The Immaculate Reception: The play that changed a city
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The Steelers' Franco Harris, right, eludes a tackle attempt by the Raiders' Jimmy Warren on the way to scoring on a play known as the "Immaculate Reception." -
The Steelers made several draft picks in the early 1970s that produced Hall of Fame talent. Among them was the popular Franco Harris, who inspired his own army and had an immediate impact carrying the ball. -
Former Steeler player Frenchy Fuqua talks about the immaculate reception. -
Jim Baker, who ended up with the ball from the Immaculate Reception, poses with the ball at the Heinz History Center on Friday, November 16, 2012. -
Photo of "The Immaculate Reception" by Franco Harris. (Photo property of, and courtesy of The Pittsburgh Steelers. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED) -
Franco Harris makes his way through the chaos at Three Rivers Stadium turf in the aftermath of the Immaculate Reception.
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The Steelers have opened their 80th season, and the 40th since the Immaculate Reception, that one remarkable play many believe was one of the best in the history of the NFL.
It neatly divided the team's fortunes into the woeful 40 years before, and the championship years after.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has embarked on a season-long look back at that play and its impact on the city and the team. Look for a story in each Sunday's Sports section revisiting that moment from the point of view of players from the Steelers and the Raiders, as well as fans and team officials, culminating in coverage on Dec. 23, the 40th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.
Sept. 8: Steelers Immaculate Reception: The play that changed a city
Sept. 16: Frenchy Fuqua: The man who collided with history
Sept. 23: Oakland Raider Phil Villapiano: No whining from him
Sept. 30: Mike Wagner: Despair, and then ...
Oct. 7: Jim Otto: For him, no doubt or catch
Oct. 14: Barry Pearson: Steelers receiver came away from 'The Play' with a great story to tell
Oct. 21: George Atkinson: Raiders CB maintains Immaculate Reception memorable as bad call
Oct. 28: Joe Gordon: Former Steelers PR man was in right spot at right time to see Immaculate Reception
Nov. 4: Dan Rooney: Steelers owner emphatic about Immaculate referees
Nov. 11: Couple who coined name for Immaculate Reception never sought credit
Nov. 18: Immaculate Reception football means a lot to its caretaker
Nov. 25: Supervisor of officials: Confusion over rule fueled conspiracy theories
Dec. 2: Finally, the Steelers fans had their day
Dec. 9: The most spectacular play in NFL History was not an easy one to witness, report or photograph
Dec. 16: Terry Bradshaw
Dec. 23: Former Steelers, Oakland player share 'Immaculate Reception Memories'
First Published September 18, 2012 12:00 am
