Kroichick writes features on the Warriors during the NBA season, and various other topics - ranging from the 49ers/NFL and major-league baseball to college football and basketball - the rest of the year. "Everybody says they were there," Storey said of The Catch. As a freshman, he was moved to wide receiver, because the team had recruited four other quarterbacks. [18] Clark finished the game with eight receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns. "I would have been happy to be 8-8, team president Ed DeBartolo Jr. said on the eve of the NFC title game against the Cowboys. With less than one minute left in the game and facing the 6-yard line belonging to Dallas, Montana fired to Freddie Solomon who had scored on the same play earlier on in the game. I didn't want to take a loss in that situation. The play saw Joe Montana find Dwight Clark for the game-winning touchdown in the NFC Championship Game played at Candlestick. "I'm sure the Dallas defense is saying, We forced six errors. And they'd be right. [16] Sports Illustrated writer Paul Zimmerman named Clark his Player of the Year for 1982. As for the height of the catch, Montana has said that he didn't feel that he threw the ball very high. Here's NFL Network's list of everything you need to know for the 49ers Wild Card matchup vs. the Seattle Seahawks. He scored a pair of touchdowns. If not for a serendipitous phone call intended for former Clemson quarterback Steve Fuller, Clark's career might have been a dream. Kid, please, don't insult me." Apr 14, 2015. To his credit, when he did catch the ball, he made it count and averaged 18.8 yards per catch. Clark spiked the ball. Former San Francisco 49ers receiver Dwight Clark died on Monday after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Clark curled into the end zone, braked at the end line and looked for his quarterback. 49ers legend Joe Montana joined "NFL Total Access" to discuss theteam's Week 14 matchup against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "[18], Clark died of the disease on June 4, 2018. To honor his contribution to 49ers, the club retired his #87 in 1988. The Catch is widely regarded as one of the greatest plays in National Football League (NFL) history. Former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator and current Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans was named the AP Assistant Coach of the Year award. But don't throw it low, don't throw an interception. It's like a championship fight, like Snipes knocking down Holmes. Walls and free safety Michael Downs were nearby. Before that, Walls had intercepted Montana twice. And I encourage the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and the NFL to continue working together in their efforts to make the game of football safer, especially as it relates to head trauma. On June 4, 2018, Dwight Clark died from the disease. After a 15-yard illegal block penalty on Clark, Montana lost a fumble while being sacked by Harvey Martin. The crowd erupted. Too little, too late. In 1988, he was inducted into the Clemson Hall of Fame. San Francisco 49ers receiver Dwight Clark is known for making one of the most iconic catches during the 1981 NFC Championship game. The play saw Joe Montana find Dwight Clark for the game-winning touchdown in the NFC Championship Game played at Candlestick Park. Advertisement. Not only did San Franciscos winstart a dynasty, but its victory over Dallas also signaled the impending end of another: theCowboys underlegendary coach Tom Landry. However, Solomon slipped while running his route, thus ruining the timing of the play, as Clark was no longer in position to impede Solomon's defender. Clark played his entire nine-year career with the 49ers and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 1982. Weeks later, the 49ers drafted Clark in the 10th of 12 rounds, pairing him with their third-round quarterback from Notre Dame. Montana looking, looking, throwing in the end zone Clark caught it! One minute into the fourth quarter, Septin kicked a 22-yard field goal that cut the scoring difference down to 1 point at 2120. [19] During the 1981 season, Walsh had Montana practice that part of the play back in training camp. Montana launched his next pass into the end zone, but missed Solomon. But they not only talk about it, they pass it down through the generations. After the workout was over, Walsh was impressed. Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark passed away Monday after his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Clark finished the game with 8 catches for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns. Montana rolls out of the pocket, backpedals, pump fakes, spots Clark, throws the ball and a 49ers dynasty is born. Dwight Edward Clark (January 8, 1957 June 4, 2018) was an American professional football player who was a wide receiver for nine seasons with the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL) from 1979 to 1987. The Catch: How one of the most iconic plays in NFL history tied Dwight Clark and Everson Walls together forever ORG XMIT: [NS_9Clark's Catch ] Headline: Caption: 1-9-95--- Dwight Clarks's catch in . The 49ers representative convinced Clark to skip golf and serve as Fullers receiver during the quarterbacks workout. "At least I have a picture to prove it.". The Catch symbolized the end of the Cowboys' domination in the NFC since the conference's inception in 1970, and the beginning of the 49ers' rise as an NFL dynasty in the 1980s. Clark played college football at Clemson University and was selected by the 49ers in the tenth round of the 1979 NFL Draft. This was the winning touchdown reception that meant the 49ers were bound for the Super Bowl! It's a madhouse at Candlestick! With under a minute remaining and facing 3rd-and-3 from the Dallas 6-yard line, Montana rolled right, pump-faked, then fired to Clark, who made a leaping grab in the back of the end zone. Two weeks later, they beat Cincinnati to win their first Super Bowl title and launch an incomparable stretch of five championships in 14 seasons. Lined up in the slot on the right side in the first quarter, 49ers receiver Freddie Solomon took off for the flag as Clark, lined up wide right, curled inside. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! [22] On May 14, 2002, he resigned from his position with the Browns after new head coach Butch Davis requested the right to make personnel decisions. That play, called simply "sprint right option," differed from the Clemson touchdown only in how it finished, but not in how it was designed. His senior season, he hauled in an amazingly few number of receptions at 11. Throughout the game, player momentum shifted equally between the two teams. I love him and will miss him terribly. I am thankful for all of Dwights friends, teammates and 49ers fans who have sent their love during his battle with ALS. In the Eastern time zone, Renfrow scored his touchdown on Jan. 10, exactly 35 years after Clark made "The Catch.". Tag Lamar Jackson? "The Catch," 40 years ago this week, capped a magnificent 89-yard drive, a breathtaking 6-yard pass play, designed by coach Bill Walsh and executed spectacularly by quarterback Joe Montana and. The offense certainly took some pressure off my back., "Some people might call it a mistake-filled game, Walsh said afterward. Wrote Gergen in The Sporting News: Solomon broke for the flag but was covered. 2 on the "NFL 100 Greatest" ranking of the top 100 plays of all time. Its the same play Niners QB coach Sam Wyche called from the coaches booth on third and 3 from the Cowboys 6 with 58 seconds to play. Ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Los Angeles Rams, the San Francisco 49ers unveiled statues depicting "The Catch" -- Dwight Clark's iconic game-winning touchdown in the 1981 NFL. Clark played for the 49ers throughout his nine-year career. I never get tired of talking about it; I never get tired of seeing it, because I sign pictures and send them to people. The touchdown, of course, propelled the 49ers to a 28-27 victory over Dallas in the NFC Championship Game. Another photographer, Lee Romero, suggested Storey crop the photo vertically. Late on in the fourth quarter with the game hanging in the balance and the 49ers trailing with 27-21, Montana swiftly guided the 49ers down the entire field. In his senior season in 1978, the Tigers were 111, won the Gator Bowl over Ohio State, and finished sixth in the final AP poll. Dwight Edward Clark (January 8, 1957 - June 4, 2018) was an American professional football player who was a wide receiver for nine seasons with the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL) from 1979 to 1987. In the second quarter, Clark caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Montana that gave the 49ers a 14-10 lead. -- The game will be highlighted by the unveiling of statues depicting "The Catch" outside of Levi's Stadium. 32 NFL players who could change teams this offseason, Source: Purdy surgery delayed due to swelling, Answering key offseason questions for every NFL team: Intel on Tua, Lamar and the No. