In the world of American football, few plays captivate the hearts of fans and players alike quite like the Hail Mary pass. An iconic and daring last-ditch effort, the Hail Mary has produced some of the most unforgettable moments in NFL history. Defined by its high-risk, high-reward nature, this pass has the potential to turn the tide of a game in an instant, leaving spectators in awe and disbelief. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and celebrate the top five Hail Marys in NFL history, each a testament to the never-say-die spirit of the game.
1. The Original Hail Mary – Roger Staubach, 1975:
Long before the term “Hail Mary” was associated with football, it was just another desperate play. In a 1975 NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings, Roger Staubach etched his name into the annals of football history. With only 24 seconds left on the clock and facing a 14-10 deficit, Staubach launched a 50-yard bomb towards the end zone. The pass landed perfectly in the hands of Drew Pearson, resulting in a 50-yard touchdown. This play coined the term “Hail Mary” and set the standard for dramatic, last-second heroics.
2. The Immaculate Reception – Terry Bradshaw, 1972:
The “Immaculate Reception” remains one of the most legendary plays in football history, although it technically wasn’t a Hail Mary pass. In a 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders, the Steelers were trailing 7-6 with only 22 seconds left on the clock. Terry Bradshaw’s desperation pass ricocheted off two players before Franco Harris miraculously caught it and ran it into the end zone for a touchdown. The play gave birth to the Steelers’ dynasty and is forever etched in the hearts of Steelers fans.
3. The Aaron Rodgers Special – Aaron Rodgers, 2015:
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a reputation for his remarkable arm and ability to extend plays. In a 2015 NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals, Rodgers displayed his unparalleled talent. With only seconds left on the clock and the Packers trailing 20-13, Rodgers avoided multiple tackles and heaved the ball 61 yards into the end zone. The pass seemed almost impossible, but Jeff Janis managed to come down with the catch, sending the game into overtime. Though the Packers ultimately lost the game, Rodgers’ Hail Mary heroics left fans in awe of his incredible skill.
4. The Minneapolis Miracle – Case Keenum, 2018:
In a 2018 NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints, the Vikings needed a miracle. With only 10 seconds left in regulation and facing a 24-23 deficit, quarterback Case Keenum unleashed a 61-yard prayer to Stefon Diggs. Saints safety Marcus Williams missed the tackle, allowing Diggs to catch the ball and sprint untouched into the end zone for a walk-off touchdown. This play became known as the “Minneapolis Miracle” and became an instant classic, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the Hail Mary.
5. Murray to Hopkins – Kyler Murray, 2020:
In recent memory, one of the most jaw-dropping Hail Marys occurred during a 2020 matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and the Buffalo Bills. Trailing 30-26 with only two seconds left in the game, Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray rolled to his left and launched a 43-yard Hail Mary into the end zone. Despite being surrounded by three defenders, DeAndre Hopkins emerged from the chaos to secure the game-winning catch, capping off an improbable comeback. This play showcased the undeniable chemistry between Murray and Hopkins and solidified its place among the greatest Hail Marys in NFL history.
The Hail Mary pass represents the epitome of excitement and unpredictability in the world of football. From Roger Staubach’s iconic original to the more recent heroics of Kyler Murray, these five plays showcase the sheer audacity, athleticism, and tenacity required to execute a successful Hail Mary. These moments of desperation-turned-triumph have forever etched their place in NFL history, reminding us why we love the game. As football fans, we eagerly await the next Hail Mary pass, eagerly anticipating the possibility of witnessing another unforgettable miracle unfold on the gridiron. Let me know what your favorite Hail Mary of all-time is.
JGoodWithSports 