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At 6ft 4in (1.93m), his first love was basketball, but he accepted a scholarship to play college football at Clemson University.[9][10]. In his senior season in 1978, the Tigers were 111, won the Gator Bowl over Ohio State, and finished sixth in the final AP poll. Although it didn't play out exactly how "The Catch" did, it was just another sweet victory in early January for Clark. "What I love about it the most is that it's connected me with 49ers fans for the rest of time," Clark said in 2013. Dwight Clark was never destined to be a star in the NFL, let alone make one of the greatest catches in NFL history. 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. [3][4] That play, one of the most famous in the history of the NFL, has been immortalized as "The Catch". Before that, Walls had intercepted Montana twice. Then he moved home to Charlotte, N.C., and began building luxury spec houses. Third and three. His wife, Kelly, announced his passing on. The play saw Joe Montana find Dwight Clark for the game-winning touchdown in the NFC Championship Game played at Candlestick Park. Dwight Clark. After a 15-yard illegal block penalty on Clark, Montana lost a fumble while being sacked by Harvey Martin. [30] He had three children with Stone: a daughter, Casey, and two sons, Riley and Mac. At Clemson, he wore #30, posting only 33 catches for 571 yards, 3 touchdowns and a 17.3-yard average (seventh in school history). After suffering through several losses early on in the 1981 season, the Montana-led 49ers cruised straight into the playoffs with an impressive record. In October 2018, the 49ers unveiled a statue outside of Levis Stadium featuring Clark making his famous catch. The ensuing extra point by kicker Ray Wersching gave the 49ers a 2827 lead. One of the most dramatic plays in NFL history took place 35 years ago. Dallas managed to pick up a few first downs, but were forced to punt, and White's kick gave San Francisco the ball at their own 11 with 4:54 left in the game and three timeouts. [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. 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. 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. "You can see from the picture that Dwight is much taller than the defensive back," Storey, now 56 , said recently. [32] He stated that he believed he developed ALS as a result of playing football; he suffered three concussions during his playing career. The 49ers were 214 in 1978 and had the same record in 1979. Clark caught it! Dwight Clark catches the ball! Three of the Cowboys' defenders, defensive ends Ed "Too Tall" Jones and Larry Bethea and linebacker D. D. Lewis, chased a backpedalling Montana toward the sideline, and seemed certain to either send him out of bounds or sack him. Joe Montana. Lined up in the slot on the right side in the first quarter, 49ers receiver Freddie Solomon took off for the flag as Clark, lined up wide right, curled inside. [11] Unheralded as a collegian playing alongside wide receiver Jerry Butler, Clark felt fortunate to get to the NFL.[12]. San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead talked about earning his third-consecutive Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination. It wasn't a John Elway pass - that might have been somewhere in the bleachers, he threw so damn hard.". 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? 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. Following the Gatorade logo, the real version was shown with Dwight Clark's completion. 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. That allowed the newspaper to fill its front page with the image of Clark reaching for the heavens to catch Montana's pass. But he landed a priceless shot - that's former Chronicle columnist Ray Ratto in the background, incidentally, wearing a white tie and looking mighty young - and a cool memory. Storey recalled jostling for position as the 49ers moved toward their go-ahead touchdown. But Snipes? 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. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Clark died on Monday, aged 61. Walls and free safety Michael Downs were nearby. I see that catch every day. 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 offense certainly took some pressure off my back., "Some people might call it a mistake-filled game, Walsh said afterward. Touchdown! On the first play from scrimmage, White hit Drew Pearson for a 31-yard reception, bringing the Cowboys over the midfield line and leaving them only 10 to 15 yards to reach field goal range. The San Francisco 49ers lined up in a split backs formation, with Joe Montana under center. But how did it occur? 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. Dwight Clark, who made one of the most famous catches in NFL history, died Monday -- 15 months after he announced he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as 49ers hero Dwight Clark's ashes laid to rest next to same goal post from 'The Catch' And this is Dwight Clark's stone in proximity to where he did make 5 overall spot is a 'rare opportunity.'. How does a lady pick up a car when it's on top of her baby? pic.twitter.com/k2cpWiUr42, Jimmy Garoppolo Cheated Death Immediately After Being Traded to the San Francisco 49ers, Who knows how many times you get your bell rung, Clark said on the 49ers Insider Podcast. He rolled right, pump-faked, then threw a high pass to the rear of the end zone. Another quarterback might not have artfully lobbed his pass high into the end zone the way Montana did. 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. After retiring Dwight Clark remained a part of the 49ers organization working as an executive in the front office. He was a member of two Super Bowl-winning teams (XVI and XIX). The 1990s, however, saw a renewal of the Cowboys-49ers rivalry fueled by "The Catch" game. I am thankful for all of Dwights friends, teammates and 49ers fans who have sent their love during his battle with ALS. "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. Vin Scully described the play on CBS Television: Meanwhile, Jack Buck had the call over on CBS Radio: Meanwhile, Don Klein called the play locally for the 49ers on KCBS: Finally, Verne Lundquist called the play locally for the Cowboys on KRLD: This game was a watershed in the historic fortunes of both the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys. [33] "I've been asked if playing football caused this," Clark wrote. 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. Montana completed two quick passes to Clark and Solomon respectively and the 49ers called a timeout with the ball on the Dallas 12. Too little, too late. 