In 2021, Kroichick earned an Associated Press Sports Editors Top 10 award for his feature on Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee conquering cancer. Caught! [16] Sports Illustrated writer Paul Zimmerman named Clark his Player of the Year for 1982. Clark played for the 49ers throughout his nine-year career. And Storey looked at the back of his camera to see if he captured the moment, right? Being fairly tall himself, at 6-foot 4-inches (193 cm) tall, Clark was able to use all of his length to jump and grab the ball with the tips of his fingers completing one of the most memorable plays in NFL history. In their first season under Walsh, Montana and Clarks rookie year, San Fran was 2-14. With 58 seconds left in the game, the 49ers faced 3rd down and 3 yards to gain on the Cowboys' 6-yard line. 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. Storey recalled jostling for position as the 49ers moved toward their go-ahead touchdown. He was a member of two Super Bowl-winning teams (XVI and XIX). [30] He had three children with Stone: a daughter, Casey, and two sons, Riley and Mac. 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 . The first? Clark had plans to play a round of golf and was headed out to play when he answered the phone. He rolled right, pump-faked, then threw a high pass to the rear of the end zone. Jim Stuckey recovered the dropped ball, giving the 49ers offense possession near midfield, and allowing Montana to kneel down twice and run out the clock. He was 61. 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. To honor his contribution to 49ers, the club retired his #87 in 1988. 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.. One is The Catch, which happened 40 years ago on Jan. 10, 1982. 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. But they not only talk about it, they pass it down through the generations. Here's NFL Network's list of everything you need to know for the 49ers Week 14 matchup vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Clark played his entire nine-year career with the 49ers and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 1982. To his credit, when he did catch the ball, he made it count and averaged 18.8 yards per catch. After suffering through several losses early on in the 1981 season, the Montana-led 49ers cruised straight into the playoffs with an impressive record. Former San Francisco 49ers receiver Dwight Clark died on Monday after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 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, 28-27. 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. [16][31], Clark married Kelly Radzikowski in 2011. Former NFL running back Warrick Dunn shared the story of how 49ers legend Joe Perry became the first Black NFL MVP. As a sophomore, he was named the starter at strong safety, but he disliked the position and left school to go back to his hometown in Charlotte instead. Clark's career and 'The Catch' He was third on the team with 17 receptions for 265 yards and one touchdown. He went on to become Director of Football Operations for the reconstituted Cleveland Browns from 1999-2002. 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. On radio, it was Jack Buck and Pat Summerall doing the play-by-play and color respectively. Making matters worse, the pass rush of the Cowboys collapsed the 49ers' offensive line. The NFL has many notable moments. Weeks later, the 49ers drafted Clark in the 10th of 12 rounds, pairing him with their third-round quarterback from Notre Dame. In fact, before his infamous part in The Catch, the Cowboys cornerback had recovered a fumble by the 49ers Walt Easley. [1] [2] He was a member of San Francisco's first two Super Bowl championship teams. Then he moved home to Charlotte, N.C., and began building luxury spec houses. The rest is history, as Montana-to-Clark became one of the greatest connections in NFL lore. After retiring Dwight Clark remained a part of the 49ers organization working as an executive in the front office. Coincidentally, 40-plus years later, the same teams will play on CBS this Sunday in an NFC Wild-Card Game. New offseason, old question: What will 49ers do at quarterback? The ensuing extra point by kicker Ray Wersching gave the 49ers a 2827 lead. Kid, please, don't insult me." "That was Joe's genius, to throw it up there. The 49ers coach, Bill Walsh, assumed that it was a throw-away play and immediately began planning for the fourth down until he heard the cheers from the crowd. The play kicked off an . Clark caught it! I just dont think I would change anything.? Here's NFL Network's list of everything you need to know for the 49ers Wild Card matchup vs. the Seattle Seahawks. Bill Walsh, the new 49ers coach, visited Clemson in 1979 to take a close look at Clarks roommate Steve Fuller. Five seasons after The Catch, Clark took a job in the 49ers' front office, where he won three more rings. [15] But they soon greatly improved, winning the Super Bowl at the ends of the 1981 and 1984 seasons, and, starting in 1981, making the playoffs every year Clark was with them except 1982. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. At Clemson, he wore #30, posting only 33 catches for 571 yards, 3 touchdowns and a 17.3-yard average (seventh in school history). The 49ers then drove to the Dallas 16-yard line, but once again they failed to score when Montana threw a pass that bounced out of Elliot's hands and was intercepted by Randy White. Throughout the game, player momentum shifted equally between the two teams. The game was broadcast nationally in the United States by CBS. 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. Caught by (Dwight) Clark! 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. Scott Ostler. How did he die?. 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.". 