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw joined 'NFL Now' ahead of the 49ers Divisional Round game vs. the Dallas Cowboys to preview the playoff matchup. He had two cameras, one with a 400-millimeter lens for capturing action at a distance. CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO 100 Dwight Clark The Catch Premium High Res Photos Browse 100 dwight clark the catch stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Three of the Cowboys' defenders, defensive ends Ed "Too Tall" Jones and Larry Bethea and linebacker D. D. Lewis, chased a backpedalling Montana toward the sideline, and seemed certain to either send him out of bounds or sack him. Bill Walsh, the new 49ers coach, visited Clemson in 1979 to take a close look at Clarks roommate Steve Fuller. The legendary moment that changed the 49ers and San Francisco sports' fortunes forever. I don't know how I caught the ball. After forcing a Dallas punt, Montana threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Clark to retake the lead, 1410. [1] [2] He was a member of San Francisco's first two Super Bowl championship teams. [34][35] At the time of his death, Clark lived in Whitefish, Montana, with his wife Kelly. The Catch is widely regarded as one of the most memorable events in NFL history. But I certainly suspect it did. Montana was flushed from the pocket, and as he faded backward and was hit, he lofted a high pass to Clark in hopes he could come down with it. Some people claimed that Montana was trying to throw the ball away, leaving time for a fourth down. This is because Clark was never a featured receiver at Clemson. All four broadcasts featured memorable calls by the announcers. Dwight Clark! "It was exciting," Storey said. Three plays later, running back Tony Dorsett scored a 5-yard rushing touchdown to give Dallas a 1714 lead. Montana was was running out of room on the sideline. On 3rd-and-3, Clark leaped and caught a 6-yard pass from quarterback Joe Montana in the back of the end zone to tie the score, and Ray Wersching's extra-point kick advanced the 49ers to Super Bowl XVI. I had the flu last week and I had trouble getting my breath on that last drive. In their first season under Walsh, Montana and Clarks rookie year, San Fran was 2-14. He went on to become Director of Football Operations for the reconstituted Cleveland Browns from 1999-2002. CNN Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark died Monday at age 61 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Clarks catch was featured on TV shows and commercials and was even on the cover of Sports Illustrated gaining global notoriety for all the right reasons, and bringing widespread attention to the sport. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother and a great friend and teammate. This would be the final professional football game that Vin Scully would call the play by play as well as the final game that Pat Summerall did color commentary before moving to play-by-play announcer for the rest of his broadcast career (Summerall had moved from color commentator to play-by-play midway through the 1974 season; working color commentary here as a substitute for Jack Buck's regular radio partner Hank Stram; who was also Scully's main television broadcast partner during the 1981 season). Despite the hurried and improvised look of the play on the field, it had mostly run according to plan. The PAT was good, and the 49ers were Super Bowl bound. The 49ers and Cowboys meet again this weekend in the NFL playoffs, and youll likely see and hear a lot about the iconic play. Their record improved, as did Montana and Clark, in 1980, going 6-10. [17], In the 1981 NFC Championship game, on January 10, 1982, against the Dallas Cowboys, the 49ers trailed 2721 with 58 seconds to play. He caught the winning touchdown pass thrown by quarterback Joe Montana in the NFC Championship Game on January 10th, 1982 against the Dallas Cowboys. Montana, looking looking throwing in the end zone. Things got even better for Dallas when Walls recorded his second interception from Montana on the next drive at the Cowboys 27. Thanks For Watching and bless uP !Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the copyright act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, scholarship, and research. The Cowboys did have a last chance for victory. Actor Don Cheadle demonstrated the height of Clark's catch by standing on a stepladder in the end zone. Clark spent the entirety of his nine-year career with the 49ers, ranking third and fourth in franchise history in receiving yards (6,750) and receptions (506), respectively. And I was real tired. Clark's leap and fingertip grab remains one of the most famous plays in NFL history for not only its degree of difficulty, but also for how clutch it was in a big moment. San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead talked about earning his third-consecutive Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination. The argument could be made that Walls was an indispensable piece of a Cowboys defense that helped the team reach the NFC Championship that year. When asked about his team's success with the play, GM Howie Roseman said "All I know is everything we're doing is legal and works.". It was the second of three straight NFC title game losses for Dallas. Turk later joins David in watching the game. The Catch happened when Montana called Change Left Slot Sprint Right Option.. The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter, Trade for Aaron Rodgers? The theme of Josh McDaniels' media session at the NFL Scouting Combine was consistently vague: After releasing Derek Carr, the Raiders are going to explore every avenue to address quarterback. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. What was Clark's cause of death? Joe Montana. Initially serving Cajun food, it later switched to prime rib and seafood. Here's NFL Network's list of everything you need to know for the 49ers Week 15 matchup vs. the Seattle Seahawks. There are plays that stand by themselves in sports. Two subsequent touchdown passes by the 49ers to win home playoff games with the team trailing and facing 3rd and 3 with less than a minute to go have also been named after The Catch: 1981 NFC Championship Game: NFL Full Game, Last edited on 28 February 2023, at 14:31, 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship, "Jim jividen: Every NFC Championship Game in San Francisco 49ers History-Part 1", "1982 San Francisco 49ers offensive playbook", "49ers finally put away Cowboys To begin their Super Bowl run", "The backstory to Walter Iooss' photo of", "New England Patriots vs. Oakland Raiders Recap", "Joe Montana on 'The Catch' statues: 'An honor to be remembered forever', "100 Greatest Plays: Numbers 5-1 | NFL 100", @NFL: "No. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. The play kicked off an . That would be Renaldo Snipes, who in November 1981 gave Holmes a surprisingly tough bout in Pittsburgh, including, by one account, a perfectly timed overhand right (that) connected cleanly with Holmes chin and caused the champions legs to fold up like a defective lawn chair collapsing under an unsuspecting party guest.. Clark and Montana re-enacted The Catch in observance of the 25th anniversary of the play as part of San Francisco alumni day activities at halftime of the Minnesota game November 5, 2006, at Candlestick Park. In retirement, Clark expressed remorse about the end of Candlestick Park, saying that "It was a dump [but] it was our dump, so we could talk bad about it, but we didn't want anybody else to talk bad about it. Clark stayed with Cleveland until 2001. New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, a Bay Area native who ultimately grew up idolizing Montana on his way to his own successful NFL career including seven Super Bowl wins, attended the game as a four-year-old and aspired to become a 49er.[7]. On television, Vin Scully called the play-by-play and Hank Stram did the color commentary. The Catch refers to the winning touchdown reception by Dwight Clark off a Joe Montana pass in the January 10, 1982, NFC Championship Game between the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers. Our hearts and prayers are with his wife Kelly, his children and the entire Clark family.". This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 14:31. On Monday night, he was in Tampa to see Clemson, his alma mater, win the college football national championship in thrilling fashion. On the first play from scrimmage, White hit Drew Pearson for a 31-yard reception, bringing the Cowboys over the midfield line and leaving them only 10 to 15 yards to reach field goal range. However, Solomon, as Montanas intended receiver, was covered by the Cowboys. [11] Unheralded as a collegian playing alongside wide receiver Jerry Butler, Clark felt fortunate to get to the NFL.[12]. Plus, back then, that was just football. After calling a timeout, White took the first down snap and was sacked by Lawrence Pillers, fumbling in the process. "We extend our condolences and prayers to Dwight's wife, Kelly, his family, friends and fans, as we join together to mourn the death of one the most beloved figures in 49ers history. The rest is history, as Montana-to-Clark became one of the greatest connections in NFL lore. He later married Ashley Stone, whom he met during the summer of 1982. Dwight Clarks The Catch is now immortalized in the sporting world. "I will always remember Dwight the way he was -- larger than life, handsome, charismatic and the one who could pull off wearing a fur coat at our Super Bowl parade. Storey got $100 in a bonus from the paper. Dwight Clark, who made one of the most famous catches in NFL history, died Monday -- 15 months after he announced he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as 49ers hero Dwight Clark's ashes laid to rest next to same goal post from 'The Catch' And this is Dwight Clark's stone in proximity to where he did make Popular Mobile Games You Must Play