Atlanta Falcons: Most complete roster in NFC according to NFL writer Greg Rosenthal

Atlanta Falcons: Most complete roster in NFC according to NFL writer Greg Rosenthal by Randy Gurzi

In a 1983 matchup with the 49ers, the Falcons were down by three with just two seconds left, but then Steve Bartkowski worked a miracle.

With nothing but a prayer and a heave from his “Golden Arm,” Bartkowski launched the pigskin towards the endzone. Somehow, the pass was tipped around and caught by the famed receiver, Billy “White Shoes” Johnson.

However, Johnson wasn’t home free yet. He was about five yards away from the endzone and a swarm of Niners stood in his way. With fierce determination, he danced his way around the defenders and dove for the endzone. His heroic extension caused the football to cross the plane, scoring a touchdown.

The Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium crowd erupted. Steve Bartkowski and Billy Johnson just did the impossible, besting Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers.

The Falcons won 28 – 24 in a game to remember for the ages.

After the game, Johnson commented on the chaos of the play and his perseverance to the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

Watching the ball come down, I tried to pull up, and when I leaned back, I slipped. I just lost my feet. I remember thinking, ‘Oh, God, I’m out of the play.’ But then I got up, I saw the ball ricochet. When it hit my hands, I was sort of in shock. . . This is a perfect example of how you can never give up. You have got to go out and think you’re going to be successful on every play.

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