Although the final play was scripted, the rest of the night had at least a whiff of competitive spirit. The team of NFL All-Stars, led by quarterback Dan Marino and a big night from former Raiders receiver Tim Brown, kept the action close. They led 27-17 late in the second half.
But neither side took it that seriously, either. There were times when punter Barry Helton lined up as a receiver and receiver Isaac Bruce lined up as a defensive back (he even had an interception). Everson Walls, the former Cowboys defensive back immortalized as the closest defender to Clark during "The Catch," celebrated with extra gusto when he brilliantly broke up a pass intended for Helton late in the game.
On one late-game play, the 49ers paid homage to their glittering quarterback history by designing a play in which three notable QBs touched the ball: Montana took the snap and threw a lateral to Young, who sent the ball back to Montana, who hit Jeff Garcia for a short gain.
In the end, though, it was all about DeBartolo, and the players figuring out the best way to thank him for what he did. "Joe Montana's idea! Joe Montana's idea!" Roger Craig kept shouting as he ran off the field.
