The First Sudden Death

December 28, 1958 - Many believe that the "Greatest Game Ever" was played on this day. It was the National Football League Championship between the Baltimore Colts and the New York Giants. The venue was Yankee Stadium.

The game was televised nationwide on NBC, and the excitement it generated is credited with helping spread the popularity of professional football.

The Giants were led by Frank Gifford, while the Colts had Johnny Unitas. It was Unitas who brought his team back from behind with two minutes left in regulation. The tie forced the first-ever "sudden death" overtime.

In the end it was the Colts who prevailed. Final score: Colts 23, Giants 17.