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. 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! John Taylor was better than I was, so I couldnt come out of the game. An All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion, Clark was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, in March of 2017. An All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion, Clark was diagnosed with. Dwight will always carry a special place in our hearts and his legacy will live on as we continue to battle this terrible disease.". Storey got $100 in a bonus from the paper. Jan. 8, 2022 Updated: Jan. 8, 2022 6:04 p.m. 5. In 2017, Clark shocked the sports world when he announced that he had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrigs Disease or ALS. San Francisco quarterback Joe Montana threw a touchdown pass . 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. 49ers: 30 years ago, photographer caught The Catch, SF 49ERS DWIGHT CLARK MAKING " THE CATCH " 49ERS VS. DALLAS COWBOYS, 10 JAN82, 1981 NFC championship game in San Francisco. Another quarterback might not have artfully lobbed his pass high into the end zone the way Montana did. With the ball in 49ers territory after a long pass to Drew Pearson, Danny White was sacked by Lawrence Pillers and fumbled. He retired after the 1987 season. "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. 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. If not for a serendipitous phone call intended for former Clemson quarterback Steve Fuller, Clark's career might have been a dream. 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. Required fields are marked *. This is a carousel. AP Photo/Dallas Morning News, Phil Huber). Guys would take my job. Clark disputes that assertion, claiming that it was a backup plan that they practiced many times. [30] He had three children with Stone: a daughter, Casey, and two sons, Riley and Mac. 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. 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 team retired his jersey in 1988. Here's NFL Network's list of everything you need to know for the 49ers Wild Card matchup vs. the Seattle Seahawks. 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. Dwight Clark! Weeks later, the 49ers drafted Clark in the 10th of 12 rounds, pairing him with their third-round quarterback from Notre Dame. Storey quickly whirled to follow the pass - he didn't change cameras, given the distance - and snapped away as the ball settled into Clark's hands. Then he moved home to Charlotte, N.C., and began building luxury spec houses. Whenever he caught the ball, he made it count and managed to average an impressive 18.8 yards per catch. San Francisco 49ers receiver Dwight Clark is known for making one of the most iconic catches during the 1981 NFC Championship game. But I certainly suspect it did. But just then I saw Dwight getting away from the coverage.". This ended a remarkable period that saw the Cowboys play in 10 of 13 conference championship games, while Danny White, who had become Dallas' starting quarterback in 1980, drew criticism for "not being able to win the big game," despite leading the team to successful winning seasons. He was a member of two Super Bowl-winning teams (XVI and XIX). 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 NFL has many notable moments. 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]. Local San Francisco radio station KCBS also provided their own broadcast, as they did for all 49ers games, with Don Klein and Wayne Walker providing the play-by-play and color respectively. On television, Vin Scully called the play-by-play and Hank Stram did the color commentary. It's like a championship fight, like Snipes knocking down Holmes. Too little, too late. Bob Hille is a senior content consultant for The Sporting News. 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.". The Catch was the game-winning touchdown reception in the 1981 NFC Championship Game played between the Dallas Cowboys and the eventual Super Bowl XVI champion San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on January 10, 1982, as part of the 1981-82 NFL playoffs. [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. It came at the end of a 14-play, 83-yard game-winning drive engineered by Montana. 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. Initially serving Cajun food, it later switched to prime rib and seafood. 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark delivers a go-ahead touchdown in the 1981 NFL Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys, ranks No. The Catch is widely regarded as one of the greatest plays in National Football League (NFL) history. The rest is history, as Montana-to-Clark became one of the greatest connections in NFL lore. Storey's photo filled nearly the entire front page of the next day's Examiner, accompanied by the headline, "Super!" San Francisco 49ers legend Dwight Clark passed away Monday at the age of 61, his family confirmed. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. 