It was scored by Franco Harris, and it became known as the 'Immaculate Reception.'
This iconic play occurred on 23 December 1972, during a heated AFC divisional playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest plays in NFL history, the 'Immaculate Reception' changed the course of the game and cemented its place in football lore.
DAZN News takes a closer look at this unforgettable moment and its impact on the sport.
The context: Steelers vs. Raiders
The Steelers and Raiders faced off in Pittsburgh in a win-or-go-home playoff matchup.
Low-scoring game: Both teams displayed strong defensive play, with the game turning into a gritty battle. By the fourth quarter, the Raiders held a narrow 7-6 lead.
Steelers’ struggles: The Steelers, a franchise with little playoff success at the time, desperately needed a miracle to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive.
The play that changed everything
With just 22 seconds left in the game, Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw dropped back for a final, desperate pass on fourth-and-10 from Pittsburgh’s 40-yard line.
Bradshaw’s scramble: Under intense pressure, Bradshaw launched a pass intended for running back John Fuqua.
The deflection: The ball collided with Raiders’ defender Jack Tatum and possibly Fuqua, sending it careening through the air.
Harris’s heroics: Franco Harris, a rookie running back, snatched the ball inches from the ground and sprinted into the end zone for a miraculous 60-yard touchdown.
Controversy surrounding the catch
The play was immediately shrouded in controversy:
Legal catch debate: NFL rules at the time stated that a ball deflected off an offensive player could not be caught by another offensive player. Officials debated whether Tatum or Fuqua touched the ball first.
The verdict: After a lengthy deliberation, the referees ruled the play a touchdown, igniting celebrations among Steelers fans.
Franco Harris: the man behind the miracle
Franco Harris’s role in the ‘Immaculate Reception’ catapulted him to NFL stardom:
Rookie sensation: Harris’s rookie season saw him rush for over 1,000 yards, but the iconic play solidified his reputation as a clutch performer.
Career achievements: Harris went on to become a Hall of Famer, winning four Super Bowls with the Steelers and earning a spot among the greatest running backs in NFL history.
The Legacy of the aftermath
The play’s significance transcends the game itself:
Steelers Dynasty: The touchdown marked the beginning of Pittsburgh’s rise as an NFL powerhouse, leading to their dominance in the 1970s.
Cultural Impact: The term ‘Immaculate Reception’ was coined by a fan, capturing the play’s almost divine quality. It remains one of the most celebrated moments in sports history.
NFL Honors: In 2020, the play was voted the greatest in NFL history during the league’s 100th-anniversary celebration.
Franco Harris Statue: A statue of Harris making the catch stands in Pittsburgh International Airport, serving as a tribute to the moment.
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