A "Hail Mary" in football is a long, desperate pass thrown towards the end zone, typically in the final moments of a game when the team needs a miraculous play to score. The term indicates a situation where success relies heavily on chance rather than strategy. This dramatic throw is often intended for a receiver in a crowded area and symbolizes both hope and a last-ditch effort to change the outcome. The play is celebrated and has become iconic in both the sport and popular culture.