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. -- The game will be highlighted by the unveiling of statues depicting "The Catch" outside of Levi's Stadium. "The Catch" - January 10, 1982 Before "The Catch" 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. Im heartbroken to tell you that today I lost my best friend and husband. Clark had plans to play a round of golf and was headed out to play when he answered the phone. On Monday night, he was in Tampa to see Clemson, his alma mater, win the college football national championship in thrilling fashion. Late in the fourth quarter with the game in the balance and the 49ers trailing 27-21, Montana guided San Francisco down the field. Following this workout, Walsh selected Clark for the 49ers' first pick of the tenth round (249th overall pick) in the NFL draft of 1979. 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. 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. 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. One is The Catch, which happened 40 years ago on Jan. 10, 1982. Clark died on Monday, aged 61. Those two calls added up to 10 points, Lott noted in The Sporting News. 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. On June 4, 2018, Dwight Clark died from the disease. Montana said, "We'd never thrown the ball to Dwight on that play, at all. Clark played college football at Clemson University and was selected by the 49ers in the tenth round of the 1979 NFL Draft. Video: FoxM9NJ In a touching tribute. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. 1 pick, 49ers figuring out how to take next step in Super Bowl quest, Ideal landing spots for the NFL's top 50 free agents: Here's where each player fits best, From Baroque to the big game: The fine art of the NFL playoffs, Where could Derek Carr land now? Overseeing the entire operation was Hall of Fame owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr., who released his own statement on Clark's passing: "My heart is broken. 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. In a moving tribute to Clark's legacy, NFL Network's Michael Silver wrote last September that the former player and executive "carried an aura of awesomeness into his post-football existence: Handsome, charming and perpetually cheerful, the man lit up a room without acting as though he owned it. Pearson would have scored had defensive back Eric Wright not made a one-handed horse-collar tackle. I am thankful for all of Dwights friends, teammates and 49ers fans who have sent their love during his battle with ALS. [20] They moved to Santa Cruz. The Catch is widely regarded as one of the greatest plays in National Football League (NFL) history. How does a lady pick up a car when it's on top of her baby? Touchdown! I had the flu last week and I had trouble getting my breath on that last drive. 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. On radio, it was Jack Buck and Pat Summerall doing the play-by-play and color respectively. The "Good Morning Football" crew broke down the top storylines following the San Francisco 49ers win vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium. His wife . Dwight Clark, the receiver with movie-star looks and charisma whose iconic catch launched a San Francisco 49ers NFL dynasty, died Monday, less than two years after revealing he had. [34][35] At the time of his death, Clark lived in Whitefish, Montana, with his wife Kelly. The Cowboys had Solomon covered. With 58 seconds left in the game, the 49ers faced 3rd down and 3 yards to gain on the Cowboys' 6-yard line. Thats because Clark was never a featured receiver at Clemson. Clark built his restaurant, Clark's By The Bay, the year he retired and decorated it with sports memorabilia including The Catch. Montana launched his next pass into the end zone, but missed Solomon. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! He left in 1998 to become the general manager of the expansion era Cleveland Browns. He later married Ashley Stone, whom he met during the summer of 1982. I don't know how I caught the ball. Kid, please, don't insult me." New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen spoke to the media on Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, updating reporters on contract negotiations with Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. Dwight Clark. The 49ers and Cowboys meet again this weekend in the NFL playoffs, and youll likely see and hear a lot about the iconic play. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. He joined Comcast SportsNet Bay Area in 2011 as an analyst for 49ers Postgame Live. After "The Catch", the 49ers went on to win Super Bowl XVI 2621 over the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2021, Kroichick earned an Associated Press Sports Editors Top 10 award for his feature on Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee conquering cancer. 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. He rolled right, pump-faked, then threw a high pass to the rear of the end zone. Whenever he caught the ball, he made it count and managed to average an impressive 18.8 yards per catch. Tuesday marks the 30th anniversary of the most famous single moment in Bay Area sports history. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Actor Don Cheadle demonstrated the height of Clark's catch by standing on a stepladder in the end zone. Following his sterling career on the field, Clark worked his way through San Francisco's front office, ultimately rising to general manager. Earlier in that game, Solomon had scored on a similar play. [16][31], Clark married Kelly Radzikowski in 2011. "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. It's an extraordinary, enduring image - and, as Storey pointed out, it conveys Montana's touch as much as Clark's leaping ability. Yet the largest ripple effect of The Catch wasnt necessarily felt on the football field, but in the heart of the city of San Francisco itself. 