The most memorable Hail Marys in NFL history resonate with fans and players alike, showcasing the sheer unpredictability of football.
On Sunday, the Washington Commanders added their name to this illustrious list with an electrifying finish against the Chicago Bears. Jayden Daniels, stepping into the spotlight, executed a game-winning Hail Mary touchdown pass that secured an 18-15 victory. The dramatic moment unfolded as Daniels’ throw was deflected just short of the end zone, only to bounce fortuitously into the hands of an unmarked Noah Brown.
This thrilling play sparked conversations among NFL enthusiasts, prompting a look back at some of the most iconic Hail Mary passes throughout the league’s history.
1975: The Hail Mary Game
The term “Hail Mary” gained traction during the 1975 playoffs, marking a pivotal moment in NFL history. With the Dallas Cowboys trailing 14-10 against the Minnesota Vikings, Roger Staubach launched a fourth-and-16 pass from the 50-yard line that found Drew Pearson in the end zone. This memorable touchdown not only secured a 17-14 lead but also cemented Staubach’s legacy. “I closed my eyes and said a Hail Mary,” he famously stated after the game.
The Cowboys advanced to the NFC Championship Game the following week but ultimately fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl X.
1980: Miracle at the Met
Five seasons after their playoff defeat, the Vikings experienced their own Hail Mary moment against the Cleveland Browns. With only 14 seconds left and trailing 23-22, Minnesota executed a hook-and-lateral play, advancing to Cleveland’s 46-yard line. Quarterback Tommy Kramer then launched a pass that was tipped by a Browns defender, allowing Ahmad Rashad to make a spectacular one-handed catch at the 1-yard line before tumbling into the end zone for a 28-23 victory. This unforgettable play is fondly remembered as the “Miracle at the Met.”
The Vikings’ triumph helped them secure the NFC Central title that season.
Minnesota Vikings receiver Ahmad Rashad (28) made a one-handed catch on a Hail Mary pass in a win over the Cleveland Browns in 1980. (Joe Oden/ MediaNews Group / St. Paul Pioneer Press via Getty Images)
In 2010, the Jacksonville Jaguars experienced a similar stroke of luck in a thrilling tie against the Houston Texans. With the clock winding down and the score locked at 24-24, Jaguars quarterback David Garrard launched a pass from midfield. The ball was deflected by Texans defensive back Glover Quin, allowing Mike Thomas to catch it at the 1-yard line and secure a game-winning touchdown.
Although the Jaguars finished the season with an 8-8 record, this unforgettable moment remains a highlight for the franchise.
2011: Eli Manning’s Hail Mary helps New York Giants upset Packers
In 2011, Eli Manning delivered a pivotal Hail Mary that contributed to the New York Giants’ 37-20 victory over the Green Bay Packers. While not the deciding factor, the touchdown catch provided crucial momentum as the Giants advanced to the Super Bowl, ultimately defeating the New England Patriots.
2012: Fail Mary
The Packers faced a controversial moment in 2012 during a game against the Seattle Seahawks. With eight seconds remaining and trailing 12-7, Russell Wilson threw a Hail Mary pass that resulted in a disputed touchdown between Packers safety M.D. Jennings and Seahawks receiver Golden Tate. The play, dubbed the “Fail Mary,” sparked outrage and ultimately led to the resolution of the NFL’s labor dispute with its officials.
2015: The Miracle in Motown
The Packers found redemption in 2015 with a successful Hail Mary against the Detroit Lions. Trailing 23-21 with no time left, Aaron Rodgers evaded defenders and launched a pass from his own 35-yard line. Richard Rodgers made a leaping catch in the end zone, sealing a dramatic 27-23 victory and propelling the Packers into the postseason.
2015: Aaron Rodgers does it again
In the same year, Aaron Rodgers showcased his Hail Mary prowess in a playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals. With the Packers down 20-13, he launched a 60-yard pass to Jeff Janis, setting up another Hail Mary that tied the game and sent it into overtime. Although the Cardinals ultimately won, Rodgers solidified his reputation as a master of the Hail Mary.
2016: Aaron Rodgers gets revenge on Giants
In 2016, Aaron Rodgers faced the New York Giants in a wild-card matchup. With just six seconds left in the first half, he threw a Hail Mary from the Giants’ 42-yard line that found Randall Cobb in the end zone, leading to a commanding 38-13 victory for the Packers.
2020: Hail Murray
The term “Hail Murray” emerged in 2020 when Kyler Murray led the Arizona Cardinals to a stunning victory over the Buffalo Bills. With just 11 seconds on the clock, Murray scrambled and launched a pass to DeAndre Hopkins, who made an incredible catch among three defenders, securing a 32-30 win.
2024: Madhouse in Maryland
The Commanders’ recent Hail Mary marked yet another dramatic chapter in NFL history. After yielding a touchdown that allowed the Bears to take a 15-12 lead with just 25 seconds remaining, the Commanders found themselves at their own 48-yard line. On the final play, Daniels deftly avoided a Bears rush and threw from his 35-yard line. The ball was deflected near the end zone, landing perfectly for Noah Brown, who was unguarded and ready to score.
Adding to the drama, a video surfaced of Bears defensive back Tyrique Stevenson, who had been taunting the crowd moments before the play. His late reaction allowed the deflection that set up the game-winning touchdown.
