Vasher mementos arrive in Canton
Chicago Bears defensive back Nathan Vasher made National Football League history on November 13 when he returned a missed field goal 108 yards for a touchdown in the game against the San Francisco 49ers. The play, which occurred on the last play of the first half, is not only the longest return of a field goal but also the longest play in the NFL history.
The jersey Vasher wore and the ball he returned on the historic play arrived in Canton on Wednesday and were placed on display in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Pro Football Today exhibition area.
The memorabilia from Vasher now accompanies several other pieces being preserved in the Hall of Fame that relate to various record plays.
Longest TD Run
The shoes worn by Tony Dorsett of the Dallas Cowboys when he ran 99 yards on Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings on January 3, 1983.
Longest Field Goal
Shoe and ball used by Jason Elam of the Denver Broncos when he connected a record-tying 63-yard field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 25, 1998.
Longest Pass Completion
Jerseys worn by Jeff Garcia and Andre Davis of the Cleveland Browns when they hooked up for a 99-yard TD against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 17, 2004. The duo was the 10th quarterback-receiver tandem to have a 99-yard pass play.
Longest Interception Return
The shoes worn by Ed Reed of the Baltimore Ravens during his 106-yard interception return against the Cleveland Browns on November 7, 2004.