Earl Cooper (American football) "The Catch" in the versus the Dallas Cowboys. Cooper also appeared in two Super Bowls for the 49ers, even catching an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Montana in Super Bowl XVI versus the Cincinnati Bengals. He ended his career with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1986. Cooper graduated from high school in Lexington, Texas. He is now a teacher and coach in Pflugerville, Texas. Earl Cooper (American football) Marion Earl Cooper (born September 17, 1957) is a former professional American football player who was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1st round (13th overall) of the 1980
The Catch (American football) West titles (1970–1972), but spent the remainder of the decade as a losing team. San Francisco went on to win four Super Bowls in the 1980s, and made the playoffs eight out of the next ten seasons, making the 49ers a dynasty. 49ers quarterback Joe Montana went on to gain a reputation as a clutch performer. Meanwhile, the Cowboys, one of the most successful NFC teams in the 1970s with five Super Bowl appearances (and two wins), never made it back to the Super Bowl in the 1980s. In the following season, the Cowboys reached their third straight NFC Championship