The NFL has a lot of rules and regulations. While some of them are quite easy to understand, few require a significant understanding of the game. However, there is a third type of category that falls into the unique list. Here, the rules might be easy to fathom, but the name itself invokes a substantial amount of interest from the crowd. One such move in the NFL is Hail Mary. Typically associated with Christian religious beliefs, fans have often wondered about its relevance to football.
Thus, decoding the move, here’s everything you need to know about Hail Mary.
What Is Hail Mary In The NFL?
In simple words, a long passing attempt made in desperation is known as a Hail Mary. Here, a quarterback is the one who usually throws a long and high-arching pass. This pass is supposed to be picked by a receiver positioned right at the end zone of the gridiron. Now, here’s the interesting bit. While making the long pass, a quarterback has no idea about where exactly the receiver is positioned. He leaves it to chance that the ball would find the intended receiver. Due to such a desperate act, the move is known as Hail Mary.
When Can A Hail Mary Pass Be Made?
Technically, there is no fixed rule as to when a Hail Mary pass can be executed. However, the athletes usually refrain from resorting to such a high-risk move during regular play. Thus, it is only made in the dying minutes when a team desperately wants to change the ongoing game’s outcome.
How Did The Term Hail Mary Originate?
The name Hail Mary has a very interesting story related to it. But it was way different than the traditional move that we see in modern times. The story dates back to December 28, 1975. A game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Dallas Cowboys had the Vikings leading 14-10. With the clock ticking away, Cowboys’ quarterback Roger Staubach came up with a unique idea. He asked the team’s best receiver, Drew Pearson, to keep going deep.
Very happy to see Drew Pearson finally get in the HOF. One of the best WRs of his era, together he and Roger Staubach authored some of the most clutch moments in NFL playoff history, like the Hail Mary vs Minnesota in the divisional round in 1975
— Jordan Elliott (@splash_cousin) February 7, 2021
pic.twitter.com/GMiZGCHggJ
Throwing the ball with all his might, Staubach saw the pass landing just short of the end line. But Pearson was swift to gobble it up, thwart the incoming defender, and sealed the victory for the Cowboys. Later on, recalling the event, Staubach revealed that while making the pass, he had uttered a Hail Mary prayer, closing his eyes. Hence, the name Hail Mary.
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How To Perfectly Execute A Hail Mary Pass?
Well, there isn’t much rocket science needed to execute a Hail Mary pass. It’s quite simple. A quarterback making the throw must have enough power in his hands to take the ball through. On the contrary, the receiver at the end zone should have enough physical potential to outmuscle the onrushing defense to complete the move successfully.
Which NFL Players Have Been Successful In Making The Hail Mary Pass?
In fact, with the advent of the modern-day attacking style of play, there has been a surge in teams making Hail Mary attempts. According to reports submitted by ESPN Stats & Information Tracking, there have been 193 Hail Mary attempts since 2009. However, the success rate is still not quite up to par. Only 16 of the 193 attempts have been successfully converted into touchdowns.
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But there are players who have been able to master the art of the Hail Mary. One of them is the Green Bay Packers legend, Aaron Rodgers. Making quite a record, Rodgers has successfully completed not one but three Hail Mary passes in the NFL so far. Another name that quite expectedly fits the bill is Patrick Mahomes. The Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback made one successful Hail Mary pass to display the immense power in his hands.
Also Read: What Is A Blitz In The NFL? All You Need To Know
What Are The Top 3 Hail Mary Passes In The Modern Day NFL?
1. Aaron Rodgers to Richard Rogers In 2015:
Considered one of the best Hail Mary passes in NFL history, Aaron Rogers threw a 66-yard pass to Richard Rogers.
ESPN showed a montage of Aaron Rodgers' three career Hail Marys as Packers quarterback.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 15, 2024
On the next play, he threw his first Hail Mary with the Jets. pic.twitter.com/OScXwOmQQl
Trailing behind the Detroit Lions, Richard held onto the ball and secured a touchdown in the final act of the play. This put the Packers 27-23 up in the game, handing them a stunning victory.
2. Patrick Mahomes To Tyreek Hill In 2018
While playing against the Denver Broncos, Mahomes made a 50-yard throw. Standing at the end line, Tyreek Hill made no mistake as he huffed and puffed to secure a touchdown, winning his team the game.
3. Kyle Murray To DeAndre Hopkins In 2020
The Arizona Cardinals were trailing the Buffalo Bills 26-30 with just 34 seconds to go. With the writing almost on the wall for the Cardinals, Kyle Murray made a 43-yard pass, which DeAndre Hopkins successfully retrieved. Making the only and the most important touchdown of the game, the Cardinals shocked the Bills by snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
Thus, undoubtedly, Hail Mary is a risky play. However, while there is very little certainty of its fruition, it is also an exciting prospect to watch when the move does come out perfectly.
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