Snowplow Game

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The Snowplow Game

The snowplow being used to clear a spot for a field goal attempt.
Miami Dolphins New England Patriots (4-1) (2-3) 0 3 Head coach:  Don Shula Head coach:  Ron Meyer
1 2 3 4 Total MIA 0 0 0 0 0 NE 0 0 0 3 3
Date	1982-12-12
Stadium	Foxboro Stadium
Location	Foxborough, Massachusetts
Network	NBC

In National Football League lore, the Snowplow Game refers to a regular-season game played between the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots on December 12, 1982.

Playing in a heavy snowstorm at New England's Schaefer Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the two teams remained scoreless late into the fourth quarter. With 4:45 left to go in the game and on-field conditions worsening, Patriots coach Ron Meyer summoned snowplow operator Mark Henderson and directed Henderson to veer off course and clear a spot on the field for placekicker John Smith. Matt Cavanaugh held for the kick. Miami coach Don Shula protested furiously but the field goal was good and the Patriots won the game by the final score of 3–0. Henderson received a game ball from a gracious Meyer after the game.

Henderson, who was a convict on a work release program at the time of the game, was released from prison a few years later and currently works in the construction business. When he was being interviewed by a TV reporter about the controversy, Henderson jokingly replied, "What are they gonna do, throw me in jail?" The following year, the NFL banned the use of snowplows on the field during a game. The moment will be an interactive feature of the new Hall at Patriot Place when it opens in 2008 next to Gillette Stadium.

[edit] External links

• Snowplow driver won Patriots' fans hearts
• Where is it now?: The Pats' naughty snowplow
• A foothold on history