‘Meme-Worthy’ Moments In Utah Sports History
Apr 3, 2020, 12:35 PM | Updated: 1:44 pm
Legendary Utah Utes running back Eddie Johnson high-fives a BYU cheerleader in 1988.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Throughout the history of sports in Utah, there have been a number of “meme-worthy” moments.
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines the word “meme” as “an amusing or interesting item (such as a captioned picture or video) or genre of items that is spread widely online especially through social media.”
We found some of the most “amusing or interesting” moments in Utah sports that would make excellent social media memes.
Which “meme-worthy” moment from an athlete or team in Utah is your favorite? Let us know by tagging @kslsports on Twitter.
Karl Malone vs. Dennis Rodman
Utah Jazz legend Karl Malone and Chicago Bulls big man Dennis Rodman tangled on and off the basketball court in 1998. The two first wrestled on the hardwood during the NBA Finals and later that summer in WWE.
Who remembers @TheDeliverer_32 vs. @dennisrodman at @WWE?
How would you caption this photo? #TakeNote https://t.co/3QNlMaOPFc pic.twitter.com/AeVJkWmxK1
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 3, 2020
Trevor Booker’s Trick Shot
With 0.2 left on the shot clock, former Utah Jazz forward Trevor Booker beat the buzzer in the most unusual way during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2015.
Michael Jordan’s Shot Clinches 1998 NBA Finals
Yes, we know it still hurts. Although it wasn’t a great moment in Utah sports history, Michael Jordan’s shot to win the 1998 NBA Finals for the Chicago Bulls against the Utah Jazz makes for a “meme-worthy” moment. Can you say push-off?
Cat Halts Play During Real Salt Lake Match
A cat, yes a cat, interrupted play in the 92nd minute of Real Salt Lake’s match against Tigres UANL in 2019. After the match, the RSL interim head coach Freddy Juarez decided to adopt the feline.
Riley Nelson High-Fives Referee
Former BYU quarterback Riley Nelson bounced up from the turf to high-five a referee after scoring a two-point conversion against TCU in 2011.
Caption this Cougar fans. @RileyNelson_#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL https://t.co/3QNlMaOPFc pic.twitter.com/UDuDaw3B4v
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 3, 2020
A personal “meme-worthy” favorite of our Zak Hicken’s was when the Baylor Bears’ mascot downed a bottle of Dr. Pepper during a game against BYU in 1984.
This is the best thing I've seen all day.
BYU vs Baylor 1984. pic.twitter.com/Aq3LLARY6r
— Zak Hicken (@zakhicken) June 29, 2017
Max Hall’s Postgame Comments vs. Utah in 2009
One of the most well-known most in the BYU/Utah rivalry came when Max Hall spoke into the microphone for his postgame remarks following the Cougars vs. Utes game in 2009.
Eddie Johnson High-Fives BYU Cheerleader
Utah great running back Eddie Johnson ran over to high-five a BYU cheerleader on the sideline after scoring a touchdown against the Cougars in 1988. He finished his final game as a Ute with 112 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Meme this moment and tag us. @kslsports #GoUtes #BYUFOOTBALL https://t.co/yX1ULjGtly pic.twitter.com/U4zElvlOeP
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 3, 2020
Aggies Water Bomb Rebels’ Bench
The Aggies pulled off an impressive prank during a 1990 game against UNLV. A water bomb on the bench soaked the Rebels and caused legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian to head to the locker room and changed his clothes.
Dixie State Secures SportsCenter’s Top Play
Instead of catching the game-sealing interception on a throw from Colorado Mesa’s quarterback himself, Dixie State’s Kaejin Smith-Bejgrowicz tapped the ball back to J.T. Anderson.
Anderson caught the ball and secured the Trailblazers’ victory and the top play on ESPN’s SportsCenter.
