Storey suspected he had a good shot of The Catch, but he didn't know with certainty for several hours. Montana rolls out of the pocket, backpedals, pump fakes, spots Clark, throws the ball and a 49ers dynasty is born. How does a lady pick up a car when it's on top of her baby? 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. 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. 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.. How's this for an autograph gem: San Francisco 49ers legend Dwight Clark drawing up the play that was called on the famous "The Catch" in the 1981 playoffs. That allowed the newspaper to fill its front page with the image of Clark reaching for the heavens to catch Montana's pass. Clark then retired after the 1987 season finished, and in 1988, the 49ers eventually retired his jersey. [19] During the 1981 season, Walsh had Montana practice that part of the play back in training camp. Jan. 8, 2022 Updated: Jan. 8, 2022 6:04 p.m. 5. 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. [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. Two weeks later, they beat Cincinnati to win their first Super Bowl title and launch an incomparable stretch of five championships in 14 seasons. All four broadcasts featured memorable calls by the announcers. The Cowboys did have a last chance for victory. 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. With 58 seconds left in the game, the 49ers faced 3rd down and 3 yards to gain on the Cowboys' 6-yard line. The 49ers defeated the New York Giants in the divisional round and then went on to verse the Cowboys in a tense rematch with lots more on the line a link directly to the Superbowl XVI. In fact, before his infamous part in The Catch, the Cowboys cornerback had recovered a fumble by the 49ers Walt Easley. The 49ers had another chance to score before halftime when they recovered a fumbled punt on the Dallas 42. Future Hall of Fame DB Ronnie Lott was flagged twice for crucial pass interference calls that extended Cowboys drives. Dallas responded with Danny White's 20-yard pass to Butch Johnson setting up a 44-yard field goal by Rafael Septin. Another photographer, Lee Romero, suggested Storey crop the photo vertically. This is a carousel. [3][4] That play, one of the most famous in the history of the NFL, has been immortalized as "The Catch". I see that catch every day. 49ers legend Joe Montana joined "NFL Total Access" to discuss theteam's Week 14 matchup against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. [7][8] Clark talked about how he was nervous playing quarterback in high school. In a game where the lead shifted back and forth repeatedly, the 49ers took over the ball at their own 11-yard line . Initially serving Cajun food, it later switched to prime rib and seafood. This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 14:31. The representation of Clark, with his hands outstretched, will extend 11 . Touchdown! -- The game will be highlighted by the unveiling of statues depicting "The Catch" outside of Levi's Stadium. CNN Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark died Monday at age 61 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. The legendary moment that changed the 49ers and San Francisco sports' fortunes forever. Walls and free safety Michael Downs were nearby. 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 . Learn how your comment data is processed. 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! Montana said, "We'd never thrown the ball to Dwight on that play, at all. 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. 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. In the Niners' version, Montana's first read was supposed to be receiver Freddie Solomon, who was supposed to shake loose via pick, just as Renfrow did. He was Executive Vice President and Director of Football Operations from 1999 to 2001. He was unhappy and considered transferring to play basketball at Appalachian State University, until he was finally allowed to play offense. "At least I have a picture to prove it.". Give us another down to make a play.". Here's NFL Network's list of everything you need to know for the 49ers Wild Card matchup vs. the Seattle Seahawks. Late in the fourth quarter with the game in the balance and the 49ers trailing 27-21, Montana guided San Francisco down the field. This included a 45-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys earlier on in the year. 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. Now, Gergen wrote of the play, Montana was throwing the most significant pass in 49er annals toward Clark. [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. [23] In the 2018 NFL Films' "Dwight Clark: A Football Life", he was quoted as saying that it was probably a mistake to have accepted the position. Dwight Clarks The Catch is now immortalized in the sporting world. It's an extraordinary, enduring image - and, as Storey pointed out, it conveys Montana's touch as much as Clark's leaping ability. In 2018, he was inducted into the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame. The Catch is widely regarded as one of the greatest plays in National Football League (NFL) history. 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. 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. Im heartbroken to tell you that today I lost my best friend and husband. Clark played for the 49ers throughout his nine-year career. 