Can we take a moment to remember Franco Harris, who passed away today, December 21, 2022 at the age of 72. The Steelers had a celebration planned for this Saturday where they were set to retire his jersey.
@@kyliejenneraddict8990 How are you able to type this reply being blind? Watch the multiple angles of this play that are now accessible. You can see it never hit the ground.
This is AMAZING!!!! I never thought I'd see the NBC broadcast of the immaculate reception in it's entirety! I don't know how or where you were able to find this video, but, this is truly incredible! For decades, the only film of this game/ event was the NFL films version of the game. Then I remember in the 1997 AFC championship game between the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers, NBC " discovered" their long lost broadcast of the immaculate reception.... But this is on another level! They only showed the pass and the catch for the touchdown, but, they never showed the infamous " Dugout phone call" the referee made. If you're a fan on NFL football, a fan of either team or a fan of NFL films, then you know the stories and the eye witness accounts of what happened at the end of this game. It is awesome to finally see these moments in their original broadcast form. Congratulations once again, on a job well done!
It's safe to say the Networks haven't put time to dig up Master Tapes to Digitize & release Edited "full Broadcasts, where u can also package shorter versions / excerpts and give viewers choices based on time; This gives clearer views of the play, which to your point, is great; Upon browsing u figure NBC and / or someone w/ "Pre-VHS" technology (BETA) had re-formatted the Network footage: but no question some job security or better yet, job creation to dig up past games should be created to package & post tons of games; U could even go by position, in this case Running Backs and / or QB's; If u had / today's camera work, you'd have Bradshaw's reaction on Video; just image what that looked like after Harris caught the ricochet & sprinted away
If the Networks take time to dig up footage, there's plenty of packaging & job creation galore, to have a structured library to post material, from edited "full game" to players by position, best plays compilations & so on; I'm guessing this was probably posted by a former employee or fan from a small population that had old "pre-VHS" (BETA) equipment & reformatted / digitized, & posted it
Agree with everything you just posted. Very interesting watching the aftermath. The legend or stories told was there was like a 20 minute delay after the touchdown
The late Great Curt Gowdy on the call. One of the greatest announcers, baseball or football, of that era and of all time. Every game he called kept you in suspense and on the edge of your seat.
I think both Troy Aikmen & Tony Romo are better announcers because they explain WTF is going on regarding plays behind the scenes. And they explain it in such a way that john q can actually understand it. Gowdy didn't do that.
Gowdy was good alright, but he was orgasmic about the Raiders. If he broadcast a Raiders game, you’d think he was running around and jumping on the sidelines wearing a skirt and waving pom-poms
As much as I loved Curt Gowdy, he called this one wrong. It was not "picked off", it was a deflection. It was the only really significant pass reception of Franco's career, as the Steelers were a very wide receiver-focused team when they bothered to throw. RIP, Franco. A great player and a great man.
Thanks for posting this. Amazing footage. One of the most amazing plays ever. I was watching the Raiders and Steelers play here on Christmas Eve night and thinking about this play and Franco Harris' legacy as a Steeler. RIP Harris.
I grew up a die-hard Raiders fan. In 1972, I was 7 years old. The 1972 season was my first NFL season watching football and this was the very first playoff game I watched. After Stabler engineered a terrific 80 yard touchdown drive to take the lead capped off by his great 30 yard touchdown run, I was so happy. I surely thought the Raiders had this game won. The Immaculate Reception broke my heart. It was the luckiest play in NFL history. That play was like winning the lottery. The odds of a play like that happening are at least one million to one (probably more). While everyone was watching the Steelers and their fans celebrating in jubilation, I focused on the Raiders reactions. To see the look on the faces of Madden, Stabler, etc., My heart broke for them. To lose a postseason game on a fluke play like that must have been the most devastating loss possible. However, from that game came 2 positives for me. First, it started what I consider the greatest rivalry in NFL history. Second, from the heartbreak of that loss, I became a life-long Raiders fan. Now, as far as the play is concerned and the controversy surrounding it. Franco caught that ball. It never hit the ground nor was it trapped. I think that is very clear. Villipiano was not clipped. In order for a block to be a clip, he had to have been blocked from behind. He wasn't. The Tight End clearly came in from the side to throw the block. That's not clipping. Finally, the biggest controversy of all. Who touched the ball that was deflected to Franco. The rules at the time stated that one offensive receiver could not be the only one to touch the ball deflected to another offensive receiver catching it. A defensive player has to also touch the ball, at some point, to make that play legal. Tatum touched the ball. From every replay, it clearly shows the ball bouncing off Tatum's shoulder/chest. Now, the ball might've also touched Frenchy's hand. While that's not clear from the video, it is a possibility. However, since Tatum touched the ball, it doesn't matter whether or not Frenchy touched it. Just by Tatum touching it made the play legal and legitimate. Also, it doesn't matter if Frenchy touched it first or last. As long as Tatum touched the ball, the play was legal. For it to be illegal, Frenchy had to be the only one touch it while Tatum never touched it. That's what biased Raiders fans who can't be objective want to believe. However, that's just not realistic nor the truth as to what happened based on all video evidence. It was a legal play. The ultimate lucky plat but legal. This analysis is coming from a Raiders fan who absolutely loved the old Raiders teams of the 70's and wished they had won this game and won more Super Bowls than they did. I'm just not going to lie about this play. I have to be honest.
Great comments, Stephen. As long as we're talking about fluke plays in this game, let's not overlook what a fluke it was for the very slow and immobile Ken Stabler to run for a 30-yard TD (by FAR, the longest run of his career) with a minute left in the game. The guy had a career rushing average of 0.8 yards; they didn't call him "Snake" because he had great wheels. 😂The last two minutes of that game were completely insane.
@@mcmillenandwife You make a very fair point. I had never seen Stabler make a run like that before or since. Throughout his career, he was never known as a scrambling quarterback. If you watch the video of that run, he was certainly not running very fast. Stabler certainly would never be mistaken for having track star speed which made his touchdown run all the more improbable considering it was the legendary Steel Curtain defense that he made it against.
Agreed, @@stephenhanft1226, it was a shocking score by Stabler, the only time in his entire career he had long run like that. Crazy that it came vs. the fledgling Steel Curtain. For perspective, Stabler only had 6 rushing TDs his entire career (including this one). By contrast, Bradshaw had 7 rushing TDs just in 1972. It was a crazy play! RIP Franco, RIP Stabler. We've lost a bunch of players/coaches from this game, on both sides. 😢
Something I've always noticed about this.... If you closely watch Franco from the start of the play, you see him staying in the backfield as a blocker. When he has no one to block, he looks back and sees Bradshaw scrambling, then he takes off downfield to become an emergency check down receiver just in case. That's why he was in the right place at the right time
Or as he said in an interview "in the wrong place @ the right time", lol. In actuality, it's a basketball technique: follow your shot, & crash the boards to get the rebound or tip in & this the ricochet is the missed shot & the catch is the rebound: Crazy play, w/ Franco getting the jump on defenders caught "off guard", but he shows some really good speed to prevent anyone from getting the angle to trip or knock him out of bounds; and toss in the nimble feet @ the end to stay in bounds; great run; Former Cowboys fan w/ the breakdown
@@csracingreport2024 People forget that Franco was in a way the prototype of the modern NFL running back with his combination of size and speed (not the only one, but one of them). Guys around 220 lbs. weren't supposed to be that fast. Rocky Bleier used to joke about how Franco was bigger, stronger, and faster, "but since he was a great blocker, too, I got my yards."
Watched this with a bunch of people standing around a TV set at Sears. Amazing moment. What made this even more dramatic was the big 30-yard run by Ken Stabler about one minute before this play to give Oakland the lead. Talk about rollercoaster emotions.
As a lifetime Raiders fan, this is still painful to watch. I was a sophomore in high school in the Bay Area at the time and was still celebrating what I thought was Kenny Stabler's game winning touchdown when Franco stole it. For years, I hated Franco and the Steelers, and bought into the controversy surrounding the play. Later, I realized what a brilliant effort it was by Franco to go to the ball and legally make a great catch, then head to the end zone. In retrospect, there is no question that Jack Tatum touched the ball. I just never wanted to believe it. Franco was a class act, and I was very saddened by his passing. RIP #32.🙏 It still hurts to see the play, but I've learned to appreciate it. It's always a pure pleasure to hear the great Curt Gowdy and big Al DeRogatis. IMO, the best team I've ever heard. I sure miss those AFL/AFC games on NBC with greats like Charlie Jones and Jim Simpson. They all knew how to let the action do the talking instead of the incessant rambling that we hear now.
