Cowboys reflect on historic defeat to 49ers in iconic playoff game
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 10:30 PM
Last updated Aug 23, 2026
On January 10, 1982, the Dallas Cowboys faced the San Francisco 49ers in a memorable NFC playoff game. The contest saw the 49ers win 28-27, highlighted by Joe Montana's late touchdown pass to Dwight Clark, a moment now known as 'The Catch.' The Cowboys had been leading late in the fourth quarter but could not seal the victory. This matchup is one of the top 100 iconic games in Cowboys history as it marked a significant shift in NFL power dynamics, leading to the 49ers' first Super Bowl appearance.
- •Date: January 10, 1982
- •Location: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
- •Final Score: 49ers 28, Cowboys 27
- •Montana connects with Clark for game-winning touchdown
- •Cowboys had led late in the fourth quarter
- 9:00 PMYahoo Sports — Cowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 18
- 7:00 PMYahoo Sports — Cowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 19
- 9:00 PMYahoo Sports — Cowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 20
- 10:30 PMYahoo Sports — Cowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 21
- 5:30 PMYahoo Sports — Cowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 22
- 9:00 PMYahoo Sports — Cowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 23
- 11:00 PMYahoo Sports — Cowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 24
"We countdown 100 days until kickoff with a series of the most iconic games in Cowboys history. Today is Day 18
"We countdown 100 days until kickoff with a series of the most iconic games in Cowboys history. Today is Day 19
"We countdown 100 days until kickoff with a series of the most iconic games in Cowboys history. Today is Day 20
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 26, 2026, 9:00 PMCowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 18
We countdown 100 days until kickoff with a series of the most iconic games in Cowboys history. Today is Day 18
- Yahoo SportsAug 25, 2026, 7:00 PMCowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 19
We countdown 100 days until kickoff with a series of the most iconic games in Cowboys history. Today is Day 19
- Yahoo SportsAug 24, 2026, 9:00 PMCowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 20
We countdown 100 days until kickoff with a series of the most iconic games in Cowboys history. Today is Day 20
- Yahoo SportsAug 23, 2026, 10:30 PMCowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 21
We countdown 100 days until kickoff with a series of the most iconic games in Cowboys history. Today is Day 21
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 5:30 PMCowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 22
We countdown 100 days until kickoff with a series of the most iconic games in Cowboys history. Today is Day 22
- Yahoo SportsAug 21, 2026, 9:00 PMCowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 23
We countdown 100 days until kickoff with a series of the most iconic games in Cowboys history. Today is Day 23
- Yahoo SportsAug 20, 2026, 11:00 PMCowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 24
We countdown 100 days until kickoff with a series of the most iconic games in Cowboys history. Today is Day 24
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