With 12 seconds remaining in the first half and Los Angeles leading 14-3, the Redskins took over at their own 12-yard line. Instead of simply running out the clock, Joe Gibbs inexplicably called "Rocket Screen" -- a screen pass from quarterback Joe Theismann to halfback Joe Washington coming out of the backfield. Anticipating the play, Charlie Sumner, the Raiders' linebackers coach, rushed the speedy, athletic Squirek onto the field as a replacement for Matt Millen. When Theismann dropped back to throw, he turned left, and tossed the ball into Squirek's hands. The linebacker made the catch and jogged five yards into the end zone, untouched. -Sports Illustrated
The name Jack Squirek will live on in the annals of legendary sports plays and moments!
Jack Squirek, a Super Bowl Champion with the 1983 Raiders, has passed away. The linebacker is best remembered for his legendary play in Superbowl XVIII, an out-of-nowhere interception/ pick six of Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann. Every true Raiders fan old enough knows his name, the miraculous play, and the blowout of the favored Redskins in that game.
Squirek may not have had a Hall of Fame NFL career, nine other players on the field that day would later be enshrined. But he is well entrenched on the Raiders list of clutch plays made by players in high stakes moments. The play earned him a place on the iconic Sports Illustrated cover, known for featuring the best in sports.
Jack Squirek wasn't named MVP of the game. That distinction deservedly went to RB Marcus Allen, who ran for 191 yards and 2 touchdowns. Marcus had a miraculous 74-yard reverse run for a touchdown that sits on the Raiders clutch play/ clutch moments list. Today, Marcus is in the NFL Hall of Fame.
Like Marcus on that day, Jack delivered for the Raiders on the national stage in a game for all the marbles. And yes, he and the Raiders ended up with all the Redskins marbles and more.
Rest Well Champ!
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