Very good from you Steve to aknowledge without the fever of allegiances. This is only after long time we mature and see things in different perspective. I know it still hurts but I appreciate your cavalry and education to say things the way they are. I was one year old that day so no recall of it but I saw my dad rooting for the steelers always and I became a Steeler fan in 1978 but I knew of this play when I was about 10 years old and all the controversy around it ( let me tell you I was living in Mexico City then, and Cowboys had a huge fanbase and little context about raiders rivalry and some other things, so it was difficult to have all the feeling and facts) now I am 51 and with more cultural acumen of american culture, football and still rooting for steelers I see the importance of that era.
I was two years old when this play happened and did not become a Steelers fan until 1978 until this day! That is without a doubt the best play EVER and may never ever be surpassed. That was when football was played by men!
I don’t know how I know of this play because I was born about 30 years after this play but this is a good play to watch every now and then I’m not a Pittsburg fan nor a Raiders fan, I’m a Patriots but it’s really amazing that this play happened.
As a lifetime Steeler Fan I can honestly say that your synopsis of the play and outcome prove that there are some class act Raiders fans. I was also a sophomore in high school watching this game with my friends in the suburbs of Pittsburgh.
Best footage of this historic play I've ever seen. As an added bonus, you can slow it down to 1/4, .5, or 3/4 speed -- on top of the slo-mo already part of the video. So many cool things about this play that all of you have mentioned already: Bradshaw's elusiveness, Franco's situational awareness, reception and sprint to the end zone; Tatum's ridiculous power sending the ball on a perfect trajectory to Franco. But I also have to give props to Frenchy Fuqua, who seemed as out of the play as Franco was while Bradshaw was scrambling, but fought off a hold and a chuck and got himself in position to make a play on the ball despite Tatum converging on the same point. Fuqua fought hard to get open, wound up getting blasted. Like Andy Russell Fuqua was one of the few Steelers from Noll's first year good enough to remain with the team for two Superb Owls.
50 years later STILL the greatest play in NFL history. This footage is incredible. I've never seen the subsequent phone call nor the extra point or the kickoff and Hail Mary. Simply outstanding film. Thank you!!!
I would contend that the greatest play was one that was actually intentional and not a fluke like this play. I’m referring to the ‘hook and ladder’ the Dolphins deployed against the Charges in the Jan ‘82 Overtime AFC playoff game in MIami. I used to be a Charger fan but and still admit that this was the greatest play ever for a team that didn’t win the game.
I will go even further - I would love to see this game, the original NBC broadcast, in its entirety - what a bruising game it was - two real heavyweights going at it, with a third, the Miami Dolphins, also in the mix. Yes, I know, the Dolphins played the next day against the Browns, and won another tough game, 20-14. What a great football era. And by the way, after this game, the Cowboys came back from being down 28-13 with 8 1/2 minutes left to beat the Niners, 30-28, with Staubach leading the way after replacing Craig Morton. The greatest day in Pro Football history (12/23/1972).
I remember watching it bit was very young. From what I have heard, the ref was calling to see how much security TRS had in case they overturned the call on the field. When the ref found out there wasn't much security, he upheld the call.
Some of the replays were not shown here... did that ball actually hit the ground? no it didn't. and did Tatum actually touch it? yes he did (the ball spin changed). Neither of these replays were shown here but I remember them because they played both of them several times.
My wife was from Nicaragua ,passed in 2019,Roberto died trying to help the people of her country from that earthquake. On 12 23 72 it happened. I’m forever tied to that. My only son was born 12 23 02. 30 years after that earthquake and 30 yrs after that play. And I’m a huge fins fan. We beat ur lucky Steelers as we were a 9:27 9:27 team of destiny as only undefeated team ever
Yes, Barr was solid in 1979,@@darryljorden9177. But the Steelers booted him in '81 for David Trout, who was HORRIFICALLY bad. Cost the Steelers multiple games that year. Every PAT and FG was an adventure. Dude had great leg strength, but no accuracy.
LOL! Worst kicker ever with 3 or 4 SB rings!! He actually won us a playoff game and a SB by slipping on a perfect field and accidentally kicking an onside kick that we recovered and then scored. He kicked like a Gorilla:)
How fitting it was for the Steelers to come back at the end of game last night to beat the Raiders......again...almost same score,bittersweet due to Franco......last night was a SPECIAL game for Steeler nation. Love your channel Tim,Chris from east tn. diehard fan.
I grew up despising the Steelers, but I always respected them and admired their play and excellence. There were so many of the same guys there year after year. Luck is said to be where opportunity meets preparation, and Franco was on the spot. Such a fun memory to relive. Thanks for posting! RIP Franco Harris, and prayers to you and your family.
Likewise, and well said: this crazy play was 5, 6 years old when I became a Cowboys fan & upon seeing it the 1st time, it confirmed my belief the Steelers were always lucky; But over time it's clear they were just a little than Dallas, who I no longer root for btw; the Raiders - Steelers rivalry was, like this game, tight; very hard to separate them; Great teams, along w/ Miami, Houston, & so on w/ great skill players; and to your point, it's fun to watch; Great call & analysis by the Broadcast team as well
@@jerryhinkle3786 "Used to exist." What you say is as biased as you accuse the other person. You may argue that the nose of the ball touched the ground when it was in his hands, but it did not touch the ground and bounce into his hands. The existing video in this clip makes that clear. Games are never going to be precisely played and judged by humans. However, it's over 50 years ago and it is just a sporting event -- you sound way too bothered by this in 2022.
yep I watched the replay several times. the ball did NOT touch the ground. it was the right call. They did NOT show all the replays here. There was another one that showed the ball spin change when Tatum touched it. Today that no longer matters. what a stupid rule that was. no matter WHO you were rooting for it was the right call. This was an AFC playoff game. Dolphins went on to win it all as this was the only perfect season ever played. nowaday with 17 games instead of 14 its doubtful that they'll ever be a "perfect" season (although almost all sports records will be broken... except Secretariat's of course).
The 1970s NFL was the best ! I'm glad as a kid that I grew up watching NFL in the mid to late 70s. The fans were the best too. They swarmed the field and the players with no incidents. Raiders fans and other teams' fans too.
@@gregorycyr9272 you got it buddy I was born in 63 too. Go Steelers! 50 years now watching the Steelers-Raiders 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception!
IN my case, from being a Pirates fan living in Cincinnati who was at the NLCS Game 5, to the Steelers' crazy season, to the Immaculate Reception, to Roberto's death, all in less than three months. Wild times for a high schooler.
He caught it! Best footage ever released. I'm a Raiders fan, 51 years old always thought the ball hit the ground, Franco Harris actually made that play. Fantastic reaction to make that pick 6.
@@jamy8575 lol, right? I guess he meant to say that Franco picked it out of mid-air, six inches off the ground, and ran it down the field for six points.
@@kevinsullwold2388 you're incorrect. " If the ball bounced off only Tatum or if it bounced off both Fuqua and Tatum (in any order) then the reception was legal. The rule stated in the pertinent part that if an offensive player touches a pass first, he is the only offensive player eligible to catch the pass. "However, if a [defensive] player touches [the] pass first, or simultaneously with or subsequent to its having been touched by only one [offensive] player then all [offensive] players become and remain eligible" to catch the pass."
I was 13 years old and had never seen a Steeler game as they were not on TV in the area I grew up in. I watched that game and fell in love with there defense. The next week they played the undefeated Miami dolphins and lost. I became a Steeler fan that day and this past December made 50 years a fan. RIP Franco as you will never be forgotten.
Same thing happened to me..I was 9 years old watching this game..that day I became a Steelers fan for life..I remember it like it was yesterday..RIP #32..Francos Italian Army will live on forever..RUN PAISANO RUN 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹
Agreed: there's job creation and / or security w/ the likelihood the tapes are sitting around, un- digitized, and ready to be remastered & edited: in full form & w/ short segments, w/ packages also by position, Conference / teams, Wild Card / Championship games, Top Plays, Best Drives, Interceptions, etc. the only caveat is lack of vision for future technology & film being destroyed: if that's in play, u have a nightmare that can't be shaken; But upon going to the Networks, u probably don't have to go far to find those Master Tapes
I'm (99% sure somebody has this. At 0:43, you can tell it cuts to a "copy of a copy" recording, complete with tracking issues. I think it's only a matter of time until it gets out.
I would harbor to guess this & countless games are sitting around not having been Reviewed & Digitized; also, possible a lot of footage has been scrapped, unaware of its future value & in anticipation of new technology...a nightmare if that's the case: If not, the job creation to package these games is sitting there; and upon walking into the production rooms of the 3 Major Networks, it's likely u don't have to look far
When I was 9 years old, I read about this play in a book of football's greatest plays. At that moment, I became a Steeler fan. That was nearly 50 years ago.
