Snowplow Game

Snowplow Game. The Snowplow Game was a National Football League contest played during the 1982 NFL season between the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. Notable for a controversial act of stadium maintenance that directly influenced the game's only score, the event remains a memorable and debated moment in NFL history, highlighting the intersection of inclement weather, ingenuity, and league rules.

Background

The 1982 NFL season was shortened by a 57-day players' strike, reducing the schedule to nine games. The game was played at Sullivan Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, home of the New England Patriots, coached by Ron Erhardt. Their opponents, the Miami Dolphins, were led by legendary coach Don Shula and featured quarterback David Woodley and the famed "Killer B's" defense. Weather conditions were severe, with a mix of snow, sleet, and rain leaving the AstroTurf playing surface slick and covered in slush. This created treacherous footing for players and made traditional kicking nearly impossible, setting the stage for an unusual intervention.

The game

Throughout the contest, both offenses struggled immensely in the poor conditions. The Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots exchanged punts and turnovers, with neither team able to mount a sustained drive. Patriots kicker John Smith had already missed a crucial field goal attempt earlier in the game due to the poor footing. In the fourth quarter, with the score 0–0, Patriots coach Ron Erhardt sent Smith out to attempt a 33-yard field goal. Before the snap, Patriots groundskeeper Mark Henderson, who was on work release from the Norfolk County prison, drove a John Deere tractor with a sweeper attachment onto the field at the request of New England Patriots owner Billy Sullivan. Henderson cleared a spot for the holder, Matt Cavanaugh, giving Smith a clean patch of AstroTurf from which to kick. Smith successfully converted the kick, providing the only points of the game. Don Shula and the Miami Dolphins protested vehemently to the officiating crew, led by referee Bob Frederic, but the act was not prohibited by existing NFL rules.

Aftermath and legacy

The victory improved the New England Patriots' record to 3–7, while the Miami Dolphins fell to 5–4–1. The game's lasting legacy is its direct impact on NFL rulemaking. The following offseason, the league passed a rule specifically prohibiting the use of any artificial, non-mechanical device to aid a team during a game, often called the "Snowplow Rule." The event is frequently cited in discussions about football in extreme weather and the quirky history of the AFC East rivalry. Mark Henderson became a folk hero in New England, and the John Deere tractor was later displayed at the Patriots Hall of Fame. The game is remembered as a signature moment from the 1982 NFL season and a testament to the unpredictable nature of American football.

In popular culture

The Snowplow Game has been referenced in various media, cementing its place in American football lore. It was featured in NFL Films productions, including their famous highlights series. The incident is often recounted during broadcasts of games played in heavy snow, such as contests at Lambeau Field or Soldier Field. Comedian and television host David Letterman, a fan of the Indianapolis Colts, once joked about the event. The game is also a staple in historical retrospectives on the New England Patriots franchise, often mentioned alongside other famous weather-affected games like the "Tuck Rule Game" against the Oakland Raiders.

Category:1982 National Football League season Category:New England Patriots Category:Miami Dolphins Category:American football controversies Category:Sports in Massachusetts