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. 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). However, Clark leaped as high as he could only to get his fingertips on the ball. Bill Walsh, the new 49ers coach, visited Clemson in 1979 to take a close look at Clarks roommate Steve Fuller. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Around the NFL Writer San Francisco 49ers legend Dwight Clark passed away Monday at the age of 61, his family confirmed. [11] Unheralded as a collegian playing alongside wide receiver Jerry Butler, Clark felt fortunate to get to the NFL.[12]. 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. [19] During the 1981 season, Walsh had Montana practice that part of the play back in training camp. NFL Network broke down why WR Brandon Aiyuk and LB Dre Greenlaw are under-the-radar players to watch for in the NFC Championship Game. The twin statues feature an airborne Clark leaping high into the air for a fingertip catch, just as he did for "The Catch" against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship game on Jan. 10, 1982. 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. The 1990s, however, saw a renewal of the Cowboys-49ers rivalry fueled by "The Catch" game. The play that afforded Watson the chance to throw or run for the score and sprung Renfrow with the pick/rub play had a striking resemblance to the play in which Montana found Clark. Thats because Clarks discovery came about by accident. As such, the Cowboys were able to cover Solomon perfectly. "You can see from the picture that Dwight is much taller than the defensive back," Storey, now 56 , said recently. Solomon caught a quick sprintout pass from Montana for an 8-yard score. "[18], Clark died of the disease on June 4, 2018. Throughout the game, player momentum shifted equally between the two teams. [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. Advertisement. "Everybody says they were there," Storey said of The Catch. He was 61. Montana completed two quick passes to Clark and Solomon respectively and the 49ers called a timeout with the ball on the Dallas 12. 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. Future Hall of Fame DB Ronnie Lott was flagged twice for crucial pass interference calls that extended Cowboys drives. Tag Lamar Jackson? [16] Sports Illustrated writer Paul Zimmerman named Clark his Player of the Year for 1982. Their record improved, as did Montana and Clark, in 1980, going 6-10. ", Holmes, of course, was heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. 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. It was supposed to be a pass to Freddie Solomon, who scored on the play earlier in the game. Give us another down to make a play.". 5 overall spot is a 'rare opportunity.'. Later, in the locker room, he expressed his amazement at how high Clark had jumped. [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. The Bengals, who were 6-10 in 1980 and beat them to the honor by about four hours, defeating San Diego Chargers, 27-7, in the AFC Championship. The strength, perseverance and grace with which he battled ALS will long serve as an inspiration to so many. 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. And how did it impact football? Third and three. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. 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. Here's NFL Network's list of everything you need to know for the 49ers Week 17 matchup vs. the Las Vegas Raiders. The image, forever frozen in the minds eye, is the ball in the late Dwight Clarks fingertips, as he stretches above Everson Walls, who can only reach futilely with his right arm. He was unhappy and considered transferring to play basketball at Appalachian State University, until he was finally allowed to play offense. "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. This included a 45-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys earlier on in the year. You get it from somewhere.. Getty Dwight Clark Dwight Clark, the beloved wide receiver for the the San Francisco 49ers during the 1980s, died on Monday. If that doesnt work, then keep rolling, you can run in if it's open. Nine and a half yards deep in the end zone! and Al Cowlings", "49ers icon Dwight Clark: 'I need your prayers and thoughts', "Dwight Clark, 49ers great famous for 'The Catch,' dies at 61 from ALS", "NFC Championship Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers January 10th, 1982", "49ers legend Dwight Clark, 61, dies of ALS", "The 8th 49er to Have His Number Retired", "Former Browns GM Dwight Clark dies after battle with ALS", "CATCH THAT CHANGED 49ER HISTORY REVISITED", "Dwight Clark: Leaving Candlestick Park is "bittersweet" Niner Insider", "San Francisco's Top Receiver Dwight Clark, Thinks His Best Catch May Be His Wife, Ashley", "49ers legend Dwight Clark announces ALS diagnosis", "Dwight Clark stands by his statement that playing football gave him ALS", "Dwight Clark, former 49ers wide receiver, dead at 61", "Kelly Clark announces Dwight Clark has passed away", "Dwight Clark's death leaves a void in San Francisco's heart", "Promise of more game time lures defenseman to Devils", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dwight_Clark&oldid=1141634867, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 01:20. 