The Hail Mary Pass

December 12, 2011
By: Julie McCallum,
Senior Staff

The Story of the Hail Mary Pass . . .

In football, a 'Hail Mary Pass' or 'Hail Mary Play' refers to a long forward pass, especially as a last-second attempt to score at the end of a game, where a completion has little chance of success.

The phrase ("Hail Mary") was made famous by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach.

Staubach, a Catholic, used the term to describe his game-winning, 50-yard touchdown pass in a December 28, 1975, National Football League playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Cowboys won the game 17-14.

Afterwards, Staubach described the play to a reporter, saying, "I closed my eyes and said a 'Hail Mary'."