Nate Wright

Nathaniel Wright (born December 21, 1947) is a former American football cornerback who played in the NFL from 1969–1980.

Professional career

His career consisted mostly of time as a defensive back with the great Minnesota Vikings teams of the 1970s. He totaled 34 interceptions and three fumble recoveries in 156 professional games. He was never selected to a Pro-Bowl or given All-Pro honours.

Wright was the defensive player who was covering Drew Pearson during the 1975 NFC Playoffs on the infamous Hail Mary pass in the 1975 NFC Divisional Playoff Game between the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings, played on December 28, 1975. Some observers and Viking players believed that Pearson pushed off on Wright, causing him to fall down and thus allowing Pearson to catch the pass from Roger Staubach and score the winning touchdown. However no penalty was called on Pearson.

College career

He was an All-Conference player from two years at San Diego State University after transferring from Monterey Peninsula College before turning pro.

High school career

He attended Monterey High School in Monterey, California where he was a standout football and basketball player.