Immaculate Reception
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| Immaculate Reception | |
|---|---|
| Name | Immaculate Reception |
| Date | December 23, 1972 |
| Stadium | Three Rivers Stadium |
| Location | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Teams | Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders |
Immaculate Reception. The Immaculate Reception is one of the most famous plays in National Football League history, occurring during a AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on December 23, 1972. This play involved Franco Harris, a Pittsburgh Steelers fullback, and Terry Bradshaw, the team's quarterback, as well as Jack Tatum and Jack Ham, defensive players for the Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively. The play was called by Myron Cope, a renowned Pittsburgh Steelers announcer, and is still widely discussed by NFL fans, including those of the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, and Green Bay Packers.
Introduction
The Immaculate Reception is widely regarded as one of the greatest plays in National Football League history, and its impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders was significant, with players like Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, and Mel Blount contributing to the team's success. The play occurred during a AFC Divisional Playoff game, which was watched by millions of fans, including those of the New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and San Francisco 49ers. The Immaculate Reception has been named one of the greatest plays in NFL history by ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and is still celebrated by Pittsburgh Steelers fans, including those who also support the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Penguins. The play has also been referenced in popular culture, including in the NFL Films documentary series, which features commentary from John Facenda and Steve Sabol.
Background
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders had a long and storied history, with players like Art Rooney and Al Davis contributing to the teams' success. The two teams had met several times before, including in the AFC Championship Game in 1970, which was played at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh Steelers were led by Chuck Noll, a renowned coach who had previously worked with the San Diego Chargers and Los Angeles Rams. The Oakland Raiders were led by John Madden, a future Pro Football Hall of Fame coach who had previously worked with the Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles. The game was played in front of a sold-out crowd at Three Rivers Stadium, which included fans of the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Colts.
The Play
The Immaculate Reception occurred with 22 seconds remaining in the game, and the Pittsburgh Steelers trailing the Oakland Raiders 7-6. Terry Bradshaw dropped back to pass and threw the ball to Frenchy Fuqua, who was hit by Jack Tatum and the ball bounced backward. Franco Harris scooped up the ball just before it hit the ground and ran it in for a touchdown, giving the Pittsburgh Steelers a 13-7 victory. The play was called by Myron Cope, who exclaimed "He caught it! Franco Harris caught it!" as the crowd erupted in cheers. The play involved several other players, including Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, and Mel Blount, who were all part of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. The play was also witnessed by NFL officials, including Art McNally and Jim Tunney, who were working the game.
Aftermath
The Immaculate Reception had a significant impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders, with the Pittsburgh Steelers going on to win several Super Bowl championships, including Super Bowl IX and Super Bowl X. The play also cemented the legacy of Franco Harris as one of the greatest players in Pittsburgh Steelers history, and he was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. The play was also referenced in popular culture, including in the NFL Films documentary series, which features commentary from John Facenda and Steve Sabol. The Immaculate Reception has been named one of the greatest plays in NFL history by ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and is still celebrated by Pittsburgh Steelers fans, including those who also support the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Penguins. The play has also been referenced by other NFL teams, including the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, and Green Bay Packers.
Legacy
The Immaculate Reception is widely regarded as one of the greatest plays in National Football League history, and its impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders was significant. The play has been named one of the greatest plays in NFL history by ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and is still celebrated by Pittsburgh Steelers fans, including those who also support the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Penguins. The play has also been referenced in popular culture, including in the NFL Films documentary series, which features commentary from John Facenda and Steve Sabol. The Immaculate Reception has been immortalized in a statue outside Heinz Field, the home stadium of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and is still widely discussed by NFL fans, including those of the New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and San Francisco 49ers. The play has also been referenced by other NFL teams, including the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, and Green Bay Packers, and is considered one of the most iconic moments in NFL history, alongside the Ice Bowl and the Music City Miracle.