Is this the greatest comeback in the history of American football?

The 1982 Cal-Stanford college football game is often referred to as "The Play", and it's regarded as one of the most remarkable and iconic moments in the history of American football. The historic clash between the University of California Berkley and Stanford University captivated spectators with its intensity and dramatic late-game finish. Let's take a look down memory lane!

In the realm of American sports, college football is more than just a simple game; it's a cultural activity that runs deep in local communities. Amongst the many historic rivalries nationwide, the Cal-Stanford game embodies the 'West Coast Classic' of college football.

In the 85th match-up between both colleges, the Cal 'Bears' pulled off a remarkable comeback in the fourth quarter with only four seconds to go! Joe Kapp, the Cal head coach, gambled it all in one final play to take down John Elway and the Stanford defense.

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Stanford needed some magic from Elway as the clock ticked with 53 seconds in the fourth quarter, the score was 19-17 for Cal.

With three time-outs left for Stanford, Elway got into gear and got a great drive up the field starting from his own 5-yard line.

The 'Bears' defense managed to stop the momentum, which forced Stanford to settle for a field goal. Nevertheless, with 8 seconds left in the game, a solid kick would seal the deal to a potential 19-20 win for Stanford.

After scoring the field goal, the Stanford band rushed onto the field in celebration. The game was practically over, but 4 seconds were still meant to be played. "Only a miracle can save the Bears," said ESPN announcer Joe Starkey.

Surely, the miracle occurred. After Stanford squib quicked the ball into the midfield, the 'Bears' began a series of lateral plays that caused mayhem on the field. Rodgers, from the return team, managed to run the ball away into the end zone, bulldozing a Stanford trombone player during the TD.

"Oh, all the band is out on the field! The 'Bears' have scored! But the band is on the field. They were flags all over the place! Everybody is running around on the field... And the 'Bears' have won it! Oh my God! The most amazing, sensational, dramatic, heartrending, exciting thrilling finish in the history of College football! There will be no extra point," narrated the legendary ESPN Joe Starkey in the commentary booth.

Nobody could believe what had just happened. Chants of "Give him the Axe!" filled the stadium, in reference to the trophy awarded to the winner of the annual Big Game.

"The chaos as the Stanford band spilled onto the field at Memorial Stadium on Nov, 20, 1982, as Cal made a mad lateral-filled dash to victory on the final play of the annual Big Game against the Cardinal is arguably one of the most dramatic finishes in the history of college football," wrote Laurence Miedema for The Mercury News.

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The final moments of the game seemed like a movie. University of California Berkley managed to secure a mindboggling comeback, finishing the game 25-20.

Let's take a look at some of the top players from that game.

The legendary Denver Broncos QB started his career at Stanford, where in his four seasons (1979-82) he completed 774 passes for 9,349 yards, 77 touchdowns, and 39 interceptions. He also claimed 5 TDs rushing the ball!

John Elway spent 16 seasons in the NFL after joining the Denver Broncos. He completed 300 TDs, 51,475 yards, and 47 fourth-quarter comebacks! The NFL Hall of Famer won two Super Bowls in 1988 and 1999.

Leading up the game, the Stanford team had a stronger line-up compared to the 'Bears'. Stanford's roster had future NFL stars like Elway, Kaulana Park, Emile Harry, Eric Mullins, and Chris Dressel.

The University of California Berkley had a decent team with Joe Kapp as head coach. The 'Bears' had future NFL QB Gale Gilbert and RB John Tuggle, who proved to be important figures on the team.

Gale Gilbert went on to play 6 seasons in the NFL for the Seahawks, Chargers, and Bills. He threw for 1,544 years and 9 touchdowns.

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