9781422284223

Watch the video instantly on your mobile device by scanning the QR code next to each video player!

The Hail Mary

Hail Mary is a term that once referred to any offensive play that had little chance of success. Named for the prayer, it traces back to Notre Dame in the 1920s. That reference changed during the 1975 National Football Conference (NFC) Divisional Playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings. The Cowboys trailed 14-10 with just 32 seconds remaining in the game. The Cowboy offense, led by QB Roger Staubach, had the ball at midfield. Staubach took a snap and then threw deep right. Cowboy wide receiver Drew Pearson caught the ball on the 5-yard line. He walked into the end zone for the game- winning touchdown. After the game, Staubach joked with reporters that he said a prayer as he threw the pass, adding, “It was just a Hail Mary pass. A very, very lucky play.” Now, the term Hail Mary is widespread and refers to desperation, last-second, long- distance pass plays.

9