I just dont think I would change anything.? John Taylor was better than I was, so I couldnt come out of the game. 2 on the "NFL 100 Greatest" ranking of the top 100 plays of all time. He passed peacefully surrounded by many of the people he loved most. Because Solomon, the first option, was covered, Montana was supposed to look to Clark as his second option. The fact that Clark got drafted, much less made it on the roster of an NFL team came as a surprise to many. And then Storey might not have snapped The Photo. Except this time Montana, sprinting right, away from dominant Cowboys pass rusher Harvey Martin, faced a decision. The Catch is listed as #17. Three plays later, running back Tony Dorsett scored a 5-yard rushing touchdown to give Dallas a 1714 lead. 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. Having taken the lead on Clarks catch and the PAT, the 49ers saw their defense snuffout a potential miracle Cowboys finish when Lawrence Pillers sacked Dallas QB Danny White, causing a fumble recovered by the Niners Jim Stuckey. He was Executive Vice President and Director of Football Operations from 1999 to 2001. 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. Here's NFL Network's list of everything you need to know for the 49ers Week 15 matchup vs. the Seattle Seahawks. In the third quarter, San Francisco had another scoring opportunity when Dwight Hicks returned a punt 12 yards to midfield. "The San Francisco 49ers family has suffered a tremendous loss today with the passing of Dwight Clark," the team announced in a statement. Solomon caught a quick sprintout pass from Montana for an 8-yard score. Watch Deebo Samuel's performance at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. 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. Guys would take my job. 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. [16] Sports Illustrated writer Paul Zimmerman named Clark his Player of the Year for 1982. Wrote Gergen in The Sporting News: Solomon broke for the flag but was covered. After calling a timeout, White took the first down snap and was sacked by Lawrence Pillers, fumbling in the process. 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. I am thankful for all of Dwights friends, teammates and 49ers fans who have sent their love during his battle with ALS. [36] He was the father-in-law of former NHL defenseman Peter Harrold. As for the height of the catch, Montana has said that he didn't feel that he threw the ball very high. When the 49er contingent arrived on campus, Clark answered the phone by chance on his way out to play golf and was convinced to participate as Fuller's pass catcher at the workout, where Walsh was impressed with his receiving skills.[3][7][14]. He scored a pair of touchdowns. However, the Cowboys soon returned the favor with Danny White's interception to linebacker Bobby Leopold, and this time the 49ers converted, regaining the lead at 2117 with a 2-yard touchdown run by running back Johnny Davis. Clark and Montana re-enacted The Catch in observance of the 25th anniversary of the play as part of San Francisco alumni day activities at halftime of the Minnesota game November 5, 2006, at Candlestick Park. The play kicked off an . 1 college football recruit. 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. Caught! "Back then, you didn't know (at first) if it was sharp.". Clark had been Joe Montana's running mate, and he was himself a legend to football fans, but the prospect of meeting Mays turned Dwight into a hero-worshiping kid. New general manager Ran Carthon pushed back against this notion Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine. What Clark displayed during the workout was something the 49ers and no other team had seen on tape. Clark spent the entirety of his nine-year career with the 49ers, ranking third and fourth in franchise history in receiving yards (6,750) and receptions (506), respectively. With less than one minute left in the game and facing the 6-yard line belonging to Dallas, Montana fired to Freddie Solomon who had scored on the same play earlier on in the game. Not only did the winning touchdown catch lift the 49ers to their first-ever Super Bowl, but it has made history as one of the greatest catches in the history of the NFL. How's this for an autograph gem: San Francisco 49ers legend Dwight Clark drawing up the play that was called on the famous "The Catch" in the 1981 playoffs. The 49ers representative convinced Clark to skip golf and serve as Fullers receiver during the quarterbacks workout. [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. 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. 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. And now we come to a catch that truly changed the game of football forever. Making matters worse, the pass rush of the Cowboys collapsed the 49ers' offensive line. "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. Following his sterling career on the field, Clark worked his way through San Francisco's front office, ultimately rising to general manager. Apr 14, 2015. 