What Is a Hail Mary in Football?

A Hail Mary pass in football is a play where the quarterback throws a long and high-arcing pass to a receiver positioned near the end zone with little regard for their position or the defense's coverage. This play is often used as a last-ditch effort to score a touchdown or tie the game. The term "Hail Mary" is derived from a last-ditch prayer said in desperation.

HOW TO EXECUTE A HAIL MARY PASS

To execute a successful Hail Mary pass, a quarterback must have a strong arm and the ability to throw the ball accurately over a long distance. The receiver must be able to out-jump and out-muscle defenders to make the catch. A team can become better at executing Hail Mary passes by practicing the play and working on the timing and coordination between the quarterback and the receivers.

TOP PLAYERS TO COMPLETE A HAIL MARY

One of the most famous players to complete a Hail Mary pass is Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2018, Mahomes threw a 50-yard pass to Tyreek Hill on the final play of a game against the Denver Broncos, which Hill caught in the end zone to score the game-winning touchdown. This play was a testament to Mahomes's arm strength and accuracy, as well as Hill's ability to make a difficult catch in traffic.

Another notable player who excels at Hail Mary passes is Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers has completed three Hail Mary passes in his career so far. One of his most memorable made our top three all-time Hail Mary passes.

TOP THREE HAIL MARY PASSES OF ALL-TIME

1. Aaron Rodgers to Richard Rodgers (2015)

In 2015, Aaron Rodgers threw a 66-yard Hail Mary pass to Richard Rodgers on the final play of a game against the Detroit Lions, giving the Packers a stunning 27–23 victory. This play is the longest game-winning Hail Mary in NFL history.

2. Kyle Murray to DeAndre Hopkins (2020)

With the Arizona Cardinals trailing the Buffalo Bills 30-26 with just 34 seconds left on the clock, Kyle Murray found DeAndre Hopkins with a 43-yard pass to win the match for the Cardinals. It was Murray's only touchdown pass of the game, but it was undoubtedly the most important.

3. Roger Staubach to Drew Pearson (1975)

This is the pass that started it all. In the NFC divisional playoff game, the Dallas Cowboys were trailing the Minnesota Vikings 14-10 with just 30 seconds left on the clock. Roger Staubach dropped back and launched a 50-yard bomb toward the end zone. The ball landed in the hands of Drew Pearson, who caught it for the winning touchdown. The play was so improbable that Staubach famously referred to it in the post-match interview as a Hail Mary pass, and thus, the term was born.

CONCLUSION

The Hail Mary pass is a risky play, as the quarterback must throw the ball into the air and hope that the receiver can make the catch. However, when executed correctly, it can be a game-changer. It requires a skilled quarterback, a talented receiver, and a lot of practice. It can turn a seemingly lost game into a victory and create unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.