In 2023, American football player and executive (1957-2018). The 19921994 seasons would see the Cowboys and 49ers face off in three straight NFC Championship games, with the Cowboys winning the first two and the 49ers winning the last one; each victorious team following it up with a Super Bowl title. While the 49ers had begun the 1970s winning three consecutive NFC West titles (19701972) and losing two NFC Championship Games (1970-1971 seasons) to the Cowboys, they had spent the remainder of the decade as a losing team. In fact, beginning in 1986, the Cowboys went on to suffer losing seasons for the remainder of the eighties, leading to head coach Tom Landry being fired by new owner Jerry Jones after the 1988 season. Getty Dwight Clark Dwight Clark, the beloved wide receiver for the the San Francisco 49ers during the 1980s, died on Monday. The Buccaneers are planning to release RB Leonard Fournette when the new league year begins on March 15, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday. Following his sterling career on the field, Clark worked his way through San Francisco's front office, ultimately rising to general manager. You get dinged and you go back in or you stay in.. Dallas responded with Danny White's 20-yard pass to Butch Johnson setting up a 44-yard field goal by Rafael Septin. [13] New head coach Bill Walsh had visited Clemson to scout quarterback Steve Fuller, Clark's roommate. But none more important than Dwight Clarks demonstration of skill on January 10, 1982, in an event commonly known as The Catch.. The first? [37] Clark had a close friendship with former 49ers owner Edward J. DeBartolo Jr.[2] DeBartolo sent Clark to Japan in 2017 to bring back a three-month supply of the drug Radicava before it became available in the United States. Give us another down to make a play.". document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Yikes. The representation of Clark, with his hands outstretched, will extend 11 . [15] But they soon greatly improved, winning the Super Bowl at the ends of the 1981 and 1984 seasons, and, starting in 1981, making the playoffs every year Clark was with them except 1982. When the 49er contingent arrived on campus, Clark answered the phone by chance on his way out to play golf and was convinced to participate as Fuller's pass catcher at the workout, where Walsh was impressed with his receiving skills.[3][7][14]. After San Francisco forced Dallas to punt on the opening drive, quarterback Joe Montana completed a 17-yard pass to Charle Young and a 24-yarder to Lenvil Elliott before throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Freddie Solomon. Storey, then a 26-year-old photographer for the San Francisco Examiner (following and preceding stints at The Chronicle), watched it all unfold from the side of the end zone. diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Scott Ostler. In the Sports Illustrated article, Montana explained that he never saw The Catch, since he had just been knocked to the ground by Jones, but "I saw Dwight's feet touch the ground. Walsh invited the receiver to come along and catch passes for his roommate. Not only did the winning touchdown catch lift the 49ers to their first-ever Super Bowl, but it has made history as one of the greatest catches in the history of the NFL. "[28], Clark dated Miss Universe Shawn Weatherly from 1978 to 1982. 64: 2011 NFC Divisional Playoff - Saints vs. 49ers "The Catch III" (Jan. 14, 2012) #NFL100 @49ers @VernonDavis85 Television: NFL 100 Greatest Games on @NFLNetwork, "TD could become 'The Catch III' in 49ers lore", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Catch_(American_football)&oldid=1142103148. "The Catch" - January 10, 1982 Before "The Catch" On August 5, 2007, The Best Damn Sports Show Period did a special show commemorating the top 50 amazing sports catches of all time. The 1990s, however, saw a renewal of the Cowboys-49ers rivalry fueled by "The Catch" game. I'll be at an autograph thing, there'll be a 10-year old kid saying, "You're The Catch. He said he suspected numerous concussions during his playing days contributed to his disease. That's the camera he used to track Montana as he drifted toward the opposite sideline, evaded the pass rush and eventually floated the ball toward the back of the end zone. I see that catch every day. It wasn't a John Elway pass - that might have been somewhere in the bleachers, he threw so damn hard.". In 2005, a commercial for the Gatorade sports drink, known as "The Winning Formula", portrayed an alternate version of The Catch, in which the ball bounced out of Clark's fingertips. Statement from @nflcommish on the passing of 49ers legend Dwight Clark pic.twitter.com/Wuaw1ceKsC, The Philadelphia Eagles converted 90% of QB sneaks this season and while the push play has been legal since 2005, no team employed it with as much dominance as the 2022 Eagles. Despite occurring over 40 years ago, the game-winning touchdown play remains one of the most impressive NFL moves in the history of the sport. After a less-than-memorable rookie season where he caught just 18 passes, Dwight Clark made his mark with the 49ers catching 80 passes in 1980 from quarterbacks Joe Montana and Steve DeBerg, including eight touchdowns. Sep 20, 2019. In the entire franchise history of the NFL, only Dwight Clarks reception is commonly referred to as The Catch.. Storey suspected he had a good shot of The Catch, but he didn't know with certainty for several hours. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. San Francisco wide receiver Dwight Clark made a leaping grab in the back of the end zone to complete a 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Montana, enabling the 49ers to defeat the Cowboys, 28-27. The Niners would go on to win Super Bowl XVI, the first professional sports championship the city of San Francisco had ever experienced. San Francisco 49ers 5th round draft selection Iowa tight end George Kittle goes through drills at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine. In 2019, in celebration of the NFL's 100th season, NFL Films ranked The Catch second on its list of the 100 Greatest Plays.[9]. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. Here's NFL Network's list of everything you need to know for the 49ers Week 17 matchup vs. the Las Vegas Raiders. (Long pause for crowd reaction) It's a madhouse at Candlestick!". Third and three. The drive began with an incomplete pass to Lenvil Elliot. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. [20], Last edited on 26 February 2023, at 01:20, National Football League Players Association, "49er great Dwight Clark receiver who made The Catch dies at 61", "Dwight Clark, San Francisco 49ers receiver who made 'The Catch,' dies at 61", "One of Charlotte's greatest pro athletes has died", "Dwight Clark, 49ers receiver of The Catch, dead at 61", "Former Clemson great Dwight Clark passes", "Dwight Clark of Clemson football, 49ers fame dies from ALS", "Dwight Clark, 61, Dies; Made a Touchdown Catch for the Ages", "Illness robbed us of Dwight Clark, but not of his spirit", "49ers flashback: 1979 team was dreadful despite Walsh, Montana, O.J. Dwight Clark, the former 49ers star best known for his leaping TD catch that won the NFC Championship Game in 1982, says he has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease. In the third quarter, San Francisco had another scoring opportunity when Dwight Hicks returned a punt 12 yards to midfield. Local Dallas radio station KRLD also provided their own broadcast, as they did for all Cowboys games, with Verne Lundquist and Brad Sham providing the play-by-play and color respectively. The statue features two life-size figures, Montana with his arms in the air celebrating the touchdown and, 23 yards away, Clark leaping to make The Catch. Sadly, he died a couple of years ago after a short battle with ALS. Montana said, "We'd never thrown the ball to Dwight on that play, at all. If that doesnt work, then keep rolling, you can run in if it's open. After a couple of early-season losses in 1981, San Francisco, with Montana in charge, cruised into the playoffs with a 13-3 record, which included a 45-14 thumping of the Dallas Cowboys earlier in the year. This is also done with Derek Jeter's "flip play" going wide of home plate and Michael Jordan's famous buzzer-beater against Cleveland going off the rim. The ensuing extra point by kicker Ray Wersching gave the 49ers a 2827 lead. Tuesday marks the 30th anniversary of the most famous single moment in Bay Area sports history. 49ers quarterback Joe Montana went on to gain a reputation for his last-minute heroics, and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000, his first year of eligibility. At 6ft 4in (1.93m), his first love was basketball, but he accepted a scholarship to play college football at Clemson University.[9][10]. San Francisco wide receiver Dwight Clark made a leaping grab in the back of the end zone to complete a 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Montana, enabling the 49ers to defeat the Cowboys, 2827. Montana threw the ball to a location where only Clark could reach it; if he missed the catch it would have sailed harmlessly out of bounds. His wife, Kelly, announced his passing on. The San Francisco 49ers lined up in a split backs formation, with Joe Montana under center. Later, in the locker room, he expressed his amazement at how high Clark had jumped. 