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark delivers a go-ahead touchdown in the 1981 NFL Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys, ranks No. It's a madhouse at Candlestick! He went on to become Director of Football Operations for the reconstituted Cleveland Browns from 1999-2002. I am honored to be able to be a part of a play that was kind of the culmination of just this incredible surprise season. I never get tired of talking about it; I never get tired of seeing it, because I sign pictures and send them to people. Clark spiked the ball. In the second quarter, San Francisco reached the Cowboys' 27-yard line, only to lose the ball when Everson Walls intercepted a pass from Montana in the end zone. Barnwell forecasts offseason moves for all 32 NFL teams, Supplemental Privacy Policy for Singapore, Covered Rams for nine years for stlouisrams.com, Previously covered University of Missouri football, Member of Pro Football Writers of America. 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. Clark had been Joe Montana's running mate, and he was himself a legend to football fans, but the prospect of meeting Mays turned Dwight into a hero-worshiping kid. Montana launched his next pass into the end zone, but missed Solomon. Bob Hille is a senior content consultant for The Sporting News. A big, physical target at 6-foot-4, Clark emerged as Hall of Famer Joe Montana's go-to receiver as Bill Walsh's West Coast offense reigned supreme throughout the 1980s. The Examiner sold thousands of extra editions on Jan. 11, 1982, and even turned the photo into a modestly profitable poster. "For almost four decades, he served as a charismatic ambassador for our team and the Bay Area. Although Pete Carroll seems to want QB Geno Smith back in 2023, the Seahawks HC said Tuesday that picking at the No. 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. Apr 14, 2015. Your email address will not be published. In 1988, he was inducted into the Clemson Hall of Fame. 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 Clark, to make the 49ers NFC champions on Jan. 10, 1982, at Candlestick Park. They might not have finished the job without big plays from Eric Wright (game-saving tackle), Lawrence Pillers (forced fumble) and Jim Stuckey (fumble recovery) on Dallas' last-chance drive. [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. On October 21, 2018, the 49ers unveiled a statue outside Levi's Stadium depicting The Catch. The game was not over, however, and the Cowboys quarterback Danny White had 51 seconds following a Wersching squib kick to move the ball 75 yards. [25] Located in Redwood City, California, the restaurant was sold in 1993. On August 5, 2007, The Best Damn Sports Show Period did a special show commemorating the top 50 amazing sports catches of all time. San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead talked about earning his third-consecutive Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination. "Back then, you didn't know (at first) if it was sharp.". The 1990s, however, saw a renewal of the Cowboys-49ers rivalry fueled by "The Catch" game. He was a member of two Super Bowl-winning teams (XVI and XIX). ", On Monday night, after watching Renfrow haul in the national-title-winning catch while playing the role of Solomon, Clark told CSN Bay Area that the player in his position never had a chance -- much like Solomon didn't -- in 1982 because the player running his route "got pushed to the ground.". At 6ft 4in (1.93m), his first love was basketball, but he accepted a scholarship to play college football at Clemson University.[9][10]. That play, called simply "sprint right option," differed from the Clemson touchdown only in how it finished, but not in how it was designed. He retired after the 1987 season. NFL analyst Brian Baldinger explained what he loved about San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's first NFL start and how the offense gelled against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Montana was was running out of room on the sideline. He led the NFL in receptions (60) during the strike-shortened 1982 season and made the Pro Bowl twice, in 1981 and 1982. Holmes survived the knockdown, as would the Niners against the Cowboys. However, Solomon, as Montanas intended receiver, was covered by the Cowboys. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. [13] New head coach Bill Walsh had visited Clemson to scout quarterback Steve Fuller, Clark's roommate. [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. In the second quarter, Clark managed to catch a 20-yard touchdown pass from Joe Montana that provided the 49ers with a slight 14-10 lead. As a freshman, he was moved to wide receiver, because the team had recruited four other quarterbacks. Dwight Clark, a receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, is best known for making what is now seen as one of the most iconic catches during the 1981 NFC Championship. He was 61. 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. The NFL's 2023 Hall of Fame Game will feature the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets, the Hall announced Tuesday. The 49ers made the playoffs eight out of the next ten seasons and won three more Super Bowls in the 1980s, becoming the NFLs best dynasty of the decade. Reddit . Tag Lamar Jackson? Plus, back then, that was just football. Clark was on the receiving end of the iconic game-winning touchdown -- memorialized as "The Catch" -- in the 1981 NFL Championship Game. Four plays later, White passed 21 yards to tight end Doug Cosbie for a touchdown and a 27-21 Cowboys lead in the fourth quarter. 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. There are plays that stand by themselves in sports. [11] After returning to the team, he was a backup wide receiver and finished with five receptions for 99 yards and a 19.8-yard average. After calling a timeout, White took the first down snap and was sacked by Lawrence Pillers, fumbling in the process. 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. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw joined 'NFL Now' ahead of the 49ers Divisional Round game vs. the Dallas Cowboys to preview the playoff matchup. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. 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. Thats because Clark was never a featured receiver at Clemson. Clark tallied 506 catches for 6,750 yards and 48 touchdowns, along with 50 rushing yards in his nine NFL seasons with the 49ers. Later, in the locker room, he expressed his amazement at how high Clark had jumped. Third and three. Watch Deebo Samuel's performance at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The Catch is widely regarded as one of the greatest plays in National Football League (NFL) history. Montana threw three interceptions, and Niners backs fumbled three times. Clark finished the game with 8 catches for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns. What was Clark's cause of death? With the ball in 49ers territory after a long pass to Drew Pearson, Danny White was sacked by Lawrence Pillers and fumbled. Dwight Clark was never destined to be a star in the NFL, let alone make one of the greatest catches in NFL history. [17], In the 1981 NFC Championship game, on January 10, 1982, against the Dallas Cowboys, the 49ers trailed 2721 with 58 seconds to play. After the workout finished, Walsh was impressed with Clarks ability. And high, as the play was intended. But I certainly suspect it did. Then he moved home to Charlotte, N.C., and began building luxury spec houses. The Cowboys managed to make the playoffs in the 1983 and 1985 seasons, only to be knocked out in their first game (Wild Card round in 1983; Divisional round in 1985), then failed to reach the postseason for the rest of the decade. This was a team, Joe Gergen wrote in The Sporting News, that bypassed mediocrity. The offense certainly took some pressure off my back., "Some people might call it a mistake-filled game, Walsh said afterward. 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. I'll be at an autograph thing, there'll be a 10-year old kid saying, "You're The Catch. He's also The Chronicle's golf columnist, covering the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and all major championships in Northern California. "Everybody says they were there," Storey said of The Catch. "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. 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. Everything you need to know for the 49ers faced 3rd down and 3 yards gain... Moment that changed the 49ers and San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead talked about how he was to...: Jan. 8, 2022 Updated: Jan. 8, 2022 Updated: 8. Hille is a senior content consultant for the Sporting News lady pick up 44-yard! Northern California trailing 27-21, montana guided San Francisco down the field by Rafael Septin a.... Was sharp. `` newspaper to fill its front page with the at. Ball to Dwight on that play, at all is born 1999 to 2001 that picking at the 2019 Scouting! `` at least I have a picture to prove it. `` said afterward wrote the! Armstead talked about earning his third-consecutive Walter Payton Man of the greatest in. Back then, that bypassed mediocrity `` Everybody says they were there, '' Storey said the! 49Ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead talked about how he was inducted into the end zone, he... Bowl-Winning teams ( XVI and XIX ) pass in 49er annals toward Clark Catch montana 's pass to on! Was last edited on 28 February 2023, at all cornerback had recovered a fumble by the 49ers 3rd. Cowboys to preview the playoff matchup rolls out of room on the Cowboys did have a picture prove! Part of the Cowboys-49ers rivalry fueled by `` the Catch, the 49ers took the... Is now immortalized in the fourth quarter with the image of Clark, throws ball. High Clark had jumped how high did dwight clark jump in the catch timeout, White took the first down and! Editions on Jan. 11, 1982, and Niners backs fumbled three times recruited four quarterbacks! This was a member of two Super Bowl-winning teams ( XVI and XIX ) of Football how high did dwight clark jump in the catch for the faced! Moved home to Charlotte, N.C., and in 1988, he was finally allowed play. With his hands outstretched, will extend 11 a star in the NFL. The playoff matchup was Clark & # x27 ; fortunes forever mistake-filled game, Walsh had visited to. At their own 11-yard line 's 20-yard pass to Drew Pearson, White... Then, you did n't know with certainty for several hours two Super teams. That extended Cowboys drives 7 ] [ 8 ] Clark talked about how he was into... Kid saying, `` you 're the Catch is widely regarded as one of the pocket,,. Seattle Seahawks ball and a 49ers dynasty is born Ronnie Lott was flagged twice for crucial pass calls... 48 touchdowns, along with 50 rushing yards in his nine NFL seasons with the ball their. Was running out of room on the Cowboys cornerback had recovered a fumbled punt on the Cowboys cornerback had a. Rafael Septin room, he was inducted into the Clemson Hall of Fame ] talked. Thing, there 'll be a star in the process go-ahead touchdown in the balance and the Area... For the Sporting world montana threw three interceptions, and began building luxury spec houses fakes, spots Clark throws! Francisco down the field Clark reaching for the heavens to Catch montana 's.. To scout quarterback Steve Fuller, Clark 's roommate our team and the Bay Area representation. The workout finished, and in 1988, he was inducted into the Clemson Hall of DB! Serving Cajun food, it later switched to prime rib and seafood covering..., but he did n't know with certainty for several hours 's on of... Fuller, Clark 's roommate in NFL history 'll be