On occasion, the Super Bowl provides moments like these—David Tyree’s helmet catch in Super Bowl XLII comes to mind. But usually it doesn’t. So today we thought we’d provide you with the dose of excitement you probably won’t be getting with you sit down to watch the Giants and Pats duke it out 10 days from now.

Thus, here are 20 awesome (and, in some cases, mesmerizing) tackle GIFs that will remind you why you like football to begin with. They might also make you glad that you yourself do not play football. Either way, we think you’ll enjoy them.

Cook was clearly unaware of the sex of the individual hidden beneath the costume of the Orange Bowl mascot, but when he was informed by reporters of the fact that Obie was a female during a post-game interview, you can see a look of remorse develop instantly on his face.  Apparently, Cook has no problem assaulting defenseless mascots, unless, of course, they are females.

Luckily for both Cook and Obie, no one was injured during the incident and the two of them were able to hug it out after the game.  You can check out their reconciliation in the video below.

Hat Tip – [Dr. Saturday]

With the Packers’ defense getting set to take the field, one brave fan in the stands was looking to get in on the action, so he made his way onto the field and proceeded to race across Lambeau’s frozen tundra.  While most of the fans in the stands appeared to be enjoying his antics, Packers linebacker Brad Jones didn’t feel like waiting for the cops to capture the field intruder, so he decided to lend them a helping hand, as he demonstrated how to properly wrap and tackle a ball carrier(or in this case, a drunk fan).

I understand the fact that networks broadcasting sporting events do not like to show field intruders because they believe it will only influence more individuals to take part in the act, but I’d argue that witnessing Brad Jones bear-hug this field intruder and throw him to the floor would likely deter most aspiring field intruders.

Not West Virginia safety Darwin Cook!

Following his game-changing 99-yard fumble return for a touchdown late in the second quarter of last night’s Orange Bowl, Cook decided to celebrate by tackling the Orange Bowl mascot, Obie.  And for those of you who were wondering what kind of effects a hard tackle has on an orange, the answer to that question is an upset stomach.

Check it out.

Witten took the opportunity to show his thanks during the first play of the fourth quarter yesterday afternoon, as he hauled in a Tony Romo pass and picked up the first down before running out of bounds and tackling one of the lovely Cowboy cheerleaders.

Yes, tackling a cheerleader may seem like a strange way to give thanks, but it sure beats stomping on someone’s stomach.

This instance was no different, as the 5-foot-9, 190-pound Hohaia flattened his 6-foot-4, 242-pound counterpart with a crushing tackle that sent the Australian commentators into a frenzy.

Here is an example of what a lower center of gravity can do for you.

Hat Tip – [Sports Grid]

Had this challenge taken place during a Serie A or Premier League match, there is no telling how long the fallen player would have remained on the pitch for, or how much icy spray bottles would have been used to numb their pain before they felt comfortable enough to continue playing.

As for this young girl, she didn’t feel the need to wallow in pain on the pitch or ask for the icy spray bottle.  Instead, she was more interested in getting back to her feet so that she could continue playing the game she loves.

You go girl!  Both you and your parents should be proud!

Hat Tip – [Dirty Tackle]

So I guess it wouldn’t be too surprising to discover that he has a Napolean complex that leads him to overcompensate for his small stature by being extra aggressive. The only thing is, as we see in this video, the guy also likes to live vicariously through his little boy. That’s a bit more problematic, wouldn’t you say?

What you’re looking at here is a home video shot by Robinson himself of his son’s peewee football practice. The boys are running an angle tackling drill, and it’s little Nate Jr.’s turn to go.

On his first try, he’s too slow and misses the tackle. But, being the son of a famous NBA player, he gets to cut in line and go again right away. This time he clobbers the other kid running the drill with him. Then, just for shits and giggles, they put Nate Jr. back at the front of the line one more time so he pound that other kid again.

The adults, who I presume are the coaches, just think all this is hysterical. But I bet it’s not so funny for the kid whose dad isn’t an NBA player.

Hat Tip – [Barstool Sports]

I have both seen and heard of a shoe-string tackle before, but never have I witnessed an underwear-elastic tackle before in my life, until now.

The player making the tackle can hang on all he wants, but it doesn’t appear as though an atomic wedgie is going to stop this Aussie rugby player from recording the try.

As far as dangerous soccer tackles go, this without a doubt is among the worst the sport has to offer.

It took place during a Belgian League game between Standard Liege and Racing Genk on Tuesday.  With the Belgian League title on the line, Racing Genk only needed a tie to hold off Standard Liege for the championship, and Genk defender Chris Mavinga was prepared to do whatever it took to secure that tie, including kicking an opponent in the face.

That opponent would turn out to be Standard Liege winger Mehdi Carcela, who immediately fell to the ground, where he lay motionless for several minutes  Trainers and medics were rushed to the scene, as they attended to Carcela before stretchering him off the pitch.  Reports indicate that he regained consciousness during halftime and was taken to a nearby hospital.

In addition to a concussion, Carcela also suffered fractures to his cheek, nose and right eye socket, and will require facial surgery to repair the damage.  As for Mavinga, he only received a yellow card for the vicious tackle, and his club would eventually go on to earn the 1-1 draw and capture the Belgian League title.

I am going to go out on a limb here and say that the officials probably got that call wrong.  Have a look and see for yourself.

Hat Tip – [Daily Picks and Flicks]