By Darin 🏈 The Moment the Rivalry Hit Its Peak
On January 19, 2014, CenturyLink Field was shaking. The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers—the NFL’s two fiercest rivals and arguably its two best teams—were locked in a brutal NFC Championship battle with a trip to Super Bowl XLVIII on the line. While the game was a defensive masterclass for 59 minutes, it is remembered for a single six-second sequence in the end zone and the fiery 30-second interview that followed. This was the night Richard Sherman cemented his status as a global superstar and the “Legion of Boom” became immortal.
Article from Jan 20, 2014 The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts)
“The Tip” and the Final Interception
The Seahawks trailed 17–10 in the fourth quarter before storming back behind a Russell Wilson touchdown pass to Jermaine Kearse and a crucial Steven Hauschka field goal. Leading 23–17 with 30 seconds left, Seattle’s defense faced one final stand.
49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick looked toward the end zone, attempting a fade pass to Michael Crabtree. In a display of elite athleticism, Richard Sherman leaped into the air, perfectly timing his jump to tip the ball away from Crabtree and into the waiting arms of teammate Malcolm Smith. The interception ended the game, sparked a frenzy in the “12th Man” crowd, and sent Seattle to the Super Bowl.
“Don’t You Ever Talk About Me!”
The drama didn’t end with the whistle. Seconds after the play, Sherman was interviewed on the field by Fox’s Erin Andrews. Still surging with adrenaline, Sherman delivered the most famous postgame rant in sports history:
“I’m the best corner in the game! When you try me with a sorry receiver like Crabtree, that’s the result you’re going to get! Don’t you ever talk about me!”
The interview went viral instantly, sparking weeks of national debate about sportsmanship and trash talk. Lost in the noise was the fact that Sherman had just backed up every word with one of the greatest defensive plays in postseason history.
Conclusion: A Dynasty Defined
The 23–17 victory propelled the Seahawks to a dominant Super Bowl win over Denver, but for many fans, the 2013 NFC Championship was the “real” title game. It was a clash of titans where the best cornerback in the league proved his point on the biggest stage. To this day, “The Tip” remains the defining image of Seattle’s championship era.