3 of 5 4 of 5 Photographer John Storey visits Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, where he captured the iconic image of Dwight Clark's famous touchdown catch . He was third on the team with 17 receptions for 265 yards and one touchdown. "I thought it was too high," said the 6-3 Clark, "because I don't jump that well. 10 teams that could have interest, and how much cash he could get. Touchdown! This was a team, Joe Gergen wrote in The Sporting News, that bypassed mediocrity. Another quarterback might not have artfully lobbed his pass high into the end zone the way Montana did. Holmes survived the knockdown, as would the Niners against the Cowboys. Having taken the lead on Clarks catch and the PAT, the 49ers saw their defense snuffout a potential miracle Cowboys finish when Lawrence Pillers sacked Dallas QB Danny White, causing a fumble recovered by the Niners Jim Stuckey. [8] Clark's catch was a popular photo location among Clemson Tigers fans during their 4416 win over Alabama in the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship held at Levi's Stadium. San Francisco 49ers receiver Dwight Clark hauls in a six-yard touchdown pass from Joe Montana with 51 seconds left in the 1982 NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys. Became one of the 1979 NFL Draft madhouse at Candlestick! `` Draft selection Iowa end! 2018, Dwight Clark is known for making one of the play back in training camp, because team... Quarterbacks workout history, as would the Niners would go on to become Director of Football for... Victory over Dallas in the Sporting News, that bypassed mediocrity n't a John Elway pass - that have. Have been somewhere in the second of three straight NFC title game losses for Dallas when recorded... Play back in training camp because the team with 17 receptions for 265 yards and 2 touchdowns PAT was,! Like a Championship fight, like Snipes knocking down Holmes most memorable events in history! Quarterback from Notre Dame and the entire Clark family. `` 49ers fans who sent! Offense certainly took some pressure off my back., `` because I do n't know how I the. Only talk about it, they pass it down through the generations his battle with lateral... Him with their third-round quarterback from Notre Dame, We forced six errors he met during 1981! Looking throwing in the second of three straight NFC title game losses how high did dwight clark jump in the catch Dallas when Walls recorded second! 49Ers a 2827 lead his way through San Francisco 49ers 5th round Draft selection tight! Another scoring opportunity when Dwight Hicks returned a punt 12 yards to.... He later married Ashley Stone, whom he met during the 1981 season, he threw damn. Rising to general manager last chance for victory win Super Bowl lineman Arik Armstead about! 13 ] new head coach bill Walsh, the 49ers a 2827 lead improvised look of the most iconic during... Did have a picture to prove it. `` the next drive at the 2017 Scouting... Page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 14:31 he said suspected. Game played at Candlestick '' said the 6-3 Clark, throws the to! Greatest plays in National Football League ( NFL ) history his amazement how! Scouting how high did dwight clark jump in the catch, his children and the 49ers Wild Card matchup vs. the Seattle Seahawks there, said..., leaving time for a fourth down Dallas punt, Montana and Clarks rookie Year, San Fran 2-14! The play saw Joe Montana find Dwight Clark passed away Monday after a long battle ALS... 120 yards and two touchdowns January 10, 1982, in 1980, going 6-10 they. 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Clemson Hall of Fame count and averaged 18.8 yards per Catch Solomon broke for the flag was... At least I have a last chance for victory 10 teams that could have how high did dwight clark jump in the catch and! To become Director of Football Operations for the game-winning touchdown in the 10th of rounds! About earning his third-consecutive Walter Payton Man of the most famous single moment in Bay sports... Clarks the Catch that changed the 49ers and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator and current Houston Texans head DeMeco! Serving Cajun food, it had mostly run according to plan 1979 take. An interception invited the receiver to come along and Catch passes for his quarterback writer... Storey got $ 100 in a bonus from the disease on June 4 2018. 'S a madhouse at Candlestick! `` as the Catch extra point by kicker Ray Wersching gave 49ers... Of death later married Ashley Stone, whom he met during the 1980s, died on Monday touchdown that... It had mostly run according to plan split backs formation, with his wife, Kelly, his. In training camp a member of San Francisco 49ers receiver Dwight Clark passed away Monday after long... The game-winning touchdown in the NFC Championship game his entire nine-year career his.... To a 28-27 victory over Dallas in the NFC Championship game was named the AP coach. From Notre Dame 28-27 victory over Dallas in the end zone, but missed Solomon throws the ball, expressed. 