Hail Mary passes hold a special place in the hearts of football fans. They represent the ultimate high-risk, high-reward play that can shift the entire momentum of a game in mere seconds. On Sunday, Jayden Daniels and Noah Brown delivered one of the most memorable Hail Mary passes in recent memory, leaving fans in awe.
Daniels’ 52-yard throw to Brown with no time left on the clock to defeat the Chicago Bears will undoubtedly be remembered, but does it rank among the greatest Hail Marys in NFL history?
The Origins of the Hail Mary: Roger Staubach’s Famous Play
The term “Hail Mary” in football can be traced back to a 1975 playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings. Roger Staubach launched a prayer-like pass to Drew Pearson, resulting in a game-winning touchdown. Staubach later mentioned he said a Hail Mary before throwing the ball, and the term has since become synonymous with desperation heaves into the end zone.
However, Staubach’s pass wasn’t quite the same as what we typically consider a Hail Mary today. There were still 32 seconds left on the clock, leaving room for additional plays. Today, Hail Marys are more often a last-second, do-or-die effort to win the game.
Plays like these captivate fans and dramatically affect outcomes for those who track betting lines or bet on NFL player props, adding to the excitement. Jayden Daniels’ pass, made with no time left, is a perfect example of the intensity and unpredictability that comes with these moments.
Comparing Daniels’ Hail Mary to the Greatest in NFL History
Jayden Daniels’ Hail Mary was spectacular, but how does it stack up against the most iconic moments in NFL history? Let’s take a look.
- Doug Flutie’s Miracle
No conversation about Hail Marys can begin without mentioning Doug Flutie’s unforgettable pass at Boston College in 1984. While it technically wasn’t an NFL play, Flutie’s heave to beat Miami is considered one of the greatest Hail Marys in football history. It was his defining moment and is remembered every time Hail Mary passes are discussed. Though not part of the NFL, it is a benchmark for incredible last-second heroics.
- Aaron Rodgers: The King of Hail Marys
Aaron Rodgers has made a career out of completing impossible passes, and his pair of iconic Hail Marys in 2015 stands out in the NFL’s rich history of dramatic moments. His first, against the Detroit Lions, came on the back of a facemask penalty that gave Green Bay one last untimed play. The ball sailed through the air before landing in the hands of Richard Rodgers, giving the Packers a stunning victory.
Rodgers followed this up with another Hail Mary in a playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals later that season. This time, Jeff Janis received a game-tying pass that showcased Rodgers’ ability to throw under pressure. While the Packers eventually lost in overtime, the throw itself is often cited as one of the most impressive in NFL history, given its difficulty and timing.
- The “Hail Murray”
More recently, in 2020, Kyler Murray’s “Hail Murray” against the Buffalo Bills cemented itself in NFL lore. With just seconds left, Murray evaded defenders and launched a deep pass toward DeAndre Hopkins, who made one of the most spectacular catches ever. Hopkins leaped between three Buffalo defenders to come down with the ball, securing the Arizona Cardinals a victory. The sheer athleticism from Murray’s throw and Hopkins’ catch makes it a top contender for the greatest Hail Mary.
Jayden Daniels to Noah Brown: Breaking it Down
Daniels’ 52-yard pass to Noah Brown is still fresh, but its significance cannot be understated. With zero time left on the clock, Daniels scrambled to buy time—evading pressure for over 12 seconds—before launching the ball into the end zone. Brown was surrounded by defenders but managed to outjump everyone and secure the game-winning touchdown. The pass gave Washington a thrilling victory over Chicago, adding another chapter to NFL Hail Mary history.
The time he spent creating the play makes Daniels’ throw unique. He had to avoid multiple defenders, extend the play, and still deliver an accurate pass under immense pressure. It was a test of athleticism, poise, and patience. However, as remarkable as it was, does it dethrone some all-time greats?
Where Does Daniels Rank?
While Jayden Daniels’ Hail Mary is undoubtedly one for the ages, it might not surpass some of the plays mentioned earlier. Although from the college level, Doug Flutie’s miracle remains untouchable in its legendary status. Similarly, Aaron Rodgers’ ability to pull off multiple Hail Marys in high-stakes situations solidifies his place at the top of the Hail Mary pantheon.
Moreover, the “Hail Murray” was an extraordinary combination of precision passing and an almost superhuman catch. Hopkins’ grab between three defenders is considered one of the best receptions in Hail Mary history, if not overall. That said, Daniels’ pass will likely be remembered for years, especially if he continues to elevate his game. Daniels’ future in the NFL is certainly bright.
Final Thoughts
Daniels’ stunning pass to Brown has earned a spot among the best Hail Marys, though it may not be considered the greatest just yet. It’s a thrilling example of what makes Hail Mary plays so special: the sheer unpredictability, the last-second magic, and the possibility of witnessing something truly unforgettable. As Daniels’ career unfolds, this moment may rise even higher in NFL lore, and it will stand proudly among the best Hail Marys we’ve ever seen.