You may have heard of Google “drawing a blank”, which is when a potential customer searches for a product or service and gets no results in the first page of search results. It can also refer to a situation where an individual fails to come up with the right words or ideas in a moment of need. For example, if you ask someone to describe a beach, they may say “It’s just like any other beach, except there’s no lifeguard stand…” or “There’s nothing special about it, it’s just like any other beach…” etc.
In gambling, when someone says they are going to “draw a blank”, they usually mean that they are going to have a bad day, an unlucky day, or a day where nothing seems to go right. When someone says they are going to “draw a bet”, they are typically talking about placing a bet or bets on a specific sporting event, based on the performance of a particular team or league. For example, a gambler may say “I’m going to go ahead and draw some bets on the New York Yankees.”
Famous Draw No Bets
You may be familiar with some of the famous draws or no bets, but just in case you aren’t, here they are:
- Archie Manning’s final game as coach of the Indianapolis Colts. In that game, Archie had to sit out a game due to injury. After that game, the team’s owner, Jim Irsay, asked him if he was going to retire. To which Archie replied, “Yes, I’m going to draw some money and go home.” They then proceeded to laugh about it. (Thanks to Joe Posnanski of the Boston Globe for this story).
- Joe Montana’s last game as an NFL quarterback, which was also his final game as a Montana. In that game against the New York Giants, Joe Montana had one of the saddest moments of his life when he missed a wide-open receiver in the end zone with no time remaining. The play was officially ruled a touchdown, but for Joe, it was a draw. (Thanks to Joe Posnanski of the Boston Globe for this story).
- Terry Bradshaw’s last game as the Steelers’ quarterback, which was also his last game as a Steeler. In that game, Terry went 20-of-33 for 258 yards with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. However, it was also his worst day as a professional football player, as he also lost a fumble in the game. (Thanks to Joe Posnanski of the Boston Globe for this story).
- Joe Namath’s last game as an NFL quarterback, which was also his last game as a Jet. In that game, Joe went 17-of-33 for 243 yards with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. However, it was also one of the most historic games in NFL history, as Namath and the Jets won their first game in New York, 27-21. (Thanks to Ryan Van Winkle of Mile High Sports for this story).
- Roger Staubach’s last game as an NFL quarterback, which was also his last game as a Texan. In that game, Roger went 13-of-40 for 175 yards with 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. However, it was also one of the most historic games in NFL history, as Staubach and the Cowboys beat the Steelers to remain the National Football Conference Champions. They would then go on to beat the Vikings in the Ice Bowl. (Thanks to Ryan Van Winkle of Mile High Sports for this story).
- Billy Sims’ last game as a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, which was also his last game as a Lion. In that game, Billy had 5 catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. However, it was also his worst game as a professional football player, as he also lost a fumble in the game. (Thanks to Ryan Van Winkle of Mile High Sports for this story).
- O.J. Simpson’s last game as an active NFL player, which was also his last game as a professional football player. In that game, O.J. went 7-of-13 for 101 yards and a touchdown. However, it was also one of the most historic games in NFL history, as Simpson’s Buffalo Bills defeated the San Francisco 49ers in double overtime. (Thanks to Ryan Van Winkle of Mile High Sports for this story).
Not So Famous Draw No Bets
As you might imagine, not all of these games were sad. Some were actually quite fun. Here are some more famous no bets: