We The People: This Day in History, December 28
Staubach’s Hail Mary Secures Cowboys Playoff Victory
Published: Dec. 28, 2025 at 7:41 AM CST
DALLAS, Texas (KWTX) - On December 28, 1975, the Dallas Cowboys won their playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings thanks to Roger Staubach’s touchdown pass.
In the last few seconds of the game, Staubach threw a 50-yard touchdown pass, beating the Vikings 17 to 14.
Staubach described the pass as a Hail Mary, cementing the term in the sports world as a desperate pass.
He went on to lead the Cowboys to Super Bowl victories in 1972 and 1978.
Staubach was also honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump in 2018.
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