The Immaculate Reception

Greg T. Walker felt like it was high time to finally tell the tale of the Immaculate Reception and the 1972 Pittsburgh Steelers. The greatest play and moment in football history, and the team that launched the Steeler’s dynasty

In the words of those who played, coached, refereed, and covered the 1972 season, team, and play.

What happened? People have been asking that question ever since.

The play had lasted for just 17 seconds. Tens of thousands witnessed it, but nobody saw it.

The Immaculate Reception is a myth; a miracle; a cottage industry; a conspiracy; a crime; and a detective story. But before it became all these things, it was just a football play. The last desperate hope of a team and a town that had always been destined to lose.

It’s been 50 years since Franco Harris worked what’s been called the ’Miracle of all Miracles, ’ and the play has been a mystery ever since. This is a story of a play that has lived a life of its own.

-Narrator: A Football Life: The Immaculate Reception-

It was tremendous. Everybody in the world said they saw it live. They did see it on replay because they kept showing it. I thought, and still do, that it was the greatest play ever.

-Art Rooney Jr.-

It was the defining moment in Steelers’ history. -Barry Pearson Steelers-

The most memorable moment in sports. -Bruce Van Dyke Steelers-

That one play altered the course of the Steelers’ franchise. -Franco Harris Steelers-

The Immaculate Deception. The public was deceived. The officials were deceived. We got deceived. -George Atkinson Raiders-

In the greatest games, every little thing counts; one little thing changes and the game is completely different. They won. I don’t know if it was fair and square, but they won. And we are still talking about it 50 years later. That’s a beautiful thing. -Phil Villapiano Raiders-

That play, if you are a Steeler fan, you believe in it. If you’re a sinner like them damn Raiders, then you’ll never accept it. So, it’s almost like the Bible: A myth to some, and a faith to others. -Frenchy Fuqua Steelers-