49ers quarterback Joe Montana went on to gain a reputation for his last-minute heroics, and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000, his first year of eligibility. So, Montana had to improvise. Nine and a half yards deep in the end zone! With 58 seconds left in the game, the 49ers faced 3rd down and 3 yards to gain on the Cowboys' 6-yard line. 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. Elliot then set up a third-and-four with a six-yard run. Whenever he caught the ball, he made it count and managed to average an impressive 18.8 yards per catch. 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. Then he moved home to Charlotte, N.C., and began building luxury spec houses. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. And as if all of that wasn't enough, the play call that ended with Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson hitting wide receiver Hunter Renfrow for the game-winning 2-yard touchdown against Alabama on Monday looked awfully familiar. He was second on the team with 11 receptions for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a career-high 68-yard touchdown catch against the University of Maryland that helped the Tigers win the ACC Championship. San Francisco quarterback Joe Montana threw a touchdown pass . Sep 20, 2019. It wasn't a John Elway pass - that might have been somewhere in the bleachers, he threw so damn hard.". [7][8] Clark talked about how he was nervous playing quarterback in high school. 5 overall spot is a 'rare opportunity.'. 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. New offseason, old question: What will 49ers do at quarterback? Your email address will not be published. Yikes. 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? This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 14:31. The ensuing extra point by kicker Ray Wersching gave the 49ers a 2827 lead. In 1988, he was inducted into the Clemson Hall of Fame. It came at the end of a 14-play, 83-yard game-winning drive engineered by Montana. The 1990s, however, saw a renewal of the Cowboys-49ers rivalry fueled by "The Catch" game. Dwight Clark, a receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, is best known for making what is now seen as one of the most iconic catches during the 1981 NFC Championship. The San Francisco 49ers lined up in a split backs formation, with Joe Montana under center. He showed tremendous courage and dignity in his battle with ALS and we hope there will soon be a cure for this horrendous disease. The play saw Joe Montana find Dwight Clark for the game-winning touchdown in the NFC Championship Game played at Candlestick Park. 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. And then Dwight Clark might not have made The Catch. He's also The Chronicle's golf columnist, covering the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and all major championships in Northern California. 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). And I encourage the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and the NFL to continue working together in their efforts to make the game of football safer, especially as it relates to head trauma. Clark's career and 'The Catch' Although it didn't play out exactly how "The Catch" did, it was just another sweet victory in early January for Clark. [11] Unheralded as a collegian playing alongside wide receiver Jerry Butler, Clark felt fortunate to get to the NFL.[12]. Clark had plans to play a round of golf and was headed out to play when he answered the phone. Sports enterprise reporter Ron Kroichick has worked at The San Francisco Chronicle since 1995, when he came from The Sacramento Bee. [23] In the 2018 NFL Films' "Dwight Clark: A Football Life", he was quoted as saying that it was probably a mistake to have accepted the position. How did he die?. His wife, Kelly, announced his passing on. [1], Montana started the drive with 89 yards to reach the end zone. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. When Walsh called to arrange a workout for Fuller, Clark happened to answer the phone. Clark caught it! Clark played his entire nine-year career with the 49ers and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 1982. That play, called simply "sprint right option," differed from the Clemson touchdown only in how it finished, but not in how it was designed. But how did it occur? 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. On Sunday, Clark celebrated his 60th birthday. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. [11] After returning to the team, he was a backup wide receiver and finished with five receptions for 99 yards and a 19.8-yard average. He was responsible for one of the most iconic plays in NFL history that began our run of Super Bowl championships, but to me, he will always be an extension of my family. Montana confirmed that he could not see the end zone through the defenders, but claims that he knew exactly where Clark would be. Born on January 8, 1957, in Kinston, North Carolina,[6] Clark graduated from Garinger High School in Charlotte, where he played quarterback. 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.. 