In 2016, Kroichick and photographer Michael Macor earned "Best Sports Feature" from the California Newspaper Publishers Association, for their series on Antioch High running back Najee Harris, the nation's No. Your email address will not be published. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! Receiver Dwight Clark makes "The Catch" on a pass from Joe Montana that tied the game late in the fourth quarter against the Cowboys in the 1982 NFC championship game. [33] "I've been asked if playing football caused this," Clark wrote. Just before being chased out of bounds, and after a pump-fake caused the 6-foot 9-inch Ed Too Tall Jones to leave his feet, Montana threw a high pass to the back of the end zone that seemed to be heading out of bounds until Clark, closely covered by Cowboys defender Everson Walls, made a leaping catch with his fingertips in the back right corner of the end zone to tie the game with 51 seconds left. CNN Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark died Monday at age 61 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Former NFL running back Warrick Dunn shared the story of how 49ers legend Joe Perry became the first Black NFL MVP. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. In the following season, the Cowboys reached their third straight NFC Championship Game, where they were defeated 3117 by their archrival Washington Redskins. The representation of Clark, with his hands outstretched, will extend 11 . E-mail Ron Kroichick at rkroichick@sfchronicle.com. Nine and a half yards deep in the end zone! If that doesnt work, then keep rolling, you can run in if it's open. When Montana took the snap, the play, officially named in the 49ers playbook "Change Left Slot Sprint Right Option",[3] was intended to set up quick pass to Solomon; earlier in the game, Solomon had scored a touchdown on the same play. Vin Scullys call, his last on footballfor CBS: "Of course for the upstart 49ers they are 6 yards from (the Super Bowl in) Pontiac (Mich.) Third and three. [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. At 6ft 4in (1.93m), his first love was basketball, but he accepted a scholarship to play college football at Clemson University.[9][10]. The game was broadcast nationally in the United States by CBS. Guys would take my job. ", Holmes, of course, was heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. The Catch and Ray Werschings ensuing PAT gave the 49ers a 28-27 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. This is championship football. 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. He scored a pair of touchdowns. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Storey recalled jostling for position as the 49ers moved toward their go-ahead touchdown. 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 The "Good Morning Football" crew revealed New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith for Comeback Player of the Year finalists. The NFL has many notable moments. Although it didn't play out exactly how "The Catch" did, it was just another sweet victory in early January for Clark. How does a lady pick up a car when it's on top of her baby? He left in 1998 to become the general manager of the expansion era Cleveland Browns. The Cowboys fared no better as White was sacked twice on their next drive, once by Jim Stuckey and once by Lawrence Pillers, and the half ended soon after. Clark then retired after the 1987 season finished, and in 1988, the 49ers eventually retired his jersey. And now we come to a catch that truly changed the game of football forever. Dallas responded with an 80-yard drive, including a controversial pass interference penalty on 49ers defensive back Ronnie Lott which nullified his interception and gave the Cowboys a 35-yard gain to the San Francisco 12-yard line. [4] Montana was supposed to roll to his right and find Solomon, who would run a short "square out" pattern that he would catch just past the first down marker, and either step out of bounds, giving the 49ers a fresh set of downs, or would turn upfield and score himself. Elliot then set up a third-and-four with a six-yard run. 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. Bob Hille is a senior content consultant for The Sporting News. He said he suspected numerous concussions during his playing days contributed to his disease. [5] He served as the general manager of the 49ers from 1995 to 1998 and in the same capacity with the Cleveland Browns from 1999 to 2001. 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. In the Eastern time zone, Renfrow scored his touchdown on Jan. 10, exactly 35 years after Clark made "The Catch." Dwight Clark's catch beat the Cowboys and remains one of the iconic moments in NFL . Before that, Walls had intercepted Montana twice. Montana completed two quick passes to Clark and Solomon respectively and the 49ers called a timeout with the ball on the Dallas 12. Then Walls recovered a fumble from running back Walt Easley at midfield to set up White's 21-yard touchdown pass to tight end Doug Cosbie, giving Dallas a 2721 advantage. San Francisco 49ers 5th round draft selection Iowa tight end George Kittle goes through drills at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine. "I thought of throwing it away, Montana said. He was a member of two Super Bowl-winning teams (XVI and XIX). [11] Unheralded as a collegian playing alongside wide receiver Jerry Butler, Clark felt fortunate to get to the NFL.[12]. Jan. 8, 2022 Updated: Jan. 8, 2022 6:04 p.m. 5. 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. It was supposed to be a pass to Freddie Solomon, who scored on the play earlier in the game. He scored a pair of touchdowns. One is "The Catch," which happened 40 years ago on Jan. 10, 1982. "I don't know for sure. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. The concept for the photo. 1/10/1981 - This day in 1981 During the NFC Championship Game between The San Francisco 49ers and The Dallas Cowboys , with 58 seconds left in the game Dwight Clark makes the famous touchdown catch thrown from Joe Montana to give the Niners a 28-27 win and helping them advance to the superbowl . Although Pete Carroll seems to want QB Geno Smith back in 2023, the Seahawks HC said Tuesday that picking at the No. Popular Mobile Games You Must Play In 2023, American football player and executive (1957-2018). The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. He was responsible for one of the most iconic plays in NFL history that began our run of Super Bowl championships, but to me, he will always be an extension of my family. 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. As a junior, he was named a starter at wide receiver and was part of the team that qualified Clemson to the Gator Bowl, its first bowl game in 18 years. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Montana and the 49ers would defeat the Bengals, 26-21, in Super Bowl XVI. "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 Catch is listed as #17. The 1990s, however, saw a renewal of the Cowboys-49ers rivalry fueled by "The Catch" game. The game was broadcast on CBS and the call was made by the great Vin Scully. The sideline was crowded with people, as usual, but he found a desirable spot along one side of the north end zone - across the field from where Montana scrambled. AP Photo/Dallas Morning News, Phil Huber). Returning from the stoppage, Solomon gained 14 yards on a wide receiver reverse play to bring the ball over midfield into Cowboys territory at the 35-yard line. Jim Stuckey recovered for the 49ers and the rest is history. "At least I have a picture to prove it.". All four broadcasts featured memorable calls by the announcers. Dwight Clark was never destined to be a star in the NFL, let alone make one of the greatest catches in NFL history. He caught 80 passes including eight touchdowns in 1980 from quarterbacks Steve DeBerg and Joe Montana. 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 . Another photographer, Lee Romero, suggested Storey crop the photo vertically. With Brock Purdy and Jalen Hurts facing off in the NFC Championship this weekend, relive their 2019 high-scoring Big 12 clash as Iowa State took on Oklahoma. But how did it occur? Whenever he caught the ball, he made it count and managed to average an impressive 18.8 yards per catch. San Francisco quarterback Joe Montana threw a touchdown pass . Later, in the locker room, he expressed his amazement at how high Clark had jumped. Programming note: Watch "Joe Montana: Cool Under Pressure," a documentary chronicling the life of the legendary 49ers QB, exclusively on Peacock TV. Following his sterling career on the field, Clark worked his way through San Francisco's front office, ultimately rising to general manager. The Catch is widely regarded as one of the greatest plays in National Football League (NFL) history. [27] He also appeared in the video game All-Pro Football 2K8. Since Clark was lined up near Solomon, he was supposed to position himself to get in the way of Solomon's defender (known as a "pick" or "rub" play), and then release and head for the end zone on his own pattern, providing Montana with a second option. Those two calls added up to 10 points, Lott noted in The Sporting News. 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. He showed tremendous courage and dignity in his battle with ALS and we hope there will soon be a cure for this horrendous disease. I heard the crowd scream." Things got even better for Dallas when Walls recorded his second interception from Montana on the next drive at the Cowboys 27. Thirty years later, John Storey remains grateful it was Joe Montana scrambling to his right on that memorable January 1982 day. Montana, looking looking throwing in the end zone. The skills Clark displayed throughout the workout were something that the 49ers had never seen on tape before. I'll be at an autograph thing, there'll be a 10-year old kid saying, "You're The Catch. The third option would be to roll to the right and throw it high enough where it goes out of bounds or Dwight can jump up and catch it. Bill Walsh, the new 49ers coach, visited Clemson in 1979 to take a close look at Clarks roommate Steve Fuller. "I thought it was too high," said the 6-3 Clark, "because I don't jump that well. Throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s, the play was immortalized in advertisements for Kodak film: a television commercial using a snippet of Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were" as its jingle and featuring The Catch as shown by NFL Films, and a magazine ad featuring a photo still of The Catch, accompanied by the caption, "The 49ers grab a TD and a title.". Clark had plans to play a round of golf and was headed out to play when he answered the phone. But don't throw it low, don't throw an interception. The Catch was the reason for a resurgence in visitors to the city after a tough couple of years caused by lots of negative press coverage. Walls and free safety Michael Downs were nearby. It was just a great life. He joined Comcast SportsNet Bay Area in 2011 as an analyst for 49ers Postgame Live. Clark's career and 'The Catch' The Philadelphia Eagles have promoted quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson to offensive coordinator and hired Sean Desai as defensive coordinator. diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). After calling a timeout, White took the first down snap and was sacked by Lawrence Pillers, fumbling in the process. 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. Meanwhile, the Cowboys, one of the most successful NFC teams in the 1970s with five Super Bowl appearances and two wins, never made it back to the Super Bowl in the 1980s. An offside penalty against the Cowboys on the next play gave Montana a fresh set of downs to work with, and Montana completed a 5-yard pass to Earl Cooper just before the 2-minute warning. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. The 350-pound statues of Dwight Clark and Joe Montana will be placed exactly 23 yards apart, just as the two 49ers were during the famous play. 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. His wife, Kelly, announced his passing on. Clark disputes that assertion, claiming that it was a backup plan that they practiced many times. According to Clark, Jones reacted to the play by stating "You just beat America's Team" to Montana after the pass was caught, to which Montana replied, "Well, you can sit at home with the rest of America and watch the Super Bowl."[6]. Following this workout, Walsh selected Clark for the 49ers first pick of the tenth round (249th overall pick) in the NFL draft of 1979. Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin has several contracts and extensions to weigh as Cincinnati looks to stay a Super Bowl favorite in 2023, and he's been unwilling to give a concrete answer on running back Joe Mixon's future. 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. Ryan Tannehill's injuries, Tennessee's struggles and the existence of 2022 third-round pick Malik Willis have prompted many to wonder whether the veteran quarterback's time with the Titans is nearing an end. One is The Catch, which happened 40 years ago on Jan. 10, 1982. His senior season, he hauled in an amazingly few number of receptions at 11. Initially serving Cajun food, it later switched to prime rib and seafood. "[28], Clark dated Miss Universe Shawn Weatherly from 1978 to 1982. With 58 seconds left in the game, the 49ers faced 3rd down and 3 yards to gain on the Cowboys' 6-yard line. Though the ball looked like it was heading out of bounds, Clark made a successful leaping grab and tied the game. 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]. The play saw Joe Montana find Dwight Clark for the game-winning touchdown in the NFC Championship Game played at Candlestick Park. 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. 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. 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