The “Hail Mary” Pass Is One of Football’s Most Exciting Plays

by Oliver Zink, age 14

One of the most iconic plays in football is the “Hail Mary.” It is usually used by a team at the end of a game out of desperation when they are down eight or fewer points.

To do this play, the quarterback receives the ball and drops back, trying to buy time for the receivers to run down the field. Then the quarterback throws the ball as hard as he can, hoping that a teammate catches it.

The term "Hail Mary pass" was first used in a 1975 game between the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings. The Cowboys’ quarterback, Roger Staubach, threw a Hail Mary for a touchdown which would win the game for the Cowboys. Afterward in a post-game interview, he said, “Right before I threw it, I closed my eyes and said a Hail Mary then threw it. “

While that was the first pass called the Hail Mary, the most famous one is Aaron Rodgers’ Hail Mary for the Green Bay Packers in 2015. He threw a 61-yard pass for a touchdown on Thanksgiving Day. The pass is considered one of the longest in football history.

Though it doesn't always work, this play in football is fun to watch. Next time you watch a football game, watch out for a Hail Mary.

[Sources: packershistory.com; Detroit Free Press; profootballreference.com]