Faithful Flashbacks #1: The Catch

No. 1 on our Faithful Flashbacks features The Catch, the play that sent the 49ers to their first Super Bowl and helped launch a dynasty.

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sep 10, 2026, 8:00 AM Updated: 11:22 am

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(Original Caption) San Francisco 49ers Dwight Clark (87, WR), goes up in the air in the end zone for the game-tying touchdown pass from Qb Joe Montana to set up the PAT which beat the Dallas Cowboys to give the 49ers their first NFC Championship and Super Bowl berth. At right is Cowboys Michael Downs (26, S) and at right Everson Walls (24, CB).

(24, CB)

In honor of the San Francisco 49ers celebrating their 80th anniversary, Sactown Sports is kicking off a countdown of the 80 greatest moments in the franchise’s illustrious history in reverse order, called Faithful Flashbacks.

From Super Bowl-winning plays to overperforming teams that had minimal expectations, there’s plenty to choose from on the team with five titles under its belt.

A handful of Sactown Sports staffers conducted the voting before compiling the results into a full list that will count down to the 49ers’ 2026 NFL regular-season debut against the Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on September 10th.

Faithful Flashbacks -- San Francisco 49ers 80 Best Moments

Coming in at No. 1 on our ‘Faithful Flashbacks’ countdown of the 80 best moments in franchise history is the only place this series could really end: “The Catch.”

With a new 49ers season starting today, the play earning the first spot on this list should be no surprise.

This countdown has gone through the franchise’s first steps, its old stadiums, its quarterback eras, its Super Bowl runs, the Harbaugh years, the Shanahan-Lynch era, and plenty of individual moments that still stick with fans. There have been records, comebacks, trades, draft picks, and championships along the way.

But “The Catch” is the prime moment people associate with the 49ers’ dynasty run.

Heading into 1981, the 49ers were still earning that label. There had been good teams in the early 1970s, but San Francisco had yet to reach the Super Bowl. Head coach Bill Walsh was still early in his tenure, and quarterback Joe Montana was not yet the legend he would become.

That 1981 season changed the organization’s status, and the NFC Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys became the moment their perception deservedly shifted. Dallas had the history, the playoff reputation, and the standard San Francisco was trying to reach.

The 49ers had the home field at Candlestick Park with a chance to reach their first Super Bowl in franchise history. It came down to the final drive, with the 49ers trailing late and Montana needing to take them the length of the field.

San Francisco moved into position, but it was a broken, extended play that stole the show late. Montana rolled right with pressure coming, drifted toward the sideline, and put the ball high toward the back of the end zone.

Dwight Clark went up and brought it down.

38 years ago today, “The Catch” sends the @49ers to the @SuperBowl. #GoNiners (Jan. 10, 1982) pic.twitter.com/FzuujI1ZHD

— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy) January 11, 2020

The touchdown came with 58 seconds left, giving the 49ers a 28-27 lead and sending Candlestick into one of the defining celebrations in Bay Area sports history. Dallas had minimal time to respond, but the 49ers held on and advanced to their first Super Bowl showing.

San Francisco went on to beat Cincinnati in Super Bowl XVI, winning the franchise’s first championship. It started the run that would define the 1980’s dynasty as the 49ers won four Super Bowls that decade. Coach Walsh became one of the sport’s most impactful coaches, and Montana became one of its most important quarterbacks.

“The Catch” was more than one touchdown; it marked the beginning of their championship expectations and status. It is the play that launched the standard this franchise still chases.

For 80 moments, this countdown has looked back at what built 49ers history. “The Catch” is the moment that changed what that history could become.

More Faithful Flashbacks from Sactown Sports

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

Regular Season

Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

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