incredible resolve and spirit. Although the injury’s lingering effects eventually shortened his career, Conigliaro’s comeback was a major event.
Boston Red Sox

The 2004 American League Championship Series is one of the most storied comebacks in baseball history. Facing the New York Yankees, the Red Sox found themselves in a seemingly impossible situation, trailing 3-0 in the best-of-seven series. However, the Red Sox embarked on an incredible journey that defied the odds and propelled the team to the World Series, where they won their first championship in 86 years after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals.