“Looking Back at the Unforgettable 1994 NFL Season Moment When Curtis Conway and the Chicago Bears Shocked the Football World by Pulling Off the Ultimate Fake Field Goal That Forever Cemented Their Place in Trick Play History”
Back in 1994, the Chicago Bears created one of the most memorable moments in their storied history when Curtis Conway, their electrifying wide receiver, played a pivotal role in pulling off one of the most daring and brilliantly executed fake field goals the NFL had seen. It was a play that not only showcased the creativity of the coaching staff but also demonstrated the trust and versatility of the players on the field. Trick plays are always thrilling because they break the norm of what is expected, but this particular fake field goal had all the elements of surprise, flawless execution, and high stakes, making it unforgettable for fans and a nightmare for the opposing defense.
To appreciate the magnitude of this play, one has to understand the context of the Bears’ 1994 season. The team, led by head coach Dave Wannstedt, was navigating through a season where every win mattered. While the Bears weren’t considered a dominant powerhouse at the time, they were resilient and played with a level of grit that gave them a fighting chance in almost every matchup. Curtis Conway was one of the brightest stars on the roster. Drafted in the first round of the 1993 NFL Draft, Conway was known for his speed, agility, and ability to turn short receptions into big gains. He quickly became a favorite target for the Bears’ quarterbacks, but his involvement in this trick play showed that he was much more than just a reliable receiver.
The fake field goal play came during a crucial game where the Bears needed a momentum shift. The situation was tense; the Bears were in field goal range, and everyone in the stadium, from the fans to the opposing team’s defensive line, expected the special teams unit to take the field and attempt a routine three points. But what unfolded instead left everyone stunned. The setup for the fake was perfect. The Bears lined up for what looked like a standard field goal attempt. Kevin Butler, the team’s veteran kicker, trotted out with the confidence that he was about to add points to the board. Meanwhile, holder and backup quarterback Erik Kramer prepared to take the snap. The defense, fully expecting a kick, positioned themselves to either block the attempt or rush the kicker.
The snap came, but instead of placing the ball for a kick, Kramer executed a seamless fake hold, grabbing the ball and rolling slightly to his right. At that moment, Curtis Conway, who had been lined up as part of the kicking unit on the far side, broke free from his position. What made the play so brilliant was its element of disguise. Conway’s body language before the snap gave no indication that he would be running a route. He sold the idea that he was merely another part of the special teams formation. The opposing defense, caught off guard, hesitated for just a split second—enough time for Kramer to rise from the hold and launch a perfectly timed pass to Conway.
As soon as the ball left Kramer’s hands, Conway accelerated down the field. He caught the pass in stride, shaking off a defender who belatedly realized what was happening, and sprinted toward the end zone. The crowd erupted into a frenzy as Conway crossed the goal line. It wasn’t just the touchdown that electrified the stadium; it was the sheer audacity of the play. Fans love moments when strategy trumps brute force, and this was a prime example of how clever play-calling and flawless execution can turn the tide of a game.
The aftermath of the play saw an outpouring of admiration for the Bears’ coaching staff. Trick plays require weeks of preparation, countless repetitions in practice, and unwavering confidence in the players’ ability to pull them off without a hitch. Dave Wannstedt and his staff deserved credit for having the courage to call such a risky play at a critical juncture. If the fake had failed, the Bears would have faced criticism for “overthinking” or “getting too cute,” but in football, fortune often favors the bold. On this day, the boldness paid off.
Curtis Conway’s role in the play also cemented his reputation as one of the most dynamic and versatile players in the league at the time. While many wide receivers are known solely for their ability to make catches downfield, Conway’s willingness to be part of a special teams trick play highlighted his team-first mentality. It also demonstrated his football IQ. He needed to sell the fake as convincingly as possible, knowing that even the smallest hint of his true intentions could blow the entire play. Conway’s execution was flawless, from his initial stance to his burst of speed once the ball was snapped.
This fake field goal did more than just score points. It gave the Bears a psychological edge for the remainder of the game. The opposing defense, now wary of every formation and every lineup, played more cautiously. Trick plays often have that ripple effect—they make defenses second-guess their reads and open up opportunities for more straightforward offensive plays later in the game. For the Bears, this meant more room for their running backs, more freedom for their quarterbacks, and more confidence as the game wore on.
Looking back at the 1994 season, this moment stands out as one of the defining highlights. While the Bears didn’t go on to win a Super Bowl that year, plays like this showcased the creativity and resilience that defined the team during that era. It also remains a fan favorite when discussing memorable trick plays in NFL history. Even decades later, highlights of Curtis Conway’s fake field goal touchdown are shared among fans and replayed in discussions about the greatest special teams plays ever executed.
The legacy of this play extends beyond just that single game. For future generations of players and coaches, it serves as a reminder of the importance of unpredictability in football. The sport is as much a mental chess match as it is a physical contest, and when a team can keep its opponent guessing, it gains a critical advantage. Trick plays like this one are designed not only to catch defenses off guard but also to inspire confidence and excitement within the team itself. For the Bears, pulling off such a play was a testament to the trust between the coaches and players, the hours of preparation, and the courage to execute when it mattered most.
Curtis Conway himself has often looked back on that moment with pride. Over the course of his career, he had many incredible highlights, including numerous 1,000-yard receiving seasons and game-winning catches. However, being part of a play that has become a piece of NFL folklore is something special. In interviews, Conway has spoken about how the fake field goal wasn’t just about tricking the defense—it was about creating a spark for his team, giving them momentum, and showing that the Bears could win in unconventional ways.
Fans who were in the stadium that day still recall the eruption of cheers and the collective gasp when they realized what was happening. There’s something magical about being part of a live audience when a trick play unfolds. At first, there’s confusion as the ball is snapped—why didn’t the holder set it down for the kicker? Then, as the realization sets in and the ball is in the air, the energy shifts to pure excitement. By the time Conway crossed the goal line, the stadium was shaking with celebration.
In the years since, many NFL teams have tried to replicate the success of that 1994 fake field goal, but few have executed it with the same level of perfection. It remains a blueprint for how to run a special teams trick play successfully. The key elements—timing, disguise, precision, and trust—were all present in abundance. And for the Bears, it became a symbol of their willingness to take risks and outthink their opponents.
Ultimately, the 1994 fake field goal with Curtis Conway wasn’t just about scoring points. It was about creating a memory that would last for decades. It reminded fans why they love football—the unexpected moments, the strategic brilliance, and the players who rise to the occasion. Curtis Conway and the Chicago Bears may not have been the most dominant team of the 1990s, but on that day, they were bold, innovative, and unforgettable. The play remains etched in the minds of those who witnessed it, a timeless reminder that in football, as in life, sometimes the greatest rewards come from taking the biggest chances.
