Dallas City News

We are at day 95 of our 99 day countdown until the regular season. Here is your daily fact associated with number 95.

On Day 99 we gave you the longest play in Cowboys history, but the longest passing play in Cowboys history went for 95 yards.

“Bullet” Bob Hayes was an Olympic sprinter turned wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. NFL defenses had to evolve and adjust due to his exceptional speed, bringing zone coverage into vogue.

On November 13th, 1966 the Cowboys faced Washington on the road and managed to scrape out a very close win, 31-30. The game started easy enough with the Cowboys taking a lead with a Don Meredith rushing touchdown. Washington closed the gap with two field goals but then Hayes would score with a 52-yard touchdown. The next Cowboys drive would be the moment Hayes would make history.

Backed up at their own five-yard line, Meredith lined up under center with six-man protection up front to help stop Washington’s elite pass rush. He received the ball and immediately backpedaled into the endzone avoiding a sack attempt. Meredith consistently looked downfield before launching a bomb to Hayes. The outright speed of Hayes easily beats the safety, Lonnie Sanders, who swipes at his feet for a tackle but is unsuccessful. With nothing but grass ahead, Hayes trots downfield for the huge 95-yard touchdown.

SetNumber: X12094

Hayes played for Dallas for ten years helping the team win Super Bowl VI in 1972. His 71 receiving touchdowns is still the third-most for Dallas and he entered the Hall of Fame in 2009. Unfortunately, Hayes passed in 2002 but his legacy lives on in Canton and this amazing 95-yard play.

Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images