I disagree. Both Tony & Troy are better because they explain things in a way that john q can understand. Gowdy never did that I don't think he ever played the game.
Thank you for posting the extra footage. I remember exactly what I was doing, where I was and what the weather was like outside watching that game as a young Raider fan. The Raiders would’ve hosted the Dolphins the next week and might have ruined the perfect season. After all the Raiders never lost to the Dolphins in Northern California until the 2000s, but we’ll never know. Priceless memories. Later that day, the 49ers blew their playoff game against the Cowboys in Roger Staubach’s debut as “Captain Comeback”. It was a very sad day for the Bay Area.
I was 15 when I watched this game, and I have to admit I went crazy when Stabler scrambled for the touchdown to take the lead for Oakland and I thought that was it. This play was 4th and 10 for cryin' out loud!
Franco never gave up on a play. It was in his DNA. Everyone who ever played the game at any level knows that you are coached to "finish the play" even when you are not directly involved. Run down field even if it's the final play of the game and even the season. Maybe you'll throw a block or recover a fumble. And maybe, just maybe, something miraculous might happen. Franco Harris finished every play. RIP 32.
This moment couldn't have happened to a better man. Franco had such good will and such integrity, a beautiful spirit. Used his incredible fame to bring so much joy to people. Always had time to help. Always had time to talk. He cared more about what other people felt than what he felt. He was a very special man. RIP
They you for showing this!! This game took place really very shortly after I was born. What really amazes me about this game is not only the miracle catch made by Franco Harris to score this miracle 60-yard touchdown run with only seconds left in the game which gave the Steelers the win, 13-7, but actually this is the Steeler's very first postseason win in team's history, since this NFL franchise first existed in the 1930s. Also, it seems to me this game became the solid foundation of the team's (Steeler's) dynasty of this same decade, the 1970s, where the Steelers would end up winning 4 Super Bowls afterwards up 'til the 1980 Super Bowl game (the 4th Super Bowl Steelers would win just after the '79 NFL season).
Growing up in Pittsburgh, I was 10 years old & watching this game on TV with my (childhood), friends. The next several years the Steelers built an absolute dynasty.
Same here, BUT due to NFL blackout rules at that time, the game was not broadcast in the local Pittsburgh market. Many fans did drive outside of the local market to watch the game. I listened to WTAE Radio Jack Fleming call of the game.
That is the most time I've seen from that game. Thank you so much. I'm a lifelong Steeler fan and I would have loved to have been there. However, I wasn't born yet well a couple of years later. Harris was always one of my favorite players.
What an outstanding video this is!!! The camera work for 1972 was actually pretty good. If today with the 1972 rules, there’s no conclusive evidence to overturn the call, which very much appears that Tatum touched it last before Franco caught it. Also what a great team of Curt Gowdy and Al Derogatis broadcasting; both very knowledgeable and thoroughly nice people.
The NFL writes it's own history. Tatum could or not have touched the ball just like the ball could've touch the ground when Franco caught it. In today's tech we would have known if both instances were legit.
Well, in 1972 they didn't have 10 cameras on the play as they do now, lol. And you can't fault the cameraman for the catch being out of frame. Cameramen for NFL games tried to zoom in as much as possible on a play as it was happening without missing the play. A crazy bounce off a player in the opposite direction couldn't be anticipated.
Great era of Broadcasters; and Running Backs; and to your play point, on replay if u apply how fast it happens in "real time" Fuqua's contact is incidental @ best, given Tatum has the better angle on ball & the target in Fuqua himself, along w/ the trajectory of the ball, which heads back where it was thrown from, an unlikely path from an attempted catch, indicating be it the torso and / or arm, Tatum generates the lion's share of the force & velocity of the ricochet; and w/ today's camera work imagine Bradshaw's reaction; you'd probably have tighter shots of the deflection, and Fuqua's reaction, probably half dazed @ first, but as u mentioned, the original replay offers a pretty good look
Not that it matters... My football nickname was "Franco" after this. Mainly, after I ran a 102yd TD, through the line, on the first play of our Homecoming game, after our guy fumbled to the 1 yd line, when they kicked off to us. And then, I was put in to do the kick off return, the second time, and was finally tackled about 5 yards short of doing it again. I played "Ironman"... Fullback / Mid Linebacker. Thanks, Mr Harris. So much for my glory night. Thanks for listening.
I remember watching the live telecast of this game. What an ending. I wasn't a fan of either team, but as a kid at the time regardless of who was playing I watched just about any televised college or pro football game, which of course back in the days of only three channels was not nearly as many as now. It's good to hear the familiar voices of Gowdy and DeRogatis.
Oh, it definitely should NOT be allowed,@@Fakename70! No way. It’s hard to believe it was ever permitted. It was complete chaos back then; can you imagine what it would be like now with everyone taking video on their phones and trying to go viral? 😮😂 I’m not sure when they finally put the kibosh on it. The last time I recall seeing it was after the ‘79 AFC Championship. There were instances of players punching overly-exuberant fans, one time a fan snatched Bum Phillips’ hat (‘78 AFCC)… it was ridiculous. But there’s a certain nostalgia for it, because it was SOOO ‘70s. It’s pretty amazing to see.
What struck me about the play is Tatum had a chance to either catch the ball or knock it down but instead went for the hit on the player. I think 999 times out of a thousand he made the right play but in this case it deflects high enough for Franco to catch it and the rest is history.
That's what I always thought, but if you look at the endzone replay (from Bradshaw's perspective), Tatum is lining up for a basket catch. The collision prevented the pickoff. If he'd have reached out for the ball things might have turned out differently.
@@mikem6384also, it was probably the only time in Tatum's career that an offensive player interrupted HIS play. Crazy, ironic or whatever you want to call it.
Anyone who says they watched the game on TV in Pittsburgh, is mistaken. The game was blacked out for a 50 mile radius. I lived in New Castle, Pa at the time and got the broadcast from a NBC affiliate from Youngstown, Ohio.
You’re 53 miles from Pittsburgh. You talking about being outside of Pittsburgh then. My parents grew up in north part of Allegheny county about 17 miles from Pittsburgh. Pretty sure they seen the game. Edit: yinz right, my dad said all home games where blackouts. You had to travel outside the area to get on tv.
That was the first Christmas with our new father, 50 years ago yesterday. Their all gone now. I'm the last one standing. I just spent the last 15 minutes crying I just realized it. I miss my mom and dad and brother and sister.
Well thanks for posting that the original footage all the way to the end including the credits with Tennessee Ernie Ford Christmas wow thank you so much LOL that was awesome
Thank you Franco Harris, Chuck Knoll, Ken Stabler, and John Madden for giving us such great game, that will always be remembered. I’m not here to debate anyone about my opinion about the play. I will say the Stealers definitely benefited.
Awesome find. I believe if you pause at 1:15 as Franco goes into endzone Dan Rooney is standing in the tan colored coat behind the guy in yellow. He said he was about there in his book.
It was a poetically fantastic career to make the Immaculate Catch, build on it to help win Championships, gain 12,000 plus yards & all the accolades that go with his impressive resume; and I'm a former Cowboys fan that knows what time it is: Franco was one of a Fantastic Fraternity of Running Backs that included OJ Simpson, & like "The Juice" he was a combo of Size & Speed; and as the final part of the play shows, light on his feet, tiptoeing & staying in bounds to score; And though he was 72 years young, the timing of his passing is very upsetting: Great Player: With or w/ o this catch, absolute legend
Really amazing video being able to see the last 9 minutes of that game. Instead of just the normal 20 seconds highlights. They always make it like that's the year the Steelers went to the super bowl but no that was the year that the Miami dolphins went undefeated. The 72 dolphins.
Raiders tried to explore the fact that the elements of the play was incredible. They were too many things that could have gone wrong and it didn’t happen e.g., did the ball touch Fuqua, did the ball touch the ground when Franco caught it and did he step out of bounds. That was not the design of the play and a roll of rare circumstances decided the fate of that play which makes it truly immaculate! Thanks for sharing bro
@@s.l.nicholson4240 I don’t disagree that was a clip. An “Obvious “ one Maybe. This is another element that makes this play immaculate. However, it doesn’t happen if Tatum plays the ball and not Fuqua. Tatum was in position to end that play and was the only defender to control their destiny if he only attempted to make a play on the ball.
as expected, they were ticked off @ how they got scored on to lose a game; Fuqua did get a piece, & even w/ the old rules if Tatum touched it last, which it appears he did, given the trajectory of the ball generated by his pace in closing the gap on Fuqua, that ball is live; and it appears the catch wasn't trapped. Though two bodies were trying to occupy one space, Jack Tatum RIP, saying he didn't touch the ball is a reach to say the least: what's the likelihood a projected missile going downward gets caught before it hits the ground, leading to a game winning TD? an Improbable way to lose a game which goes to your point of it being Immaculate.