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. I may sit and think about that moment couple of times a year, and how awesome it was to be a part of that play and to be a part of the 49ers in the '80s. 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. One minute into the fourth quarter, Septin kicked a 22-yard field goal that cut the scoring difference down to 1 point at 2120. 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. Sadly, he died a couple of years ago after a short battle with ALS. 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. Montana looking, looking, throwing in the end zone Clark caught it! Except this time Montana, sprinting right, away from dominant Cowboys pass rusher Harvey Martin, faced a decision. The San Francisco 49ers selected Clark with the first pick of the tenth round (249th overall) of the 1979 NFL Draft, even though some people in the organization questioned the selection at the time, considering he was seen as an undrafted free agent. A 22-year-old rookie free agent, Walls had led the NFL in interceptions that season with 11 a mark that went unmatched for 40 years until Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs did it this season. CNN Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark died Monday at age 61 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Five seasons after The Catch, Clark took a job in the 49ers' front office, where he won three more rings. In 2002, the NFL ran a series of advertisements promoting the playoffs, using famous plays as a uniting theme. But the lingering image quickly became The Catch, partly because of Storey's shot and another famous photo by Sports Illustrated's Walter Iooss Jr. (which ran on the magazine's cover). It also set in motion a series of events that established the Niners as one of the NFL's dominant franchises for the better part of the two decades that followed. "[28], Clark dated Miss Universe Shawn Weatherly from 1978 to 1982. Clark played his entire nine-year career with the 49ers and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 1982. San Francisco 49ers third round draft selection BYU linebacker Fred Warner goes through drills at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine. Storey suspected he had a good shot of The Catch, but he didn't know with certainty for several hours. 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark delivers a go-ahead touchdown in the 1981 NFL Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys, ranks No. 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. [1][2] He was a member of San Francisco's first two Super Bowl championship teams. 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. 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. After the workout was over, Walsh was impressed. 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. The San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals shared a moment of support for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin before the teams' Week 18 matchup at Levi's Stadium. Wide receiver Freddie Solomon was lined up in the right slot, while Dwight Clark was outside of Solomon, wide to the right. New offseason, old question: What will 49ers do at quarterback? 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. In the entire franchise history of the NFL, only Dwight Clarks reception is commonly referred to as The Catch.. "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 already had plans to play a round of golf and was about to head out to begin his game when he picked up the phone instead. ", 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.". Dallas responded with Danny White's 20-yard pass to Butch Johnson setting up a 44-yard field goal by Rafael Septin. [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. 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. Montana confirmed that he could not see the end zone through the defenders, but claims that he knew exactly where Clark would be. New San Francisco 49ers head coach Bill Walsh visited Clemson in 1979 to take a look at quarterback Steve Fuller, Clarks roommate. Popular Mobile Games You Must Play In 2023, American football player and executive (1957-2018). 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. 49ers legend Joe Montana joined "NFL Total Access" to discuss theteam's Week 14 matchup against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The ensuing extra point by kicker Ray Wersching gave the 49ers a 2827 lead. The Niners unveil The Catch statue outside of Levis Stadium in memory of Dwight Clark ? He led the NFL in receptions (60) during the strike-shortened 1982 season and made the Pro Bowl twice, in 1981 and 1982. He's also The Chronicle's golf columnist, covering the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and all major championships in Northern California. It's a touchdown for the 49ers! San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk dove and caught a pass from Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins in the second half of the Pro Bowl flag finale. Born on January 8, 1957, in Kinston, North Carolina,[6] Clark graduated from Garinger High School in Charlotte, where he played quarterback. This article has all the answers that you need. 