Super Bowl XLIV featured many notable plays, but none was as audacious—or as iconic—as Sean Payton’s “Ambush.” While the Saints were behind the Colts at halftime, most coaches would have opted for caution. Not Payton. He instead took a risk with a surprise onside kick to start the second half, catching everyone—especially the Colts—completely by surprise. The risk paid off, shifting the momentum and leading New Orleans to its first Super Bowl victory. But here’s the real question—did the players anticipate this move, or were they just as surprised as everyone else? Well, we finally have the answer.
The ‘Ambush’ play was the brainchild of Payton, but three players made sure it was a success on the field: Thomas Morstead, Chris Reis, and Drew Brees. Now 15 years after that epic game, Drew Brees has finally revealed the story behind the play. “So we gave that play a name, it was called AMBUSH, yeah so almost like a special mission you know: Project Ambush, so it wasn’t a matter of if we were gonna call it, it was when. So I think that just developed a ton of confidence and a sense of urgency throughout the week.” Well, with the precision the Saints implemented the play, it did look like something they had practiced and mastered. And to be fair, they did need that!!
The Colts then were just too good. This was their second Super Bowl appearance in 4 years and led by Peyton Manning, they won 14 games in the regular season, blowing away oppositions with their quick start. Well, Payton and the Saints knew that, and hence they had come up with this plan. “We knew we were coming into this game as underdogs, we were playing against the Indianapolis Colts, who everybody thought were unstoppable. We felt like look we are gonna weather this storm a little bit, they’re a fast starting team, sure enough, they start off 10-0.”
BUFFALO, NY – NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints yells out instructions at Drew Brees #9 during NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on November 12, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
Sure enough, Payton chose to start the second half with the play, and the outcome is well-known. Morstead kicked the ball perfectly off a Colts player, allowing the Saints to recover the ball. They went from being down 10-0 to leading 13-10 at the start of the second half. The Saints gained momentum and scored 25 points while the Colts only managed 10 in the second half, eventually winning 31-17. That was a very exciting game and showed how courage and creative thinking can pay off.
But here’s the sad part: we won’t get to see a play like that again. The NFL changed its kickoff rules last season. Now, onside kicks can only be done in the fourth quarter when a team is behind, and they must announce the play before doing it. Well, if you wonder how Payton feels about this change, the former Steelers coach was asked if he would miss such plays, and he gave a great answer: “I think you should ask Indianapolis that.”
Today that bold play by Payton is etched in history, but had Morstead messed it up a bit, it would have been a very different story.
Thomas Morstead was indeed terrified before the play
Morstead knew the pressure was on. “I’m not scared, I’m terrified,” he later admitted, knowing how much was riding on this one play. Every time they practiced an onside kick, backup kicker John Carney would tell him, “T-Mo, hit it 10%.” But right before the play, as Morstead broke the huddle, Carney’s message changed: “T-Mo, 1%.” That was all he needed to hear.
Then came the kick. It bounced off Hank Baskett and into chaos. Bodies dove everywhere. When the dust settled, Chris Reis had the ball, and the Saints had the momentum. That was all Drew Brees needed. He took the field and marched the offense down for a touchdown, proving that Payton’s gutsy call was the spark that would change everything.
Sean Payton’s “Ambush” wasn’t just a risky play—it was a defining moment in Super Bowl history. It showed the power of preparation, trust, and sheer boldness in the face of overwhelming odds. The Saints executed it to perfection, turning the tide against a dominant Colts team and setting the stage for their first-ever Super Bowl victory.
While the NFL’s rule changes may mean we’ll never see a play like this again, its impact will never fade. It was a gamble that paid off, a moment of brilliance that will forever be remembered. And as Payton himself said—if you want to know how big it was, just ask Indianapolis.
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