Thanks for this video. It clearly shows that this was the correct call. The end zone replay shows Franco catching the ball before it hits the ground. The side view replay shows the ball passing Fuqua and hitting Tatum. There are also many false claims about the rules that if Fuqua touched the ball, Franco couldn't legally catch it. This was not the rule. In the Super Bowl 2 years earlier, there was a similar deflection play. A Johnny U pass went off the finger tips of a Colts receiver into John Mackey's arms who scored a TD. When it was determined that a Cowboys player had also tipped the ball, the catch was ruled legal. Here when Tatum deflects the ball, it is legal for any Steeler to catch it.
At that time the play would have been illegal had it been determined that Fuqua was the last player that touched the ball prior to Franco making the catch . The rules were eventually changed , but that is not a misconception . I'm guessing on the Colts TD deflection it must have been determined that the last player to touch the ball prior to the catch was a Cowboy .
@@johndinisi5183, the play was legal because, while the ball may or may not have touched Fuqua, it DEFINITELY touched Tatum (proof here: ruclips.net/video/_ceQub-p7qE/видео.html). The '72 rulebook states that if a defensive player touches the ball at ANY point (before, simultaneously or after it touches an offensive player), then any player is eligible to catch it. Here's the "legalize" from the 1972 NFL Rule Book: Rule 7, Section 5, Article 2, Item 2-c: Any forward pass (legal or illegal) becomes incomplete and ball is dead immediately if pass is caught by any [offensive] player after it has touched ineligible [offensive] player or second eligible [offensive player], and before any touching by [defensive player]. The penalty of this this infraction is a loss of down at the previous spot. HOWEVER, if a [defensive] player touches [the] pass first, or simultaneously with or subsequent to its having been touched by only one [offensive] player, then all [offensive] players become and remain eligible.
I was 7 in Pittsburgh and remember that moment. My dad was watching the game as I opened my new Wacky Packages stickers that Mom just bought for like $1.30 a box. An unopened box now would go for thousands on Ebay
It does, around 10 years ago I called to see what I had to do to get a copy. They verified that to receive a copy, I had to get a business or a corporation license
And to think I saw this live as a 9 year old kid who just happened to come in the house from playing football because I was hungry. The TV just happened to be on and no one was watching it. So I figured it was almost over so I’d watch the last minute and that happens. Wasn’t a Steelers fan but still it was pretty cool.
yeah we saw it live. he grabbed the ball just inches from the turf on a full run. Tatum was arguing that he never touched the ball but replay showed otherwise. There were several replays including how close that ball came to the turf when Franco grabbed it. There was another replay that showed the ball spin changing when Tatum touched it. Today it doesn't matter who touches the ball or how many times if the offensive player winds up with it its their possession and its as simple as that. Franco Harris. what a class act he was. He was a BIG RB too. this was his rookie year. he was in exactly the right place at the right time. unreal!
By rule, the first offensive player to touch the pass must also catch it. Since it appears that Fuqua did touch the ball, Harris would have been ineligible to catch it. Incomplete pass. It doesn't matter if Tatum also touched it, which it appears he did. It was an incredible play by Harris, and of course it's too late to change now, but the official's call was incorrect.
@@MrBeyondbelief It looks to me like Fuqua touches the ball at the very least in glancing. Once he touches the ball, it doesn't matter if Tatum touched it first or afterwards, only Fuqua is allowed to catch it. It is at least very interesting that Fuqua refused to say whether he touched the ball or not. Took the fifth. Why? He doesn't want to ruin the myth of this play, then or later.
@@conradg1207, From the 1972 NFL Rule Book: Rule 7, Section 5, Article 2, Item 2-c: Any forward pass (legal or illegal) becomes incomplete and ball is dead immediately if pass is caught by any A player after it has touched ineligible A player or second eligible A, and BEFORE any touching by B. The Penalty of this this infraction is a loss of down at the previous spot. When the ball made contact with Tatum (B team), it became legal for Franco (A team) to catch the ball. Had the ball NOT touched Tatum, it would've been illegal.
Somehow it doesn’t feel right for NBC to run the closing credits over “The Immaculate Reception” with that ridiculous music playing. That being said, This is absolutely incredible footage. I’ve never seen video of the argument at the goal line, the phone call, the extra point, the following kickoff, or the actual last play of the game, the pass from Stabler to Chester. Great job putting this together!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
8 days later, triumph turned to tragedy as we lost the greatest baseball player ever, Roberto Clemente. I still remember exactly where I was and what I was doing on both accounts.
As an avid Cubs fan, I had a love/hate relationship with Bob Clemente. He was the greatest player I’d ever seen, and he always killed the Cubs. The high school my mom had attended in Chicago was renamed Clemente High after his death.
@@carlbaumeister3439 I grew up in the Mike Schmidt era of Cub killing! Still a sad day in Pittsburgh! Being a footnote to the 17-0 Dolphin season plus losing such a great talent in Clemente!
Franco was one of the greatest. As a kid I remember seeing this on TV and sat in shock at the outcome. I wasn’t for the other team it just shocked me that this could and did happen.
Guys, Here is our Savior YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified/Pierced for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF” From the Ancient Egyptian Semitic: "Yad He Vav He" is what Moshe (Moses) wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3) Ancient Egyptian Semitic Direct Translation Yad - "Behold The Hand" He - "Behold the Breath" Vav - "Behold The NAIL"
When Curt Gowdy says he's never seen anything like this, you know this is the beginning of crazy, improbable plays. The next level up is 10 years later when the Cal-Stanford play with the "band on the field." Gowdy was the unofficial sports historian of his time.
I still get goosebumps, and I was a Baltimore Colts fan, Johnny U through and through. But a fingertip catch that was made a fraction of an inch off above the turf after the ball ricocheted from a smashing hit by Oakland's Jack Tatum, and then followed by Franco's gallop to the endzone, replete with a stiff arm of an Oakland would-be tackler. American football at its best.
'Run to the ball!!!' The oldest coaching axiom in football has never paid bigger dividends. Thanks for great footage. The end zone shot pretty much dispels any doubt the ball hit Tatum first.
Actually Franco was blocking downfield on this play he was not the intended receiver. he just happened to be in the perfect place at the perfect time AND he was observant. he always had great vision on the field & that served him well here. he will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him what a class act. I was a Dolphin fan at the time but it didn't matter what a great play this was!
the old rules may make this wrong, but even if Tatum hit it last, that ball is live; if Fuqua made contact, given the ball trajectory, it was slight & incidental compared to Tatum having a better angle & momentum towards the ball, especially when u "re- apply "real time" speed: pretty hard to eject the ball outward when attempting to make a catch
Oh my gosh!!! Did not know . I'm a 73 yr.old lady Steeler fan. Saw the games in the 70's...loved em!!! What a sad loss especially in light of what was planned😭😞😪major bummer!!
This play was 5,6,7 years old when I became a football / Cowboys fan @ the time, & seeing it confirmed the Steelers were luckier than I thought: Given their poor history, you could say it was long overdue for them to catch a break, pun intended. Franco used basketball IQ to follow the play & crash the boards. The ricochet went far enough & directly in his path: Athletic play & great instincts nevertheless, to shoestring catch it on the run & sprint to the wire; Very sad, upsetting, & cruel to a great extent that he won't be able to revel & celebrate his historic moment in time A time that also includes a resume proving he was More than a One Trick "Immaculate Reception" pony: An important & key member of a Fantastic Fraternity / era of great running backs & more importantly, a classy guy that will be missed
Can we take a moment to remember Franco Harris, who passed away today, December 21, 2022 at the age of 72. The Steelers had a celebration planned for this Saturday where they were set to retire his jersey.
I agree. That's why I watched this video.
Franco will be there this Saturday and he will celebrate his whole life with friends in Heaven.
@@kyliejenneraddict8990 How are you able to type this reply being blind? Watch the multiple angles of this play that are now accessible. You can see it never hit the ground.
@@BlackNGoldRules Agreed. Some people I tell you...
@@BlackNGoldRules it also deflected off of Tatum's shoulder. Legal play. The officials made the correct call.
He passed yesterday. Not today.
This is AMAZING!!!! I never thought I'd see the NBC broadcast of the immaculate reception in it's entirety! I don't know how or where you were able to find this video, but, this is truly incredible! For decades, the only film of this game/ event was the NFL films version of the game. Then I remember in the 1997 AFC championship game between the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers, NBC " discovered" their long lost broadcast of the immaculate reception.... But this is on another level! They only showed the pass and the catch for the touchdown, but, they never showed the infamous " Dugout phone call" the referee made. If you're a fan on NFL football, a fan of either team or a fan of NFL films, then you know the stories and the eye witness accounts of what happened at the end of this game. It is awesome to finally see these moments in their original broadcast form. Congratulations once again, on a job well done!
That game truly defines the 1970s nfl.
It's safe to say the Networks haven't put time to dig up Master Tapes to Digitize & release Edited "full Broadcasts, where u can also package shorter versions / excerpts and give viewers choices based on time; This gives clearer views of the play,
which to your point, is great; Upon browsing u figure NBC and / or someone w/ "Pre-VHS" technology (BETA) had re-formatted the Network footage: but no question some job security or better yet, job creation to dig up past games should be created
to package & post tons of games; U could even go by position,
in this case Running Backs and / or QB's; If u had / today's camera work, you'd have Bradshaw's reaction on Video; just image what that looked like after Harris caught the ricochet & sprinted away
If the Networks take time to dig up footage, there's plenty of packaging & job creation galore, to have a structured library to post material, from edited "full game" to players by position, best plays compilations & so on; I'm guessing this was probably posted by a former employee or fan from a small population that had old "pre-VHS" (BETA) equipment & reformatted / digitized, & posted it
Agree with everything you just posted. Very interesting watching the aftermath. The legend or stories told was there was like a 20 minute delay after the touchdown
I know the exact story of where this extra footage came from. I can only say it's not an indicator that the rest of the game broadcast exists.
The late Great Curt Gowdy on the call. One of the greatest announcers, baseball or football, of that era and of all time. Every game he called kept you in suspense and on the edge of your seat.
I think both Troy Aikmen & Tony Romo are better announcers because they explain WTF is going on regarding plays behind the scenes. And they explain it in such a way that john q can actually understand it. Gowdy didn't do that.
@@ghs5216 Well said!! That's what I do.
Gowdy was a shill for the American Football League/Conference .
Gowdy was good alright, but he was orgasmic about the Raiders. If he broadcast a Raiders game, you’d think he was running around and jumping on the sidelines wearing a skirt and waving pom-poms
As much as I loved Curt Gowdy, he called this one wrong. It was not "picked off", it was a deflection. It was the only really significant pass reception of Franco's career, as the Steelers were a very wide receiver-focused team when they bothered to throw.
RIP, Franco. A great player and a great man.
Was there with both my brothers, may they rest in peace, my dad and best friend, and yes we ran into the end zone after Franco scored.
Can you see yourself on the video?
@@ghs5216 I'm glad that fans don't rush the field like this anymore - but it is fun to watch. And I'm sure I'd have done it if I was there.
Marvelous
@@camicawber Fans still rush the field in college football, of course, but only after the clock has hit 0:00…not with five seconds left.
You guys weren't the one that broke your leg jumping down, were ya?
Thanks for posting this. Amazing footage. One of the most amazing plays ever. I was watching the Raiders and Steelers play here on Christmas Eve night and thinking about this play and Franco Harris' legacy as a Steeler. RIP Harris.
I grew up a die-hard Raiders fan. In 1972, I was 7 years old. The 1972 season was my first NFL season watching football and this was the very first playoff game I watched. After Stabler engineered a terrific 80 yard touchdown drive to take the lead capped off by his great 30 yard touchdown run, I was so happy. I surely thought the Raiders had this game won. The Immaculate Reception broke my heart. It was the luckiest play in NFL history. That play was like winning the lottery. The odds of a play like that happening are at least one million to one (probably more). While everyone was watching the Steelers and their fans celebrating in jubilation, I focused on the Raiders reactions. To see the look on the faces of Madden, Stabler, etc., My heart broke for them. To lose a postseason game on a fluke play like that must have been the most devastating loss possible. However, from that game came 2 positives for me. First, it started what I consider the greatest rivalry in NFL history. Second, from the heartbreak of that loss, I became a life-long Raiders fan.
Now, as far as the play is concerned and the controversy surrounding it. Franco caught that ball. It never hit the ground nor was it trapped. I think that is very clear. Villipiano was not clipped. In order for a block to be a clip, he had to have been blocked from behind. He wasn't. The Tight End clearly came in from the side to throw the block. That's not clipping. Finally, the biggest controversy of all. Who touched the ball that was deflected to Franco. The rules at the time stated that one offensive receiver could not be the only one to touch the ball deflected to another offensive receiver catching it. A defensive player has to also touch the ball, at some point, to make that play legal. Tatum touched the ball. From every replay, it clearly shows the ball bouncing off Tatum's shoulder/chest. Now, the ball might've also touched Frenchy's hand. While that's not clear from the video, it is a possibility. However, since Tatum touched the ball, it doesn't matter whether or not Frenchy touched it. Just by Tatum touching it made the play legal and legitimate. Also, it doesn't matter if Frenchy touched it first or last. As long as Tatum touched the ball, the play was legal. For it to be illegal, Frenchy had to be the only one touch it while Tatum never touched it. That's what biased Raiders fans who can't be objective want to believe. However, that's just not realistic nor the truth as to what happened based on all video evidence. It was a legal play. The ultimate lucky plat but legal. This analysis is coming from a Raiders fan who absolutely loved the old Raiders teams of the 70's and wished they had won this game and won more Super Bowls than they did. I'm just not going to lie about this play. I have to be honest.
🎯
Great comments, Stephen. As long as we're talking about fluke plays in this game, let's not overlook what a fluke it was for the very slow and immobile Ken Stabler to run for a 30-yard TD (by FAR, the longest run of his career) with a minute left in the game. The guy had a career rushing average of 0.8 yards; they didn't call him "Snake" because he had great wheels. 😂The last two minutes of that game were completely insane.
@@mcmillenandwife You make a very fair point. I had never seen Stabler make a run like that before or since. Throughout his career, he was never known as a scrambling quarterback. If you watch the video of that run, he was certainly not running very fast. Stabler certainly would never be mistaken for having track star speed which made his touchdown run all the more improbable considering it was the legendary Steel Curtain defense that he made it against.
Agreed, @@stephenhanft1226, it was a shocking score by Stabler, the only time in his entire career he had long run like that. Crazy that it came vs. the fledgling Steel Curtain.
For perspective, Stabler only had 6 rushing TDs his entire career (including this one). By contrast, Bradshaw had 7 rushing TDs just in 1972.
It was a crazy play!
RIP Franco, RIP Stabler. We've lost a bunch of players/coaches from this game, on both sides. 😢
Good to here logic from a fan on the other side. I know they exist more than we know.
Something I've always noticed about this.... If you closely watch Franco from the start of the play, you see him staying in the backfield as a blocker. When he has no one to block, he looks back and sees Bradshaw scrambling, then he takes off downfield to become an emergency check down receiver just in case. That's why he was in the right place at the right time
Franco said that he remembered Joe Paterno telling him to "go to the ball," so he ran downfield.
@@Music--ng8cd yep
Or as he said in an interview "in the wrong place @ the right time", lol. In actuality, it's a basketball technique: follow your shot, & crash the boards to get the rebound or tip in & this the ricochet is the missed shot & the catch is the rebound: Crazy play, w/ Franco getting the
jump on defenders caught "off guard", but he shows some really good speed to prevent anyone from getting the angle to trip or knock him out of bounds; and toss in the nimble feet @ the end to stay in bounds; great run; Former Cowboys fan w/ the breakdown
@@csracingreport2024 People forget that Franco was in a way the prototype of the modern NFL running back with his combination of size and speed (not the only one, but one of them). Guys around 220 lbs. weren't supposed to be that fast. Rocky Bleier used to joke about how Franco was bigger, stronger, and faster, "but since he was a great blocker, too, I got my yards."
@@Music--ng8cd This is what I heard him say as well.
Watched this with a bunch of people standing around a TV set at Sears. Amazing moment. What made this even more dramatic was the big 30-yard run by Ken Stabler about one minute before this play to give Oakland the lead. Talk about rollercoaster emotions.
Wow! This new footage is unbelievable!I would like to thank you.for showing it! From a long Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
Why has it taken so long to see this film???
As a lifetime Raiders fan, this is still painful to watch. I was a sophomore in high school in the Bay Area at the time and was still celebrating what I thought was Kenny Stabler's game winning touchdown when Franco stole it. For years, I hated Franco and the Steelers, and bought into the controversy surrounding the play. Later, I realized what a brilliant effort it was by Franco to go to the ball and legally make a great catch, then head to the end zone. In retrospect, there is no question that Jack Tatum touched the ball. I just never wanted to believe it. Franco was a class act, and I was very saddened by his passing. RIP #32.🙏 It still hurts to see the play, but I've learned to appreciate it. It's always a pure pleasure to hear the great Curt Gowdy and big Al DeRogatis. IMO, the best team I've ever heard. I sure miss those AFL/AFC games on NBC with greats like Charlie Jones and Jim Simpson. They all knew how to let the action do the talking instead of the incessant rambling that we hear now.
Great comments, top to bottom.🎯👍
Very good from you Steve to aknowledge without the fever of allegiances. This is only after long time we mature and see things in different perspective. I know it still hurts but I appreciate your cavalry and education to say things the way they are. I was one year old that day so no recall of it but I saw my dad rooting for the steelers always and I became a Steeler fan in 1978 but I knew of this play when I was about 10 years old and all the controversy around it ( let me tell you I was living in Mexico City then, and Cowboys had a huge fanbase and little context about raiders rivalry and some other things, so it was difficult to have all the feeling and facts) now I am 51 and with more cultural acumen of american culture, football and still rooting for steelers I see the importance of that era.
I was two years old when this play happened and did not become a Steelers fan until 1978 until this day! That is without a doubt the best play EVER and may never ever be surpassed. That was when football was played by men!
I don’t know how I know of this play because I was born about 30 years after this play but this is a good play to watch every now and then I’m not a Pittsburg fan nor a Raiders fan, I’m a Patriots but it’s really amazing that this play happened.
As a lifetime Steeler Fan I can honestly say that your synopsis of the play and outcome prove that there are some class act Raiders fans. I was also a sophomore in high school watching this game with my friends in the suburbs of Pittsburgh.
Best footage of this historic play I've ever seen. As an added bonus, you can slow it down to 1/4, .5, or 3/4 speed -- on top of the slo-mo already part of the video. So many cool things about this play that all of you have mentioned already: Bradshaw's elusiveness, Franco's situational awareness, reception and sprint to the end zone; Tatum's ridiculous power sending the ball on a perfect trajectory to Franco. But I also have to give props to Frenchy Fuqua, who seemed as out of the play as Franco was while Bradshaw was scrambling, but fought off a hold and a chuck and got himself in position to make a play on the ball despite Tatum converging on the same point. Fuqua fought hard to get open, wound up getting blasted. Like Andy Russell Fuqua was one of the few Steelers from Noll's first year good enough to remain with the team for two Superb Owls.
50 years later STILL the greatest play in NFL history. This footage is incredible. I've never seen the subsequent phone call nor the extra point or the kickoff and Hail Mary. Simply outstanding film. Thank you!!!
I would contend that the greatest play was one that was actually intentional and not a fluke like this play. I’m referring to the ‘hook and ladder’ the Dolphins deployed against the Charges in the Jan ‘82 Overtime AFC playoff game in MIami. I used to be a Charger fan but and still admit that this was the greatest play ever for a team that didn’t win the game.
I will go even further - I would love to see this game, the original NBC broadcast, in its entirety - what a bruising game it was - two real heavyweights going at it, with a third, the Miami Dolphins, also in the mix. Yes, I know, the Dolphins played the next day against the Browns, and won another tough game, 20-14. What a great football era. And by the way, after this game, the Cowboys came back from being down 28-13 with 8 1/2 minutes left to beat the Niners, 30-28, with Staubach leading the way after replacing Craig Morton. The greatest day in Pro Football history (12/23/1972).
I remember watching it bit was very young. From what I have heard, the ref was calling to see how much security TRS had in case they overturned the call on the field. When the ref found out there wasn't much security, he upheld the call.
Some of the replays were not shown here... did that ball actually hit the ground? no it didn't. and did Tatum actually touch it? yes he did (the ball spin changed). Neither of these replays were shown here but I remember them because they played both of them several times.
@@leecowell8165 1:43, 4:16, 8:45
Pittsburgh had incredible joy, but would experience incredible sadness just 8 days later when Roberto Clemente was taken much too soon
My wife was from Nicaragua ,passed in 2019,Roberto died trying to help the people of her country from that earthquake. On 12 23 72 it happened. I’m forever tied to that. My only son was born 12 23 02. 30 years after that earthquake and 30 yrs after that play. And I’m a huge fins fan. We beat ur lucky Steelers as we were a 9:27 9:27 team of destiny as only undefeated team ever
That's why I don't really remember this game. Roberto Clemente was my favorite baseball player. I was devastated.
Steelers would lose to the Dolphins in the AFC championship and a few hours later Clemente was gone. The darkest day in sports history for this town.
Watched the game with my dad in '72. We were longtime Colt fans. Loved Franco and his Italian Army.
side note.. Roy Gerela worried me on every kick.. even extra points 😅
That XP although meaningless, was shaky as hell!! Lol
I was so glad when Matt Bahr came along and replaced him.
Yes, Barr was solid in 1979,@@darryljorden9177. But the Steelers booted him in '81 for David Trout, who was HORRIFICALLY bad. Cost the Steelers multiple games that year. Every PAT and FG was an adventure. Dude had great leg strength, but no accuracy.
You probably remember their punter/ holder Bobby Walden .... he was a heart attack too!
LOL! Worst kicker ever with 3 or 4 SB rings!! He actually won us a playoff game and a SB by slipping on a perfect field and accidentally kicking an onside kick that we recovered and then scored. He kicked like a Gorilla:)
How fitting it was for the Steelers to come back at the end of game last night to beat the Raiders......again...almost same score,bittersweet due to Franco......last night was a SPECIAL game for Steeler nation. Love your channel Tim,Chris from east tn. diehard fan.
I grew up despising the Steelers, but I always respected them and admired their play and excellence. There were so many of the same guys there year after year. Luck is said to be where opportunity meets preparation, and Franco was on the spot. Such a fun memory to relive. Thanks for posting! RIP Franco Harris, and prayers to you and your family.
Likewise, and well said: this crazy play was 5, 6 years old when I became a Cowboys fan & upon seeing it the 1st time, it confirmed my belief the Steelers were always lucky; But over time it's clear they were just a little than Dallas, who I no longer root for btw; the Raiders -
Steelers rivalry was, like this game, tight; very hard to separate them; Great teams, along w/ Miami, Houston, & so on w/ great skill players; and to your point, it's fun to watch; Great call & analysis by the Broadcast team as well
Harris had said before that Paterno had coached them to always go to the ball, no matter the play.
Franco caught it with the tips of his fingers! He kept it from hitting the ground - that’s the Immaculate portion of it. Amazing stuff.
@@jerryhinkle3786 "Used to exist." What you say is as biased as you accuse the other person. You may argue that the nose of the ball touched the ground when it was in his hands, but it did not touch the ground and bounce into his hands. The existing video in this clip makes that clear. Games are never going to be precisely played and judged by humans. However, it's over 50 years ago and it is just a sporting event -- you sound way too bothered by this in 2022.
yep I watched the replay several times. the ball did NOT touch the ground. it was the right call. They did NOT show all the replays here. There was another one that showed the ball spin change when Tatum touched it. Today that no longer matters. what a stupid rule that was. no matter WHO you were rooting for it was the right call. This was an AFC playoff game. Dolphins went on to win it all as this was the only perfect season ever played. nowaday with 17 games instead of 14 its doubtful that they'll ever be a "perfect" season (although almost all sports records will be broken... except Secretariat's of course).
@@jerryhinkle3786 nope the ball never touched the ground
No one will ever go undefeated …. Fins destiny , 9:27 book it bra
That was never the controversy. The rule at the time would have made the pass incomplete is a Steeler touched it before Harris caught it.
The 1970s NFL was the best ! I'm glad as a kid that I grew up watching NFL in the mid to late 70s. The fans were the best too. They swarmed the field and the players with no incidents. Raiders fans and other teams' fans too.
This game, the 1974 Bills playoff game, '75 Colts playoff game--the Holy Trinity of missing games, at least as far as playoffs go. You're awesome Tim!
I would love to see the 72 AFC Championship game against the Dolphins also
@@jefflouis3113 Good call, absolutely.
There are a few plays from the 1972 AFC Championship broadcast floating around.
@@jefflouis3113 Also the 1984 AFC Championship game; Marino's biggest NFL win and it's nowhere to be found
@@TheBroadestBlue That game is out there. bitchute
Still after all these years, the greatest play of all time. It never gets dated.
This was one of the first games I remember watching live. RIP Franco Harris.
Me too, I think the same day was the Dallas over San Francisco 30-28 come from behind victory. This was where the modern NFL started.
Me too I was 9 years old and man why Dad ? is everyone so excited I was thinking at the time!
@@CLRoess I was 9 as well born in 63.I wanted the Raiders to win.
@@gregorycyr9272 you got it buddy I was born in 63 too. Go Steelers! 50 years now watching the Steelers-Raiders 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception!
@@CLRoess I am a COLTS fan since 1971.RIP Franco Harris.
...from this incredible high to the loss of our beloved Roberto Clemente...
💔😢
IN my case, from being a Pirates fan living in Cincinnati who was at the NLCS Game 5, to the Steelers' crazy season, to the Immaculate Reception, to Roberto's death, all in less than three months. Wild times for a high schooler.
He caught it! Best footage ever released. I'm a Raiders fan, 51 years old always thought the ball hit the ground, Franco Harris actually made that play. Fantastic reaction to make that pick 6.
As a Raiders fan Love the fact that Franco and Phil Villapiano became great friends As they were rivals they were great friends
"Pick 6"?
@@jamy8575 lol, right?
I guess he meant to say that Franco picked it out of mid-air, six inches off the ground, and ran it down the field for six points.
It's irrelevant that he caught it if the Raiders DB touched it, which he did. Should've been ruled incomplete regardless.
@@kevinsullwold2388 you're incorrect. " If the ball bounced off only Tatum or if it bounced off both Fuqua and Tatum (in any order) then the reception was legal. The rule stated in the pertinent part that if an offensive player touches a pass first, he is the only offensive player eligible to catch the pass. "However, if a [defensive] player touches [the] pass first, or simultaneously with or subsequent to its having been touched by only one [offensive] player then all [offensive] players become and remain eligible" to catch the pass."
I was 13 years old and had never seen a Steeler game as they were not on TV in the area I grew up in. I watched that game and fell in love with there defense. The next week they played the undefeated Miami dolphins and lost. I became a Steeler fan that day and this past December made 50 years a fan. RIP Franco as you will never be forgotten.
Same thing happened to me..I was 9 years old watching this game..that day I became a Steelers fan for life..I remember it like it was yesterday..RIP #32..Francos Italian Army will live on forever..RUN PAISANO RUN 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹
' their defense '. You didn't fall in love with proper spelling.
6 seconds that lasted for ever in our hearts. May he Rest In Peace.
There will never be another Franco.
Thank you for posting this. If this exists, then I bet that somewhere a tape of the whole game exists.
I doubt it because vhs didn't exist then so it has to be all on reels that are 50 years old.
This game was a dud unitl the last minutes of the game
i'm willing bet that too,maybe they'll reveal on the 50th anniversary.
Agreed: there's job creation and / or security w/ the likelihood the tapes are sitting around, un- digitized, and ready to be remastered & edited: in full form & w/ short segments, w/ packages also by position, Conference / teams, Wild Card / Championship games, Top Plays, Best Drives, Interceptions, etc.
the only caveat is lack of vision for future technology & film being destroyed: if that's in play, u have a nightmare that can't be shaken; But upon going to the Networks, u probably don't have to go far to find those Master Tapes
I'm (99% sure somebody has this. At 0:43, you can tell it cuts to a "copy of a copy" recording, complete with tracking issues. I think it's only a matter of time until it gets out.
I was a 9, a Browns child living in CLE. This was a game I'll never remember. The entire AFC '70's were incredible, to a boy like me!
How it all began! Only wish we could see the whole game. RIP Oh Great One!
I would harbor to guess this & countless games are sitting around not having been Reviewed & Digitized; also, possible a lot of footage has been scrapped, unaware of its future value &
in anticipation of new technology...a nightmare if that's the
case: If not, the job creation to package these games is sitting there; and upon walking into the production rooms of the 3 Major Networks, it's likely u don't have to look far
When I was 9 years old, I read about this play in a book of football's greatest plays. At that moment, I became a Steeler fan. That was nearly 50 years ago.
I have never ever seen this footage! It is incredible!!
This happened on my 9th birthday & still unforgettable. Curt Gowdy = best NFL play by play man of all-time.
I disagree. Both Tony & Troy are better because they explain things in a way that john q can understand. Gowdy never did that I don't think he ever played the game.
Tony (sucks IMO) & Troy both are color analysts & not play by play guys. Almost all play by play announcers never stepped on a field.
No I don’t know it, because it never hit the ground & I never saw anything proving otherwise.
The game was not broadcast in Pittsburgh. I lived 4 miles from 3 Rivers Stadium, I had to go to Erie to watch the game. I am glad I went. RIP Franco.
Yeah, it wasn't until the next year that the NFL lifted the local blackout rules.
Thank you for posting the extra footage. I remember exactly what I was doing, where I was and what the weather was like outside watching that game as a young Raider fan. The Raiders would’ve hosted the Dolphins the next week and might have ruined the perfect season. After all the Raiders never lost to the Dolphins in Northern California until the 2000s, but we’ll never know. Priceless memories. Later that day, the 49ers blew their playoff game against the Cowboys in Roger Staubach’s debut as “Captain Comeback”. It was a very sad day for the Bay Area.
I was 15 when I watched this game, and I have to admit I went crazy when Stabler scrambled for the touchdown to take the lead for Oakland and I thought that was it. This play was 4th and 10 for cryin' out loud!
I am deeply saddened by the passing of this great man. Looking forward to meeting him in heaven.
Franco never gave up on a play. It was in his DNA. Everyone who ever played the game at any level knows that you are coached to "finish the play" even when you are not directly involved. Run down field even if it's the final play of the game and even the season. Maybe you'll throw a block or recover a fumble. And maybe, just maybe, something miraculous might happen. Franco Harris finished every play. RIP 32.
And two Raider defenders celebrated prematurely
Franco Harris and Walter Payton had something that no other football player has ever possessed. It has something to do with grit.
Joe taught him well.
Thanks for the memories! My dad was at this game as a Christmas present. My dad said there was so much mayhem ...still have the tickets today!
This moment couldn't have happened to a better man. Franco had such good will and such integrity, a beautiful spirit. Used his incredible fame to bring so much joy to people. Always had time to help. Always had time to talk. He cared more about what other people felt than what he felt. He was a very special man. RIP
Agreed!!
They you for showing this!! This game took place really very shortly after I was born. What really amazes me about this game is not only the miracle catch made by Franco Harris to score this miracle 60-yard touchdown run with only seconds left in the game which gave the Steelers the win, 13-7, but actually this is the Steeler's very first postseason win in team's history, since this NFL franchise first existed in the 1930s. Also, it seems to me this game became the solid foundation of the team's (Steeler's) dynasty of this same decade, the 1970s, where the Steelers would end up winning 4 Super Bowls afterwards up 'til the 1980 Super Bowl game (the 4th Super Bowl Steelers would win just after the '79 NFL season).
Growing up in Pittsburgh, I was 10 years old & watching this game on TV with my (childhood), friends. The next several years the Steelers built an absolute dynasty.
Same here, BUT due to NFL blackout rules at that time, the game was not broadcast in the local Pittsburgh market. Many fans did drive outside of the local market to watch the game. I listened to WTAE Radio Jack Fleming call of the game.
That is the most time I've seen from that game. Thank you so much. I'm a lifelong Steeler fan and I would have loved to have been there. However, I wasn't born yet well a couple of years later. Harris was always one of my favorite players.
Favorite Steeler and player of all time. Rest in peace Franco.
OMG i have never seen this replay! Thank you so much for posting this.
What an outstanding video this is!!! The camera work for 1972 was actually pretty good. If today with the 1972 rules, there’s no conclusive evidence to overturn the call, which very much appears that Tatum touched it last before Franco caught it. Also what a great team of Curt Gowdy and Al Derogatis broadcasting; both very knowledgeable and thoroughly nice people.
Tatum didn't touch it.
@@s.l.nicholson4240 .......not Tatum.......just his right shoulder 😁.
The NFL writes it's own history. Tatum could or not have touched the ball just like the ball could've touch the ground when Franco caught it. In today's tech we would have known if both instances were legit.
Well, in 1972 they didn't have 10 cameras on the play as they do now, lol. And you can't fault the cameraman for the catch being out of frame. Cameramen for NFL games tried to zoom in as much as possible on a play as it was happening without missing the play. A crazy bounce off a player in the opposite direction couldn't be anticipated.
Great era of Broadcasters; and Running Backs; and to your play point, on replay if u apply how fast it happens in "real time" Fuqua's contact is incidental @ best, given Tatum has the better angle on ball & the target in Fuqua himself, along w/ the
trajectory of the ball, which heads back where it was thrown from, an unlikely path from an attempted catch, indicating be it the torso and / or arm, Tatum generates the lion's share of the force & velocity of the ricochet; and w/ today's camera work
imagine Bradshaw's reaction; you'd probably have tighter shots of the deflection, and Fuqua's reaction, probably half dazed @ first, but as u mentioned, the original replay offers a pretty good look
Franco was so chill in the end zone.