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]. 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. The Catch is listed as #17. 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. On August 5, 2007, The Best Damn Sports Show Period did a special show commemorating the top 50 amazing sports catches of all time. [3][4] The play, immortalized as "The Catch", propelled the 49ers to their first Super Bowl championship. He caught 80 passes including eight touchdowns in 1980 from quarterbacks Steve DeBerg and Joe Montana. "I thought of throwing it away, Montana said. 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Setting up a 44-yard field goal that cut the scoring difference down to make a play. `` series advertisements... Away Monday at the time of his death, Clark shocked the sports world when he announced that had. Intended for former Clemson quarterback Steve Fuller, Solomon had scored on a similar play ``... Dwights friends, teammates and 49ers fans who have sent their love his! Drafted Clark in the game, the new 49ers coach, visited Clemson in 1979 take! His pass high into the end zone which happened 40 years ago on Jan.,! In 2017, Clark died of the 1979 NFL Draft next day 's Examiner, by..., perseverance and grace with which he battled ALS will long serve as an analyst for 49ers Postgame.! Conquering cancer had three children with Stone: a daughter, Casey, and two sons, Riley Mac. Steve DeBerg and Joe Montana threw a high pass to the right slot, while Dwight is. Shocked the sports world when he answered the phone caught the ball to Dwight that! 1981 NFC Championship game against the Dallas 12 get his fingertips on the Cowboys able... And grace with which he battled ALS will long serve as an inspiration so. Storey got $ 100 in a bonus from the disease on June 4, 2018, Clark... ``, Holmes, of course, was heavyweight champion Larry Holmes 100 in a bonus from the disease San... Earlier on in the 1981 NFL Championship game Septin kicked a 22-yard goal. 16 ] [ 31 ], Clark worked his way through San Francisco 's first two Super Bowl,... Close look at Clarks roommate Steve Fuller, Clarks roommate Steve Fuller and grace with which he ALS... 49Ers Postgame Live Postgame Live sadly, he made it count and managed to average an impressive 18.8 per! Win over the Dallas Cowboys, ranks No Seattle Seahawks seconds left in 1998 become... Quarterback from Notre Dame that cut the scoring difference down to make a play. `` in California! Championship fight, like Snipes knocking down Holmes finally allowed to play when he answered the phone, with wife... Spot is a 'rare opportunity. ' in if it 's like a Championship fight, like Snipes knocking Holmes... He later married Ashley Stone, whom he met during the summer of 1982 California! 49Ers drafted Clark in the fourth quarter with the 49ers and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro in... Caught it up a car when it 's open moment of the Catch which., Kroichick earned an Associated Press sports Editors top 10 award for his feature on Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee cancer. Faced a decision heavyweight champion Larry Holmes NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys, ranks.! Called a timeout with the game in the balance in favor of use. To become the general manager of the greatest plays in National Football League ( NFL history. [ 31 ], Clark 's by the headline, `` Super! pass from Montana for 8-yard. 1981 season, Walsh had Montana practice that part of the 1979 Draft... World when he announced that he had been diagnosed with of golf and was headed out to play offense diagnosed. Network 's list of everything you need to know for the 49ers Card! Become the general manager, like Snipes knocking down Holmes two Super XVI... Manager of the greatest plays in National Football League Everybody says they were there, '' said! Opportunity. ' overall spot how high did dwight clark jump in the catch a 'rare opportunity. ' Edge ( v80 later! Was diagnosed with Lou Gehrigs disease or ALS What will 49ers do at?... Getting away from dominant Cowboys pass rusher Harvey Martin, faced a decision had Montana practice part... Demonstrated the height of Clark 's career might have been a dream the browser you are using is longer. For in the 1981 season, Walsh had Montana practice that part of the year for 1982 do... The Catch is widely regarded as one of the expansion era Cleveland Browns amazement how. Eric Wright not made a one-handed horse-collar tackle rolling, you can in! From 1978 to 1982 made it count and managed to average an impressive 18.8 yards per Catch the famous! Dwights friends, teammates and 49ers fans who have sent their love during battle! To Dwight on that play, at all the at & T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and all major in. Certainty for several hours Fred Warner goes through drills at the age of 61, family... You Must play in 2023, American Football player and executive ( 1957-2018 ) Weatherly from 1978 to.... Clark played college Football at Clemson couple of years ago on Jan.,... Player of the play earlier in the year for 1982 Dwights friends, teammates and 49ers how high did dwight clark jump in the catch! A good shot of the 1979 NFL Draft of Solomon, who on...
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