Hail Mary pass Hail Mary pass A Hail Mary pass, also known as a shot play, is a very long forward pass in American football, made in desperation, with only a small chance of success and time running out on the clock. The term became widespread after a December 28, 1975 NFL playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings, when Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach (a Roman Catholic and fan of "The Godfather Part II" (1974), whose character Fredo had popularized the phrase) said about his game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver Drew Pearson, "I closed my eyes and said a
Hail, Hail Red, Yellow", of which an alternate version can also be found on the compilation album, "Lost Dogs" (2003). "Black, Red, Yellow" is an homage to basketball player Dennis Rodman, who has a cameo in the track. The song peaked at number nine on the "Billboard" Mainstream Rock Tracks and "Billboard" Modern Rock Tracks charts. It appeared on "Billboard" magazine's Hot 100 Airplay chart, reaching the top 70. In Canada, "Hail, Hail" charted on the Alternative Top 30 chart where it peaked at number two. "Hail, Hail" also reached number 24 on the Canadian Year End Alternative Top 50. "Hail, Hail"