'The Immaculate Reception' Raiders vs. Steelers 1972 AFC Divisional Round
The Immaculate Reception
There are moments that defy explanation, and Pittsburgh Steelers star Franco Harris was the key player in professional football’s most famous play, ‘The Immaculate Reception.’
Trailing the Oakland Raiders 7-6, facing fourth-and-10 on their own 40-yard line with
22 seconds remaining in the game and no time-outs, it appeared that the Steelers had no chance to win this game. Head coach Chuck Noll called a pass play, 66 Circle Option. Raiders safety Jack Tatum collided with “Frenchy” Fuqua just as the ball arrived sending the ball sailing in to the air backward several yards, end over end… Steelers running back Franco Harris, running downfield scooped up the ball inches before it hit the ground, and ran downfield to score the touchdown that gave the Steelers the victory 12-7.