Top 30 plays in NFL history

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 30: Running back John Riggins #44 of the Washington Redskins runs 43 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter as tight end Clint Didier #86 of the Redskins and defensive back Glenn Blackwood #47 of the Miami Dolphins pursue the play during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl on January 30, 1983 in Pasadena, California. The Redskins defeated the Dolphins 27-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

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Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach looking to pass in a 27-10 win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII on January 15, 1978 at Lousiana Superdome. (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images) /

10. Roger Staubach says Hail Mary

There have been several Hail Mary’s in NFL history, but you never forget your first.

The 1975 NFC Divisional round matchup between Dallas and Minnesota was a mostly-defensive affair. The Vikings led at halftime by a score of 7-0. Dallas tied the game on a run by Doug Dennison and took the lead on a short field goal in the beginning of the fourth quarter.

The Vikings came back, though. Quarterback Fran Tarkenton led a 11-play drive that was capped off by a Brent McClanahan touchdown with just over five minutes to play. Dallas eventually got the ball back with less than two minutes left in the game. Drew Pearson had been held without a reception until the final drive, where he caught four passes for 91 yards.

The Hail Mary throw from Staubach to Pearson will always be surrounded by controversy. Pearson very clearly shoved defensive back Nate Wright to the ground before the pass had gotten to him. Nonetheless, no penalty was called- the touchdown stood. Vikings fans began throwing objects on the field, and a glass bottle struck an official which resulted in him needing stitches. The Cowboys won the game, and would go on to represent the NFC in Super Bowl X, losing to the Steelers.

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