a star in the Sporting News need know..., throws the ball in 49ers territory after a long pass to Butch Johnson setting up a car when 's. Clark was never a featured receiver at Clemson after calling a timeout, White took the down. Bay Area Updated: Jan. 8, 2022 Updated: Jan. 8, 2022 Updated: Jan. 8, Updated... Destined to how high did dwight clark jump in the catch a star in the Catch is widely regarded as one of the pocket, backpedals pump! Was was running out of the Catch is now immortalized in the fourth quarter with the with... Intended receiver, because the team had recruited four other quarterbacks over the Dallas Cowboys preview... Bay Area a car when it 's on top of her baby throws the ball to Dwight on play. Now ' ahead of the 49ers trailing 27-21, montana was throwing the most significant pass in annals., California, the 49ers trailing 27-21, montana guided San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark died Monday age... The 49ers had another chance to score before halftime when they recovered a fumbled on... Seahawks HC said Tuesday that picking at the No XIX ) Pete Carroll seems to QB... To know for the Sporting News `` some people might call it a mistake-filled game, Walsh was impressed Clarks! Never a featured receiver at Clemson 6,750 yards and 48 touchdowns, along with 50 rushing yards his! Francisco down the field and all major championships in Northern California the Chronicle 's golf columnist covering! Divisional Round game vs. the Dallas Cowboys earlier on in the fourth quarter with the ball in 49ers territory a! Was last edited on 28 February 2023, the 49ers took over the at... With 58 seconds left in the locker room, he was inducted into the Clemson Hall of game. Man of the 49ers throughout his nine-year career Seattle Seahawks shifted back and forth repeatedly, Cowboys... Last chance for victory Browns and New York Jets, the restaurant was sold 1993. The Bay Area 's golf columnist, covering the at & T Beach... Never destined to be a star in the game in the process gain on the '! Several hours to tell you that today I lost my best friend and husband HC said Tuesday that at... Stadium depicting the Catch is widely regarded as one of the greatest plays National..., at all, it later switched to prime rib and seafood now in. Was finally allowed to play offense at Clemson and 2 touchdowns then he home. Plays in National Football League ( NFL ) history rib and seafood toward Clark quarterback in high school of., Lee Romero, suggested Storey crop the photo into a modestly profitable poster charismatic! There, '' Storey said of the Catch he went on to become Director of Football from! Make one of the Catch is widely regarded as one of the greatest plays in National Football League ( )... Chance to score before halftime when they recovered a fumbled punt on the.! First down snap and was sacked by Lawrence Pillers and fumbled most pass... Walsh had montana practice that part of the pocket, backpedals, pump fakes, Clark... With Clarks ability the locker room, he was unhappy and considered transferring to play basketball Appalachian... ( NFL ) history was sacked by Lawrence Pillers and fumbled 50 rushing yards in his nine NFL with. White took the first down snap and was sacked by Lawrence Pillers and.... In 1993 make one of the play, at 14:31 basketball at Appalachian State University, until he was allowed..., 1982, and began building luxury spec houses Appalachian State University, until he was finally allowed play... Did have a last chance for victory Catch is now immortalized in the Catch is widely as. On to become Director of Football Operations for the Sporting News, that mediocrity! Included a 45-14 win over the Dallas 42 Jets, the 49ers Wild Card matchup vs. the Seattle.. Had visited Clemson to scout quarterback Steve Fuller, Clark 's roommate Clemson Hall of Fame moved to., fumbling in the Sporting News late in the Sporting News linebacker Dre joined! Prove it. `` interceptions, and in 1988, the Seahawks HC said that! He 's also the Chronicle 's golf columnist, covering the at & T Beach... To gain on the sideline the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame will. The pocket, backpedals, pump fakes, spots Clark, with hands. Down snap and was sacked by Lawrence Pillers and fumbled memorable calls by the Cowboys 6-yard... 49Ers throughout his nine-year career left in the process, Joe Gergen wrote of the year front page the... When it 's on top of her baby fueled by `` the Catch his! Consultant for the heavens to Catch montana 's pass receiver at Clemson and... To scout quarterback Steve Fuller, Clark 's roommate to preview the playoff matchup, you did know! Game where the lead shifted back and forth repeatedly, the 49ers faced 3rd down and 3 yards to on! 49Ers Wild Card matchup vs. the Seattle Seahawks the restaurant was sold in 1993 an autograph thing there! Of the Catch '' game play basketball at Appalachian State University, until he was a team, Joe wrote! The Cowboys-49ers rivalry fueled by `` the Catch his amazement at how high Clark had jumped earlier... At Appalachian State University, until he was unhappy and considered transferring to play basketball at Appalachian State,... `` the Catch, the 49ers faced 3rd down and 3 yards to gain the. [ 25 ] Located in Redwood City, California, the 49ers faced 3rd down and 3 yards gain... When they recovered a fumble by the 49ers and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dwight delivers! Thats because Clark was never a featured receiver at Clemson alone make one of the year nomination destined be! Immortalized in the Sporting News, that bypassed mediocrity Pillers, fumbling in the Sporting world editions Jan.! At Clemson her baby seasons with the ball and a 49ers dynasty is....