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. Photographer John Storey visits Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, where he captured the iconic image of Dwight Clark's famous touchdown catch against the Dallas Cowboys 30 years ago which earned the 49ers its first Super Bowl appearance in 1982. After a 15-yard illegal block penalty on Clark, Montana lost a fumble while being sacked by Harvey Martin. Video: FoxM9NJ In a touching tribute. Nine and a half yards deep in the end zone! An All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion, Clark was diagnosed with. Immortalized in. Wrote Gergen in The Sporting News: Solomon broke for the flag but was covered. Pearson would have scored had defensive back Eric Wright not made a one-handed horse-collar tackle. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. 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. 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. Then 49ers running back Bill Ring lost a fumble on his own 29, leading to White's 26-yard touchdown pass to Tony Hill that put the Cowboys up 107. Popular Mobile Games You Must Play In 2023, American football player and executive (1957-2018). 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. 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. 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. Suffice it to say, expectations werent exactly high ahead of the 1981 season. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. W&P Porter bowl review: A container that makes office 14 things you need in your car before you drive to Tahoe, Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). After San Francisco forced Dallas to punt on the opening drive, quarterback Joe Montana completed a 17-yard pass to Charle Young and a 24-yarder to Lenvil Elliott before throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Freddie Solomon. [25] Located in Redwood City, California, the restaurant was sold in 1993. SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- For former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark, there's something about ringing in the new year that brings good fortune. 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]. With the ball in 49ers territory after a long pass to Drew Pearson, Danny White was sacked by Lawrence Pillers and fumbled. One is "The Catch," which happened 40 years ago on Jan. 10, 1982. 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. [7][8] Clark talked about how he was nervous playing quarterback in high school. Things got even better for Dallas when Walls recorded his second interception from Montana on the next drive at the Cowboys 27. Clark spiked the ball. "At least I have a picture to prove it.". Im heartbroken to tell you that today I lost my best friend and husband. "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. 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. In a game where the lead shifted back and forth repeatedly, the 49ers took over the ball at their own 11-yard line . This meant Montana had to improvise. I see that catch every day. Montana confirmed that he could not see the end zone through the defenders, but claims that he knew exactly where Clark would be. Dwight's personality and his sense of humor endeared him to everyone he came into contact with, even during his most trying times. "For almost four decades, he served as a charismatic ambassador for our team and the Bay Area. On August 5, 2007, The Best Damn Sports Show Period did a special show commemorating the top 50 amazing sports catches of all time. [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. Despite occurring over 40 years ago, the game-winning touchdown play remains one of the most impressive NFL moves in the history of the sport. 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. That era-defining play shifted the balance of power in the NFC, ending the hegemony of the 1970s Cowboys and launching the 49ers' dynasty of the 1980s. Walls and free safety Michael Downs were nearby. Future Hall of Fame DB Ronnie Lott was flagged twice for crucial pass interference calls that extended Cowboys drives. Montana was was running out of room on the sideline. Despite having quite an unmemorable rookie season and catching only 18 passes, Clark managed to make his mark with his team. I feel honored people are still talking about it, 25 years later. 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! Jan. 8, 2022 Updated: Jan. 8, 2022 6:04 p.m. 5. Speaking Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman called quarterback Jalen Hurts an "elite talent" but wouldn't dive into specifics on negations. [1][2] He was a member of San Francisco's first two Super Bowl championship teams. 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. He caught 80 passes including eight touchdowns in 1980 from quarterbacks Steve DeBerg and Joe Montana. His classic shot shows Clark high in the air, stretching skyward to corral the pass as Cowboys cornerback Everson Walls watches helplessly. 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. 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. Clark stayed with Cleveland until 2001. 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. "Back then, you didn't know (at first) if it was sharp.". Just before being chased out of bounds, and after a pump-fake caused the 6-foot 9-inch (206 cm) "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, and landed just in-bounds at the back right corner of the end zone to score the touchdown and tie the game with 51 seconds left. 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. Thats because Clark was never a featured receiver at Clemson. All stats courtesy ofPro Football Reference. Third and three. Following the Gatorade logo, the real version was shown with Dwight Clark's completion. Following this workout, Walsh selected Clark for the 49ers' first pick of the tenth round (249th overall pick) in the NFL draft of 1979. 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 . He also earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 1982 and won an additional Super Bowl in 1984. 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.". Thirty years later, John Storey remains grateful it was Joe Montana scrambling to his right on that memorable January 1982 day. On radio, it was sharp. `` plans to play when he catch. Feel honored people are still talking about it, they pass it down through the.! 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