Top Five “Leaps” in Recent Years

While most people celebrated the New Year with champagne and resolutions, I rang it in with a red pen, circling February 29, as the greatest day to be experienced during a "leap year." Occurring quadrennially, "leap days" mark a time for us to stop any productive work-related activity at our respective places of employment and jump up and down repeatedly. I could have that wrong. Either way, with everyone saying "leap" this and "leap" that all day, it's made me stop and think (a dangerous thing) about "leaping." Thought number 1: Why do we call it leap day when we're really not "leaping" over any days? If anything, I propose we call it "extra day." "Happy extra day!" sounds far more reasonable and sensible than "happy leap day." Unless some of you actually do that "drop what you're doing and jump up and down" thing I mentioned earlier. If so, you can stop now- I made that up. Thought number 2: Since the day is called "leap day" (for some completely unknown reason), what are some of the best leaps I've seen in recent memory? To answer this question, I had many subsequent thoughts- which you can read on below to discover in full. *Note* Track enthusiasts, if you are hoping to find Mike Powell's world record setting long jump securely at the number one spot, you may stop reading anytime. *Secondary Note* Your level of enjoyment while reading this will likely be enhanced by listening to Van Halen's "Jump," for obvious reasons.

5
David Tyree
A harsh reality for Patriots fans is that most people favor this highlight not for the sheer ridiculousness and senselessness of the catch, but because New England lost the Superbowl. An odds-defying catch in a game of moderate significance; yes, the best part of this play is Tyree's ability to catch the ball against his helmet, but he left the ground, and I call that a leap.
4
Blake Griffin
Whenever I watch Blake Griffin, I marvel at our culture's fascination with nicknames, striving to find the perfect one while we shamelessly try names like "The Blake Show," "Blake Superior," and "Air Griffin," all the while failing to even consider the fact that William Felton Russell went by the nickname Bill. Regardless, this might not even crack Blake's list of top 15 dunks, but he IS jumping over a car. If you haven't seen this, I hope the cost of rent to live under that rock makes it worth it to live there.
3
Larry Nance Jr.
As a writer for a Laramie, Wyoming based website, would it be cliche of me to include a dunk that occurred FOR the University of Wyoming, during a game AT the University of Wyoming? Probably. Larry Nance Jr. is a young talent on the Cowboys basketball squad, and if the viewers of the Wyoming-SDSU matchup that night didn't realize this talent, the pain of their jaws striking the floor certainly made them aware. This dunk was graceful, powerful, and defied most things Isaac Newton would have you believe. What might be the scariest part of this dunk is the fact that he is only a Freshman.
2
Phil Mickelson
I will bet money that you did not expect to see a golfer make this list, furthermore, if I ever see a list of top 15 moments in PGA history and this is not on it, I will disregard it entirely. This was a moment furthered by the culmination of frustration, perseverance and Augusta National. Good luck not getting goosebumps watching this clip.
1
Jerome Simpson
If you haven't seen this "leap," you must really hate ESPN. And professional football. And America. A clean and beautiful front flip into the endzone by a guy who was probably only known before this play by all six fans of Coastal Carolina football, and among the many dozens of Bengals fans. Much like Tyree, Jerome Simpson may never do anything of significance in the NFL again, but his "leap" is one that will be played and replayed for years, yet may always remain awesome.

Filed Under: Holidays

Categories: Sports