HAIL MARY PLAY Meaning and
Definition
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A "Hail Mary play" is a term used in American football to describe a desperate, high-risk action undertaken by a team when they are trailing and time is running out. It is typically executed when a team is deep in their own territory and has only one play left to try and score or regain the lead. The "Hail Mary play" is characterized by a long, high pass launched towards the end zone, with the hopes of achieving a touchdown or a successful catch by one of the receivers.
The name "Hail Mary" draws its origin from a famous Catholic prayer of the same name, where devotees petition the Virgin Mary for assistance and intercession in times of great need. In the context of football, the term came to prominence during a game in 1975, when Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach threw a successful long pass to wide receiver Drew Pearson in the last seconds of the game, resulting in an improbable victory. Staubach, when asked about the play, said he closed his eyes, said a "Hail Mary," and threw the ball, thus leading to the term's adoption in football terminology.
Due to its nature, the "Hail Mary play" is often seen as a last-ditch effort and is employed when the likelihood of success is extremely low. It is viewed as a combination of strategy, skill, and luck, as the offense relies on precise execution, the defense's potential mistakes, and the receiver's ability to make a miraculous catch.
Common Misspellings for HAIL MARY PLAY
- gail mary play
- bail mary play
- nail mary play
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- yail mary play
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- haip mary play
- haio mary play
- hail nary play
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