San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the 5 Greatest Plays in Franchise History
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Steve Young and Terrell Owens Deliver Their Own “Catch”
During the late 1990s, the Green Bay Packers had the 49ers’ number when it came to the postseason.
But all that changed in January of 1999 when the Packers and Niners squared off in a Wild Card matchup at Candlestick Park.
The game was an instant classic, with both sides exchanging blows over four quarters. But Green Bay took a 27-23 lead, thanks to a Brett Favre touchdown pass to Antonio Freeman, with two minutes left in regulation.
San Francisco needed a touchdown to win. And the Niners would get one, thanks to quarterback Steve Young and wide receiver Terrell Owens.
Eight seconds were all that remained between the 49ers and another playoff exit at the hands of the Packers. Owens, who had trouble with the dropsies all game, managed to work his way into a tight window between four Green Bay defenders.
Young, who nearly fell down after the snap, delivered a perfect pass through a tight window and into Owens’ waiting hands.
And it’s impossible to forget play-by-play commentator Joe Starkey’s legendary call.
“Owens! Owens! Owens!” he exclaimed.
Yes, we all felt the same emotion.