Franco Harris makes the Immaculate Reception to defeat Raiders in playoffs

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In a classic AFC divisional playoff game on December 23, 1972, the Pittsburgh Steelers trailed the Oakland Raiders 7-6 with just 22 seconds left. On a desperate fourth-and-10 play, Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw a pass that was deflected, only for running back Franco Harris to scoop up the ball and race 60 yards for the game-winning touchdown, in a play that became known as the "Immaculate Reception."

Why it matters

The Immaculate Reception is considered one of the most iconic and controversial plays in NFL history, cementing the Steelers' rise to prominence in the 1970s and establishing Franco Harris as a Pittsburgh legend. The play has been endlessly debated and analyzed, with disagreement over whether Harris actually caught the ball legally.

The details

With the Steelers trailing 7-6 and facing fourth-and-10 from their own 40-yard line, Bradshaw threw a pass downfield that was deflected by Raiders safety Jack Tatum. The ball ricocheted backward, and Harris, running a short route, scooped it up and raced 60 yards for the game-winning touchdown as time expired. The play's legality was immediately disputed, with questions over whether the ball hit the ground before Harris caught it, and whether Tatum's hit on Steelers receiver Frenchy Fuqua made the catch illegal. But the touchdown stood, and the Steelers advanced to the AFC Championship game.

• The play occurred on December 23, 1972, in an AFC divisional playoff game between the Steelers and Raiders.
• There were just 22 seconds left in the game when the Immaculate Reception took place.