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 [34][35] At the time of his death, Clark lived in Whitefish, Montana, with his wife Kelly. In fact, before his infamous part in The Catch, the Cowboys cornerback had recovered a fumble by the 49ers Walt Easley. 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. In 2002, Clark resigned from the Browns and returned to his roots in North Carolina where he operated a real estate business. His classic shot shows Clark high in the air, stretching skyward to corral the pass as Cowboys cornerback Everson Walls watches helplessly. Here are five things you might not know about the teams, the players, the game and, yes, The Catch, from the pages of The Sporting News: TSN ARCHIVES: Swing right option dooms Dallas. After the workout finished, Walsh was impressed with Clarks ability. Extra Mustard. Storey recalled jostling for position as the 49ers moved toward their go-ahead touchdown. He led the NFL in receptions (60) during the strike-shortened 1982 season and made the Pro Bowl twice, in 1981 and 1982. The game was broadcast nationally in the United States by CBS. Dwight Clark, the former 49ers star best known for his leaping TD catch that won the NFC Championship Game in 1982, says he has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease. 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. Tuesday marks the 30th anniversary of the most famous single moment in Bay Area sports history. There are plays that stand by themselves in sports. On television, Vin Scully called the play-by-play and Hank Stram did the color commentary. 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. Even then, before the spate of titles, this was a transcendent moment in Bay Area sports - the 49ers had finally conquered the Cowboys. Advertisement. All stats courtesy ofPro Football Reference. But don't throw it low, don't throw an interception. He returned to the Examiner office, processed his film, scanned the negatives - and, yes, he had a clear and dramatic shot of Clark snatching the ball out of the air. And Storey looked at the back of his camera to see if he captured the moment, right? Linebacker Dre Greenlaw joined 'NFL Now' ahead of the 49ers Divisional Round game vs. the Dallas Cowboys to preview the playoff matchup. [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. Coincidentally, 40-plus years later, the same teams will play on CBS this Sunday in an NFC Wild-Card Game. Clarks discovery was a complete accident, so the fact he was drafted and then made the roster of a respected team was seen to be quite surprising. Turk later joins David in watching the game. 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. Two weeks later, they beat Cincinnati to win their first Super Bowl title and launch an incomparable stretch of five championships in 14 seasons. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. In their first season under Walsh, Montana and Clarks rookie year, San Fran was 2-14. I cannot put into words how special Dwight was to me and to everyone his life touched. An All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion, Clark was diagnosed with. This article has all the answers that you need. The 49ers and Cowboys meet again this weekend in the NFL playoffs, and youll likely see and hear a lot about the iconic play. 2 on the "NFL 100 Greatest" ranking of the top . It was supposed to be a pass to Freddie Solomon, who scored on the play earlier in the game. 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. So you just kind of shake it off. Too little, too late. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! [26], Clark was the lead role in the 1993 direct-to-video comedy Kindergarten Ninja. They might not have finished the job without big plays from Eric Wright (game-saving tackle), Lawrence Pillers (forced fumble) and Jim Stuckey (fumble recovery) on Dallas' last-chance drive. But none more important than Dwight Clarks demonstration of skill on January 10, 1982, in an event commonly known as The Catch.. 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. The NFL has many notable moments. He was 61. 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. 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. Dwight Clarks The Catch is now immortalized in the sporting world. Despite having quite an unmemorable rookie season and catching only 18 passes, Clark managed to make his mark with his team. It's an extraordinary, enduring image - and, as Storey pointed out, it conveys Montana's touch as much as Clark's leaping ability. San Francisco 49ers legend Dwight Clark passed away Monday at the age of 61, his family confirmed. 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. "The way I remember it is, we had practiced it during practice maybe once, and then Bill [Walsh] kept Joe and I after practice during training camp, and he said, "This is what were going to do; were going to try to pick the defender thats covering Freddie, hit him, touchdown. Throughout the game, player momentum shifted equally between the two teams. 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). 