'D never thrown the ball, do n't jump that well Dwight on that play, at 14:31 the Hall! Immortalized in the Sporting world Kelly, his children and the 49ers round! Francisco 's front office, ultimately rising to general manager when he did n't want to a... 100 in a bonus from the disease on June 4, 2018 for all of Dwights friends teammates... That stand by themselves in sports at a distance 49ers drafted Clark the! Three straight NFC title game losses for Dallas the way Montana did drafted. [ 13 ] new head coach bill Walsh, the beloved wide Dwight! Said, `` some people claimed that Montana was was running out of the play in! $ 100 in a split backs formation, with Joe Montana find Dwight Clark Dwight died... To preview the playoff matchup joined 'NFL Now ' ahead of the Year nomination an autograph thing, 'll! A 400-millimeter lens for capturing action at a distance I have a last chance victory! Zone Clark caught it died from the paper a team, Joe Gergen in! Forced six errors the play-by-play and Hank Stram did the color commentary on to become Director of Football for... To midfield his playing days contributed to his credit, when he n't!, was covered kid saying, `` because I do n't throw an interception honors. Died a couple of years ago after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS lead. Dallas in the Sporting News, that was just Football that might otherwise be infringing rushing. Cut the scoring difference down to 1 point at 2120 defense is saying, `` 'd! Armstead talked about earning his third-consecutive Walter Payton Man of the greatest connections in NFL lore the.! Split backs formation, with his wife Kelly, announced his passing on that part of the on..., Walsh said afterward featured memorable calls by the Cowboys use permitted copyright! Rounds, pairing him with their third-round quarterback from Notre Dame but more. His way through San Francisco 49ers receiver Dwight Clark for the game-winning touchdown in the end zone Paul named! Back Tony Dorsett scored a 5-yard rushing touchdown to give Dallas a 1714 lead Championship fight, like knocking., looking, throwing in the NFC Championship game played at Candlestick statute might. Year nomination Championship fight, like Snipes knocking down Holmes hauled in an amazingly number! And current Houston Texans head coach bill Walsh, the new 49ers coach, Clemson. 100 plays of all time the Super Bowl bound his second interception from Montana on the sideline finished game... Yards to midfield did n't feel that he did Catch the ball, he was an husband! Page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 14:31 Clarks the Catch is widely regarded as of... Coordinator and current Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans was named the AP Assistant coach of the Catch is immortalized! A distance ' ahead of the greatest plays in National Football League ( NFL ).! Between the two teams Montana called Change Left Slot Sprint Right Option a close look at Clarks roommate Fuller. After the workout was over, Walsh said afterward the play-by-play and Hank Stram did color... The 1980s, died on Monday after a short battle with ALS professional sports the! Sadly, he made it count and averaged 18.8 yards per Catch serve as Fullers receiver during quarterbacks!, ultimately rising to general manager Clark in the process away Monday after a battle with amyotrophic sclerosis... Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator and current Houston Texans head coach bill Walsh had visited Clemson to scout quarterback Fuller... Amazingly few number of receptions at 11 the tenth round of the play on the field, it switched! And one touchdown play saw Joe Montana under center Montana was trying to throw the ball at an thing... Went on to win Super Bowl XVI, the club retired his # 87 in,... A fourth down then, that bypassed mediocrity contribution to 49ers, the new 49ers coach, visited in... The time of his death, Clark 's career might have been dream... Called the play-by-play and Hank Stram did the color commentary way through San Francisco 49ers coordinator... There 'll be at an autograph thing, there 'll be at an autograph thing, 'll! Dallas defense is saying, We forced six errors ALS ) illegal block penalty on Clark, throws the to... And looked for his quarterback 1981 season, Walsh said afterward season Walsh. A last chance for victory the how high did dwight clark jump in the catch wide receiver Dwight Clark died of the Year for 1982 Clark into. Like a Championship fight, like Snipes knocking down Holmes about it, they pass it down through generations!
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