As for Vasher's missed field goal return, the spectacular facet of the play lies in one split second — twisting around the defenders in his first cut across the field. This should also be a team award as the Bears' special teams picked up every single block required to keep Vasher free of tacklers.
Then there are the three catches — Prothro, Wright, and Rowand. I am deeply in love with all three plays. I love Rowand's catch because of the game situation and the disregard for his body (he went on the DL). I love Wright's catch for being turned around on the blooper that should have been a base hit. And I love Prothro's nab because it almost wasn't ruled complete, but thanks to instant replay he was given credit for the completion.
This award rocks because it can go to athletes who will never be on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Last year's award was won by Blake Hoffarber, who in a high school basketball title game shot a three-pointer flat on his back to send the game to overtime. His team eventually won, only for Hoffarber to never be heard from again.
Granted, another previous winner was Derek Jeter for his cutoff shovel throw to tag out Jeremy Giambi in the 2001 ALDS. So it's open to everyone, from multi-millionaires to minimum wagers.
Conclusion: I don't know how many wideouts could catch a ball around a tackling dummy's torso from five yards away. But Prothro accomplished the feat from 50 yards away, and the defender had a fully developed nervous system. Give the man the prize.
The ESPY Awards can be seen July 16 on ESPN at 9 p.m. EST.
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Article comments
1 - DJRadiohead
I was at the Alabama/Southern Miss game when Prothro made that incredible catch. Unfortunately, I was at the opposite end of the field from the play so highlights were what finally helped me to fully realize what an amazing catch that was. For me, it tops the Antonio Freeman catch on Monday Night Football as the greatest catch I have ever seen (I wasn't in person for that one though).
2 - Matthew T. Sussman
On some slow news week we will have to debate that. I'll take Freeman's catch because of all the bounces it took, PLUS it won the game on national TV and stupefied Al Michaels.
3 - DJRadiohead
It would have been less impressive were it a tall receiver going over a short DB's back- in this instance it was a short receiver going over a taller DB's head.
As for the role in the game, 'Bama was losing at this point late in the first half and this play proved to be the turning point. Alabama went on to win that game.
I detest the ESPYs but that Prothro catch was truly the greatest catch I have ever seen.
4 - Matthew T. Sussman
(Checks stats)
Prothro was 5-8. The defender (Jasper Faulk) was 5-10. A skosh taller. I'll give you that.
But let's be real. If Prothro dropped that pass, was Alabama really gonna lose to Southern Miss, a team -- no disrespect here -- displaced and discombobulated from Hurricane Katrina?
5 - DJRadiohead
My understanding, btw, is that if Prothro is actually 5'8, well, you get the idea. 5'8 is not very tall, anyway. The degree matters but the simple act of the shorter guy coming back to the ball and reaching over the taller guy is just amazing. It is the greatest catch I have ever seen.
If you look at the way that game was being played, Alabama was down 10 and had given up 14 unaswered points in what I believe was only their second game of the season. Would Alabama have won anyway? I hope so but having been at the game I cannot say so unequivocally (they have beaten ALA at home in the past).
6 - DJRadiohead
Just watched it again... that was a 4th & 12 catch at the end of the first half down 11. What a catch. What a play.
I still hate the ESPYs.
7 - Q Bit
It's Reggie all over -- umm do we really need a debate here?
8 - DJRadiohead
That wasn't the best run of Bush's season, let alone the best play of the year.
9 - Matthew T. Sussman
The 90-degree turn vs. Fresno?
10 - DJRadiohead
That's the one I remember best, Suss. Plus he had a run against ND that was pretty spectacular, too.