December 23, 1972
It was on this day in 1972 that the “Immaculate Reception” was made by Steelers running back Franco Harris.
The play occurred when the Steelers faced a fourth-and-10 from their own 40-yard line with 22 seconds remaining, no time-outs and trailing 7-6. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw dropped back to pass and under great pressure threw up a ball intended for halfback John Fuqua. Oakland safety Jack Tatum collided with Fuqua just as the ball arrived, which sent Fuqua to the ground as the ball rebounded back in the other direction. Being in the right place at the right time, Pittsburgh running back Franco Harris scooped up the ball just before it hit the ground and ran it in for a touchdown to give the Steelers the 13-7 victory.
The play occurred when the Steelers faced a fourth-and-10 from their own 40-yard line with 22 seconds remaining, no time-outs and trailing 7-6. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw dropped back to pass and under great pressure threw up a ball intended for halfback John Fuqua. Oakland safety Jack Tatum collided with Fuqua just as the ball arrived, which sent Fuqua to the ground as the ball rebounded back in the other direction. Being in the right place at the right time, Pittsburgh running back Franco Harris scooped up the ball just before it hit the ground and ran it in for a touchdown to give the Steelers the 13-7 victory.