Jack Squirek, the former Los Angeles Raiders linebacker known for intercepting Joe Tisman's pass and scoring a touchdown in Super Bowl XVIII, died Friday at the age of 64, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. reported.
Squirek is interception The play, which remains one of the most famous in Super Bowl history, had been battling an illness in recent months, a Raiders spokesperson said. Las Vegas Review Journal report. The cause of death has not been revealed, but boston 25 news report.
“The Raiders family is mourning the loss of Jack Squirek, who passed away on Friday,” the team said in a statement. statement Saturday. “At this time, we extend our deepest condolences to everyone in Raider Nation.” (Related: Legendary Raiders punter Ray Guy dies at 73)
We will forever remember linebacker Jack Squirek, one of the Silver and Black heroes of Super Bowl XVIII. pic.twitter.com/6DdhlUMTGn
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) January 7, 2024
After a stellar college career at the University of Illinois, Squirek was drafted by the Raiders in 1982 and played four seasons with the “Silver and Black,” finishing his career with the Dolphins in 1986, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Reported.
Squirek started just eight games in his career, but his Super Bowl nomination is still being talked about, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
In 2021, Squirek explained the Jan. 22, 1984 interception on FOX Sports 1:40 a.m., and defensive coordinator Charlie Summer said that if the Redskins lined up in a certain formation, running back Joe The newspaper reported that he had given instructions to cover Washington.
After the snap, lineman Lyle Azad ran into Washington, tripping the running back just as Theismann lofted the ball. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Squirek stepped up, snatched a pass and waltzed into the end zone, scoring the only touchdown of his career.
“When Lyle was trying to do a screen pass, I pushed him off the track,” Squirek told FOX Sports at 1:40 a.m. “I made a break on the ball and everything happened so quickly. I saw the ball, made a great break, caught it, and within seconds I was in the end zone.”
The iconic photo of Squirek's play graced the cover of Sports Illustrated and remains one of the most famous SI covers of all time, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
“That's something I'll never forget,” Skrek said.
