The term originated with legendary Cowboys QB Roger Staubach, who said he "closed his eyes and said a Hail Mary" when he threw a last-second touchdown against the Vikings in a playoff game.

Quarterback Roger Staubach's Hail Mary touchdown pass to wide receiver Drew Pearson of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1975 NFC Divisional Round ranks as the No. 15 play in NFL history on the "NFL 100 ...

Dallas QB Roger Staubach threw a 50-yard, game-winning touchdown to WR Drew Pearson to defeat the Vikings. Staubach's post-game comments about the play are thought to have popularized "Hail Mary ...