Few days before the "Immaculate Reception," widely regarded as one of the greatest plays in NFL history, celebrated its 50th anniversary, Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers passed away on Wednesday.
The game took place in Harris's rookie season in 1972. He would later go on to play for the team for a decade and win four Super Bowls, including Super Bowl IX, where he was named the game's MVP. He was also elected into the Hall of Fame the first year he was eligible.
The Steelers and Oakland Raiders were playing in the AFC divisional round playoff game on December 23, 1972, and Pittsburgh was down 7-6 when quarterback Terry Bradshaw fired a pass downfield. When Raiders defender Jack Tatum and Steelers running back John Fuqua collided, the ball ricocheted off of them and into Harris' hands. Harris was several yards behind and caught the ball just as it was about to touch the ground. Harris ran 60 yards to the end zone in a flash for the game-winning touchdown amidst the commotion.
"Just a good narrative, really. As time goes on, we gradually add to it because it's better, "NFL.com was told by Bradshaw. "I loved making fun of him for his ball catching and blocking. We rarely threw the ball his way. Just a good story, really. I love these stories now more than ever at the age of 74."
This weekend, the group will celebrate the catch.
Although it's unclear if Harris' passing will affect the schedule, the Steelers have a number of events planned this weekend to honour the play.
Harris had planned to meet up with his 1972 teammates on Friday at the Immaculate Reception memorial in Pittsburgh, which is situated directly where Harris made the grab at the now-demolished Three Rivers Stadium. The Steelers have stated that the play's original radio broadcast will also be heard.
On Saturday, the Raiders and Steelers will square off once more, and the Immaculate Reception will be revered all through the game.
The Steelers announced that Harris will become just the third player in franchise history to have his jersey number 32 honoured during halftime.
Fans of the Raiders and Steelers recall the game.
While Franco Harris and the Immaculate Reception are commemorated with a statue and a memorial in Pittsburgh, some Raiders supporters were heartbroken to witness their team suffer such a shocking defeat.
However, on Wednesday, supporters of both sides were able to acknowledge what a fantastic player Harris was and expressed their condolences online.
According to one commenter, "The Immaculate Reception" was the play that ignited the Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty.
Another user wrote, "As a little boy and a passionate #Oakland @Raiders fan, I grieved like, well, a small boy when the Raiders fell to the Steelers in the Immaculate Reception game 50 years ago. RIP Franco."
"shockingly surprised Additionally, on the week of the 50th anniversary of his Immaculate Reception, when the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders play, "Someone stated. "A supporter of #FrancoHarris need not be a Pittsburgh fan. Salutations, Champion."
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