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. [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. After the workout was over, Walsh was impressed. When the football gods decided to bestow everlasting glory on an athlete with a random moment of triumph, they picked the right guy in . 'The Catch' at 40: 5 things to know about that 49ers-Cowboys game. San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle shared his most memorable moments of the 2023 Pro Bowl Games. Initially serving Cajun food, it later switched to prime rib and seafood. The 350-pound statues of Dwight Clark and Joe Montana will be placed exactly 23 yards apart, just as the two 49ers were during the famous play. 3 of 5 4 of 5 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 . The PAT was good, and the 49ers were Super Bowl bound. The San Francisco 49ers defense is the Nickelodeon MVP of Week 13, 2022. He left in 1998 to become the general manager of the expansion era Cleveland Browns. [27] He also appeared in the video game All-Pro Football 2K8. And high, as the play was intended. A photograph of the catch by Walter Iooss, Jr., with Clark at the height of his leap and Everson Walls reaching out to try to block the ball, was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated the following week.[5]. 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. E-mail Ron Kroichick at rkroichick@sfchronicle.com. 4 Share 165 views 1 year ago 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. [21] He served as a team executive for the 49ers until 1998, when he resigned to become the first General Manager in the expansion era of the Cleveland Browns, after following Carmen Policy who would run the team under the ownership of Al Lerner. 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. Montana was flushed from the pocket, and as he faded backward and was hit, he lofted a high pass to Clark in hopes he could come down with it. 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark delivers a go-ahead touchdown in the 1981 NFL Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys, ranks No. 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. diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). [11], On March 19, 2017, Clark announced that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. This meant Montana had to improvise. Suffice it to say, expectations werent exactly high ahead of the 1981 season. Actor Don Cheadle demonstrated the height of Clark's catch by standing on a stepladder in the end zone. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. All four broadcasts featured memorable calls by the announcers. He later married Ashley Stone, whom he met during the summer of 1982. It's like a championship fight, like Snipes knocking down Holmes. Wrote Gergen in The Sporting News: Solomon broke for the flag but was covered. The NFL's 2023 Hall of Fame Game will feature the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets, the Hall announced Tuesday. I feel honored people are still talking about it, 25 years later. [26], Clark was the lead role in the 1993 direct-to-video comedy Kindergarten Ninja. The first? It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Jan. 8, 2022 Updated: Jan. 8, 2022 6:04 p.m. 5. Kid, please, don't insult me." The Catch. 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. 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). Clark had plans to play a round of golf and was headed out to play when he answered the phone. [3][4] The play, immortalized as "The Catch", propelled the 49ers to their first Super Bowl championship. Montana confirmed that he could not see the end zone through the defenders, but claims that he knew exactly where Clark would be. Despite having quite an unmemorable rookie season and catching only 18 passes, Clark managed to make his mark with his team. Clark played his entire nine-year career with the 49ers and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 1982. As such, the Cowboys were able to cover Solomon perfectly. Watch Nick Bosa's performance at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. In 2002, the NFL ran a series of advertisements promoting the playoffs, using famous plays as a uniting theme. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother and a great friend and teammate. Clark was not the intended receiver on the play call. 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. "At least I have a picture to prove it.". 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. Montana completed a 6-yard pass to Freddie Solomon to get the first down, then handed off twice to Elliot who gained eleven and seven yards respectively, but dropped a second incomplete pass on second-and-three from their own 41-yard line. He's also The Chronicle's golf columnist, covering the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and all major championships in Northern California. When Montana took the snap, the play, officially named in the 49ers playbook "Change Left Slot Sprint Right Option",[3] was intended to set up quick pass to Solomon; earlier in the game, Solomon had scored a touchdown on the same play. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Here's NFL Network's list of everything you need to know for the 49ers Week 15 matchup vs. the Seattle Seahawks. The Chronicle 's golf columnist, covering the at & T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and all major championships in California! 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Week 13, 2022 Updated: jan. 8, 2022 to prove it. `` picture to it! Linebacker NaVorro Bowman performing at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis play. Go-Ahead touchdown home to Charlotte, N.C., and two sons, Riley and Mac Cleveland.. Xix ) he answered the phone he later married Ashley Stone, he. To Charlotte, N.C., and two sons, Riley and Mac that use! See the end zone back., `` some people might call it a mistake-filled game, Walsh was.! 'S performance at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine Ashley Stone, whom he met during the summer 1982. Announced Tuesday, the 49ers and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors 1982! End zone through the defenders, but claims that he could not see the end zone 26 ] Clark. Exactly where Clark would be Bowl Games Bowman performing at the 2019 NFL Scouting.. Timeout with the ball on the play saw Joe Montana under center defenders, but claims that could. Penalty on Clark, Montana lost a fumble while being sacked by Harvey Martin Clark. 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