Jim Plunkett of the Oakland Raiders launched the longest touchdown throw in NFL history in 1983. The ball was thrown 70 yards into the wind against the Chicago Bears.
It's still the all-time longest pass play in NFL history. Plunkett's teammate Fred Biletnikoff had a great season with 16 catches for 221 yards and two touchdowns.
The pass was not caught by a Raider, but by Mike Mitchell of the Bears. He returned it 80 yards for a touchdown. It was the only score of the game for both teams as they finished with a tie on top of the league.
Plunkett played in only one more game after this incident before being injured. He died at age 35 in a car accident. Although he wasn't actually throwing the ball, this act is what made him a legend in Raiders lore.
Drew Brees, Matt Hasslebeck, Ben Rothlisberger, Carson Palmer, Jake Delhomme, Byron Leftwich, and Joey Harrington were among those that took part. He threw a 70-yard pass to Raymond Chester that was caught by Ken Walters in Minnesota.
The record is now held by Peyton Manning who passed for 5,477 yards during his career. The all-time leader is Tom Brady with 4,928 yards.
Longest passes thrown in the NFL: 80+ yards
Manning's 71-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison in 2003 remains the longest play ever completed in the NFL. It also ranks as the longest touchdown pass in Indianapolis Colts history. The record has since been beaten twice, first by Brett Favre with a 90-yard touchdown pass to Tony McGee and then by Aaron Rodgers with a 95-yard score to Greg Jennings.
It's worth mentioning that all three of these quarterbacks are members of the same organization. The Denver Broncos have had two of the most prolific passing attacks of all time, with Terrell Owens and Manning leading the way. Brady came along a few years later but has already surpassed all expectations.
Manning is still going strong after his second season, while Brady is entering his third campaign.
On October 2, 1983, Jim Plunkett delivered a 99-yard touchdown throw to Cliff Branch. The Raiders were beaten 37-35 by the Washington Redskins, but this play holds the record for the longest pass in Raiders history.
It was also the first game back in Oakland since the death of John Madden, who was the coach of the Raiders when they played their first game at Shea Stadium in New York City. The game was held on Monday, October 2, 1983.
Plunkett was under pressure when he dropped back to pass, but he managed to find an open Branch down the left side of the field. Branch turned upfield and reached into the end zone with his right arm to pull off one of the most amazing plays you will ever see.
Cliff Branch had eight receptions for 199 yards and two touchdowns during that season. He also returned three kicks for 49 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown.
The Raiders lost their second game this year 0-7 and were out of the playoff race before Christmas. But this play should put a smile on your face every time you watch it.
Muhsin Muhammad muhsin muhsin muhsin muhsin muhsin muhsin muhsin muhsin muhsin muhsin muh The receiver's touchdown catch in Super Bowl XXXVIII is the longest throw play in game history. It was also one of three touchdowns scored by Seattle during their 38-352 victory over Atlanta.
The other two scores were caught by Russell Wilson with 3:58 left in the third quarter and 1:50 remaining in the fourth. Both plays were 20 yards or more downfield, so they're not countable according to NFL rules. However, both plays were completed for touchdowns. So, who is responsible for deciding what counts as a legal play? That would be the officials. If they call it a play even though it went beyond the line of scrimmage, that's how long it will take for the clock to expire.
The play occurred with 4:44 left in the third quarter. The Seahawks had just finished a 10-play, 80-yard drive that took up nearly seven minutes of game time. This play took less than half as much time to complete. So, it can be assumed that it counted as a legal play.
Muhammad got away with a lot on this play because the Atlanta defense was distracted by Russ Wilson running around like a madman.
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