A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On Dec. 23, 1972, in an NFL playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders, Steelers running back Franco Harris scored a game-winning touchdown on a deflected pass with less than 10 seconds left in the game.
The “Immaculate Reception,” as the catch came to be known, is often cited as the greatest NFL play of all time.
But since it occurred before ESPN, before instant media, it never went viral like less-impressive plays do today.
In fact, Harris’ catch barely made a mention in one paragraph of an NFL playoff roundup in the Deseret News the next day.
According to Associated Press reports of the time, the play came during the Steelers’ 1972 playoff matchup against the Oakland Raiders. Thanks to his quick thinking (and quick hands), Harris secured a last-second victory for his team.
“With Pittsburgh trailing 7-6 and facing fourth-and-10 from their own 40 yard line and 22 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, (Terry) Bradshaw drifted back and threw deep to running back Frenchy Fuqua. Fuqua and Oakland defensive back Jack Tatum collided, sending the ball careening back toward midfield in the direction of Harris. While nearly everyone else on the field stopped, Harris kept his legs churning, snatching the ball just inches above the Three Rivers Stadium turf near the Oakland 45 then outracing several stunned Raider defenders to give the Steelers their first playoff victory in the franchise’s four-decade history,” the AP reported.
The play continues to impress.
Five years ago, NFL.com compiled the greatest NFL plays of all time. A play involving Utah’s Kevin Dyson makes the top 5. But still No. 1, after all these years? The Immaculate Reception.
Harris died in 2022, just two days before the 50th anniversary of his catch.
Here are some stories about Harris, nicknamed the “Italian Stallion” but more well-known for his gentle demeanor, the iconic play, plus some additional stories about Dyson’s catch while with the Tennessee Titans and other Utah products who were a part of the the development of “great sports moments” in media:
“Harris, Fuqua to celebrate famous catch”
“Pittsburgh Steelers legend Franco Harris dies at 72″
“Franco Harris’ legacy forged in humility and empathy”
“And the walls came tumbling down”
“Granite High grad, NFL Films producer Kevin Bushman believes faith works”
“Doug Robinson: Kevin Dyson’s Super Bowl legacy”
