Definition of The Catch

What does the term "The Catch" mean in the world of football? What is meant by "The Catch"?

If you are thinking about NFL football in the 1980s, one of the first images in your mind will likely be "The Catch".

On January 10th, 1982, the San Francisco 49ers played host to the Dallas Cowboys at Candlestick Park.

The 49ers were down 27-21 with the final seconds of the game ticking down.

On 3rd down from the Cowboys' 6-yard line, Joe Montana rolled out to the right, where he lobbed a pass into the endzone.

Wide receiver Dwight Clark soared into the air, bringing down the pass and giving the 49ers the league, which they never relinquished.

This became known as "The Catch".

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"The Catch" was important as it officially started the San Francisco 49ers dynasty, which would stretch through most of the '80s.

On the opposite side of the ledger, the loss was a crushing blow to the Cowboys, who were literally seconds away from making another appearance in the Super Bowl.