Today in Cowboys History: April 16

[fgoodwin]

Apr 16 - Signed: John Jett (1996); Re-signed: Jim Schwantz (1996), Dat Nguyen (2002), Sam Hurd (2010); Drafted: Orantes Grant-7 (2000); Announced: Tex Schramm will be added to Ring of Honor (2003); Birthdays: John Fitzgerald (OL: 1971-1980, b. 1948), Ola Lee Murchison (WR: 1961, b. 1938), Joe Shearin (OL: 1987, b. 1960), Nicky Sualua (RB: 1997-98, b. 1975), Greg Tremble (DB: 1995, b. 1972)

Trivia: This birthday boy played so badly in a certain game he was temporarily benched; he later returned and took part in a memorable play. Who is the player, what was the game, what problem did he have and what was the memorable play?

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by fgoodwin

Trivia: This birthday boy played so badly in a certain game he was temporarily benched; he later returned and took part in a memorable play. Who is the player, what was the game, what problem did he have and what was the memorable play?

I don't know the answer. But just a WILD guess is that it is John Fitzgerald who got benched, in 1975, in the playoff game against the Vikings, the play being the Hail Mary from 12 to 88...?

[fgoodwin]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

I don't know the answer. But just a WILD guess is that it is John Fitzgerald who got benched, in 1975, in the playoff game against the Vikings, the play being the Hail Mary from 12 to 88...?

Fitzgerald is correct --- any idea why he was benched?

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by fgoodwin

Fitzgerald is correct --- any idea why he was benched?

Uh...for "playing so badly..."?

No, I've no idea. The only real think I remember about him is that he was part of the "Four Irishmen and a Scott" OL that was so great.

[Phoenix]

So I just answered that other trivia question about Randy Hughes and waddaya know, Fitz's name popped up in my research....so obviously he had to have fumbled a snap during this game? And was it indeed the Hail Mary game?

[fgoodwin]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

So I just answered that other trivia question about Randy Hughes and waddaya know, Fitz's name popped up in my research....so obviously he had to have fumbled a snap during this game? And was it indeed the Hail Mary game?

Correct -- several times during the "Hail Mary" game, Fitz basically rolled the shotgun snap to Roger. Fortunately he got it right when it counted!