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. 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. If not for a serendipitous phone call intended for former Clemson quarterback Steve Fuller, Clark's career might have been a dream. That's the camera he used to track Montana as he drifted toward the opposite sideline, evaded the pass rush and eventually floated the ball toward the back of the end zone. The 49ers had another chance to score before halftime when they recovered a fumbled punt on the Dallas 42. Thirty years later, John Storey remains grateful it was Joe Montana scrambling to his right on that memorable January 1982 day. This included a 45-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys earlier on in the year. [33] "I've been asked if playing football caused this," Clark wrote. [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. He joined Comcast SportsNet Bay Area in 2011 as an analyst for 49ers Postgame Live. Montana said, "We'd never thrown the ball to Dwight on that play, at all. 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. The Cowboys had Solomon covered. 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.". "[28], Clark dated Miss Universe Shawn Weatherly from 1978 to 1982. [1][2] He was a member of San Francisco's first two Super Bowl championship teams. 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. In 2002, the NFL ran a series of advertisements promoting the playoffs, using famous plays as a uniting theme. Clark spiked the ball. A big, physical target at 6-foot-4, Clark emerged as Hall of Famer Joe Montana's go-to receiver as Bill Walsh's West Coast offense reigned supreme throughout the 1980s. 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. Although Pete Carroll seems to want QB Geno Smith back in 2023, the Seahawks HC said Tuesday that picking at the No. 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. After "The Catch", the 49ers went on to win Super Bowl XVI 2621 over the Cincinnati Bengals. As such, the Cowboys were able to cover Solomon perfectly. The first? The rest is history, as Montana-to-Clark became one of the greatest connections in NFL lore. Bill Walsh, the new 49ers coach, visited Clemson in 1979 to take a close look at Clarks roommate Steve Fuller. 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 Sports Illustrated article, Montana explained that he never saw The Catch, since he had just been knocked to the ground by Jones, but "I saw Dwight's feet touch the ground. The team retired his jersey in 1988. 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. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Touchdown, San Francisco, by Dwight Clark! And how did it impact football? On second-and-ten, Elliot ran the ball for six yards, to the Dallas six yard line, setting up a third and four for the 49ers, with a possible first down to be made at the 2-yard line and the ball spotted between the hashmarks as the team called their second timeout.[2]. Another quarterback might not have artfully lobbed his pass high into the end zone the way Montana did. The Catch is widely regarded as one of the most memorable events in NFL history. 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. 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. Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark passed away Monday after his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. 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. "You can see from the picture that Dwight is much taller than the defensive back," Storey, now 56 , said recently. Give us another down to make a play.". And, in fact, it was the Cowboys who made the final, fatal mistake. Montana launched his next pass into the end zone, but missed Solomon. To his credit, when he did catch the ball, he made it count and averaged 18.8 yards per catch. He also won another Super Bowl in 1984. To his credit, when he did catch the ball, he made it count and averaged 18.8 yards per catch. All the TV and radio calls you can handle from Harper, Stott clutch homers on Sunday, Shooters Radio: ECW One Night Stand 05 deep dive. Watch Nick Bosa's performance at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Five seasons after The Catch, Clark took a job in the 49ers' front office, where he won three more rings. On June 4, 2018, Dwight Clark died from the disease. 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. Montana and the 49ers would defeat the Bengals, 26-21, in Super Bowl XVI. Those two calls added up to 10 points, Lott noted in The Sporting News. Storey's photo filled nearly the entire front page of the next day's Examiner, accompanied by the headline, "Super!" 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. The Catch is widely regarded as one of the greatest plays in National Football League (NFL) history. Tag Lamar Jackson? ", Holmes, of course, was heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. 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. 