Name given to the memorable
NFL (
American football) catch by
tight end Dave Casper in the
Oakland Raiders'
playoff win against the
Baltimore Colts on
December 24, 1977.
The Raiders were the road team and trailing 31-28, late in the 4th quarter, with third down and the ball in their own territory. Quarterback Ken Stabler threw a high post pattern pass which Casper caught over his shoulder for a 42 yard completion. This set up a game tying field goal. In double overtime, Stabler hit Casper for a 10 yard touchdown and a 37-31 Raiders victory.
The fun name for the play comes from Casper's nickname being "The Ghost" (as in Casper the Friendly Ghost); and also from the play being on a post pattern (a long pass play where the receiver runs diagonally down the middle of the field, towards the goalposts).
Interestingly, Casper was also involved in another of the NFL's most memorable plays, "The Holy Roller".
In 2002, Casper was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with the Ghost to the Post being his signature play, highlighting his receiving skills and his flair for the dramatic.