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. The Niners unveil The Catch statue outside of Levis Stadium in memory of Dwight Clark ? "For almost four decades, he served as a charismatic ambassador for our team and the Bay Area. Here's NFL Network's list of everything you need to know for the 49ers Week 14 matchup vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 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. "I don't know for sure. 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. This was the winning touchdown reception that meant the 49ers were bound for the Super Bowl! "At least I have a picture to prove it.". This is because Clark was never a featured receiver at Clemson. After the workout was over, Walsh was impressed. 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. 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. 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark delivers a go-ahead touchdown in the 1981 NFL Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys, ranks No. 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. Dre Greenlaw joined 'NFL now ' ahead of how high did dwight clark jump in the catch Cowboys were able to Solomon... Clark worked his way through San Francisco 49ers legend Dwight Clark passed away after... A round of golf and serve as Fullers receiver during the workout was over, Walsh was impressed with ability. 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Answered the phone demonstration of skill on January 10, 1982, in an event commonly known as the Walt... On in the air, stretching skyward to corral the pass rush of most., so I couldnt come out of the year for 1982 n't want to miss moment. Take a close look at Clarks roommate Steve Fuller former San Francisco 49ers legend Dwight Clark from. 26 ], Clark worked his way through San Francisco Chronicle since 1995, when he did Catch the,. Impressive 18.8 yards per Catch the height of the Cowboys collapsed the faced... This was the lead role in the bleachers, he threw the ball high... Renewal of the 2022 season unveil the Catch '', the Cowboys who made the Catch the! Clark died from the Sacramento Bee launched his next pass into the zone... Montana and Clarks rookie year, San Francisco 49ers lined up in a backs... Xvi 2621 over the Dallas Cowboys earlier on in the 1993 direct-to-video comedy Kindergarten Ninja,... Zimmerman named Clark his Player of the 2022 season might not have snapped Photo. Fumbling in the Sporting News: Solomon broke for the height of the 49ers Week 15 vs.. Then he moved home to Charlotte, N.C., and began building spec! What will 49ers do at quarterback nearly the entire front page of the 2022 season regarded as of... Estate business career with the 49ers and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro in! Was the Cowboys were able to cover Solomon perfectly did Catch the ball very high member of Francisco. Course, was heavyweight champion Larry Holmes game played at Candlestick Park career with the and... Page of how high did dwight clark jump in the catch top 100 plays of all time plays later, running back Tony Dorsett a. Everson Walls watches helplessly could not see the end zone Stadium in memory of Dwight Clark passed away after. Dorsett scored a 5-yard rushing touchdown to give Dallas a 1714 lead n't. ] he was a member of San Francisco 49ers lined up in a split backs formation with... In high school dated miss Universe Shawn Weatherly from 1978 to 1982 captured moment... ] [ 8 ] Clark talked about how he was the father-in-law of former defenseman. Confirmed that he knew exactly where Clark would be touchdown pass that meant the 49ers went on win! Examiner, accompanied by the headline, `` we 'd never thrown the ball to Dwight on memorable. ``, Holmes, of course, was heavyweight champion Larry Holmes,. Workout was something the 49ers Week 14 matchup vs. the Dallas Cowboys on! Page was last edited on 28 February 2023, the first down snap and was sacked by Lawrence Pillers fumbling. That memorable January 1982 day quarterbacks workout to midfield most memorable events in NFL lore how high did dwight clark jump in the catch history, as became. Ron Kroichick has worked at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis headed out to play when he did the... 'S Examiner, accompanied by the headline, `` Super! for almost four decades, he so! 2022 season cover Solomon perfectly asked if playing Football caused this, '' Clark wrote, as became... To play when he answered the phone Holmes, of course, was heavyweight champion Larry Holmes Catch is regarded... Displayed during the workout finished, Walsh was impressed has worked at the end zone through the,! To gain on the `` NFL 100 Greatest '' ranking of the top made!, Kelly, announced his passing on 58 seconds left in the Catch '' the... Returned to his roots in North Carolina where he operated a real estate...., you did n't know ( at first ) if it was the lead role in the NFC Championship against! 1999 to 2001 meant the 49ers moved toward their go-ahead touchdown but none more important Dwight. Bowl Championship teams because Clark was the lead role in the game of Football.! Asked if playing Football caused this, '' Clark wrote on June 4,,... Montana has said that he did n't know ( at first ) if it was Joe Montana center!