Super cool.
Not that it matters... My football nickname was "Franco" after this.
Mainly, after I ran a 102yd TD, through the line, on the first play of our Homecoming game, after our guy fumbled to the 1 yd line, when they kicked off to us.
And then, I was put in to do the kick off return, the second time, and was finally tackled about 5 yards short of doing it again.
I played "Ironman"... Fullback / Mid Linebacker.
Thanks, Mr Harris.
So much for my glory night.
Thanks for listening.
My Mom was pregnant with me.... What a Throw and Touchdown.... RIP Franco Harris
That's what I said about Terry's arm sheesh RIP FRANCO
lol I was 18 months old ... my dad was 28 and saw this on t.v. ... I would guess I was somewhere else in the house, causing absolute chaos ;-)
@@paddyb456 I was a holy terror
I was pregnant with my daughter as well, she was born 5/28/73. I remember when the Steel Curtain was a force to be reckoned with.
Why doesn’t this have 1.5 million views
This happened 6 months before I was born. Thank goodness for replay so I can witness it. What a play.
This was the Birth of One of the greatest dynasties in the History of team sports
If not for injuries, we would have won 6 straight!!!
@davesmith9417 I totally agree with you.
I remember watching the live telecast of this game. What an ending. I wasn't a fan of either team, but as a kid at the time regardless of who was playing I watched just about any televised college or pro football game, which of course back in the days of only three channels was not nearly as many as now. It's good to hear the familiar voices of Gowdy and DeRogatis.
Back when you could jump out of the stands and run over and personally congratulate players!😂
Definitely different times! 😂
Why should that be allowed?
Oh, it definitely should NOT be allowed,@@Fakename70! No way. It’s hard to believe it was ever permitted. It was complete chaos back then; can you imagine what it would be like now with everyone taking video on their phones and trying to go viral? 😮😂
I’m not sure when they finally put the kibosh on it. The last time I recall seeing it was after the ‘79 AFC Championship. There were instances of players punching overly-exuberant fans, one time a fan snatched Bum Phillips’ hat (‘78 AFCC)… it was ridiculous.
But there’s a certain nostalgia for it, because it was SOOO ‘70s. It’s pretty amazing to see.
Looked like a 10 foot drop from the stands to the field! Yes a very 1970's scene, like Aaron's home run trot with those dudes running alongside him
My cousin ran out on 5he field in Oakland and grabbed Campy Campaneris hat after a World Series game
What struck me about the play is Tatum had a chance to either catch the ball or knock it down but instead went for the hit on the player. I think 999 times out of a thousand he made the right play but in this case it deflects high enough for Franco to catch it and the rest is history.
That's what I always thought, but if you look at the endzone replay (from Bradshaw's perspective), Tatum is lining up for a basket catch. The collision prevented the pickoff. If he'd have reached out for the ball things might have turned out differently.
@@mikem6384 Tatum was definitely getting ready to catch it.
@@mikem6384also, it was probably the only time in Tatum's career that an offensive player interrupted HIS play. Crazy, ironic or whatever you want to call it.
Anyone who says they watched the game on TV in Pittsburgh, is mistaken. The game was blacked out for a 50 mile radius. I lived in New Castle, Pa at the time and got the broadcast from a NBC affiliate from Youngstown, Ohio.
Correct. I remember listening to it on the radio.
You’re 53 miles from Pittsburgh. You talking about being outside of Pittsburgh then. My parents grew up in north part of Allegheny county about 17 miles from Pittsburgh. Pretty sure they seen the game.
Edit: yinz right, my dad said all home games where blackouts. You had to travel outside the area to get on tv.
Curt, like all watching, was so surprised that he initially shouted "picked off!" when it became clear Franco had caught the ball.
It could not have been more obvious that it bounced off of Tatum.
it didn't bounce of him per say it bounced off one of his hands.
Steeler fans NEVER get tired of watching this miracle
That was the first Christmas with our new father, 50 years ago yesterday.
Their all gone now. I'm the last one standing. I just spent the last 15 minutes crying I just realized it. I miss my mom and dad and brother and sister.
Sorry, Apryl. 💔😥
Well thanks for posting that the original footage all the way to the end including the credits with Tennessee Ernie Ford Christmas wow thank you so much LOL that was awesome
Thank you Franco Harris, Chuck Knoll, Ken Stabler, and John Madden for giving us such great game, that will always be remembered. I’m not here to debate anyone about my opinion about the play. I will say the Stealers definitely benefited.
This is great! Footage where the actual last play of the game is shown. The aftermath of the Immaculate Reception.
Awesome find. I believe if you pause at 1:15 as Franco goes into endzone Dan Rooney is standing in the tan colored coat behind the guy in yellow. He said he was about there in his book.
Rip Franco Harris this is probably the most legendary play in NFL history in his rookie yr in the playoffs at that.
It was a poetically fantastic career to make the Immaculate Catch, build on it to help win Championships, gain 12,000 plus yards & all the accolades that go with his impressive resume; and I'm a former Cowboys fan that knows what time it is: Franco was one of a Fantastic Fraternity of Running Backs that included OJ Simpson, & like "The Juice" he was a
combo of Size & Speed; and as the final part of the play shows, light on his feet, tiptoeing & staying in bounds to score; And though he was 72 years young, the timing of his passing is very upsetting: Great Player: With or w/ o this catch, absolute legend
50 years later we're still talking about it.
Really amazing video being able to see the last 9 minutes of that game. Instead of just the normal 20 seconds highlights. They always make it like that's the year the Steelers went to the super bowl but no that was the year that the Miami dolphins went undefeated. The 72 dolphins.
50 years to the day, and this is the first time I've seen the rest of the broadcast after the touchdown.
I was 12 years old and I still can't believe it. So glad for the Steelers. Franco's Italian Army.
Raiders tried to explore the fact that the elements of the play was incredible. They were too many things that could have gone wrong and it didn’t happen e.g., did the ball touch Fuqua, did the ball touch the ground when Franco caught it and did he step out of bounds. That was not the design of the play and a roll of rare circumstances decided the fate of that play which makes it truly immaculate! Thanks for sharing bro
Not to mention the obvious clipping penalty by John McMakin on Phil Villapiano.
@@s.l.nicholson4240 I don’t disagree that was a clip. An “Obvious “ one Maybe. This is another element that makes this play immaculate. However, it doesn’t happen if Tatum plays the ball and not Fuqua. Tatum was in position to end that play and was the only defender to control their destiny if he only attempted to make a play on the ball.
Villapiano was clipped on this play .That's the way it is when you play Pittsburgh
@@roberttomer72 I didn’t know clipping was blocking someone on the side of their body1:09. Slow motion replay
as expected, they were ticked off @ how they got scored on to lose a game; Fuqua did get a piece, & even w/ the old rules if Tatum touched it last, which it appears he did, given the trajectory of the ball generated by his pace in closing the gap on Fuqua, that ball is live; and it appears the catch wasn't trapped.
Though two bodies were trying to occupy one space,
Jack Tatum RIP, saying he didn't touch the ball is a reach to say the least: what's the likelihood a projected missile going downward gets caught before it hits the ground, leading to a game winning TD? an Improbable way to lose a game which goes to your point of it being Immaculate.
RIP Franco Harris...My Sincerest Sympathy to his Family and Friends
Thanks for this video. It clearly shows that this was the correct call. The end zone replay shows Franco catching the ball before it hits the ground. The side view replay shows the ball passing Fuqua and hitting Tatum.
There are also many false claims about the rules that if Fuqua touched the ball, Franco couldn't legally catch it. This was not the rule. In the Super Bowl 2 years earlier, there was a similar deflection play. A Johnny U pass went off the finger tips of a Colts receiver into John Mackey's arms who scored a TD. When it was determined that a Cowboys player had also tipped the ball, the catch was ruled legal. Here when Tatum deflects the ball, it is legal for any Steeler to catch it.
100% correct. 🎯
At that time the play would have been illegal had it been determined that Fuqua was the last player that touched the ball prior to Franco making the catch . The rules were eventually changed , but that is not a misconception . I'm guessing on the Colts TD deflection it must have been determined that the last player to touch the ball prior to the catch was a Cowboy .
@@johndinisi5183, the play was legal because, while the ball may or may not have touched Fuqua, it DEFINITELY touched Tatum (proof here: ruclips.net/video/_ceQub-p7qE/видео.html).
The '72 rulebook states that if a defensive player touches the ball at ANY point (before, simultaneously or after it touches an offensive player), then any player is eligible to catch it.
Here's the "legalize" from the 1972 NFL Rule Book: Rule 7, Section 5, Article 2, Item 2-c: Any forward pass (legal or illegal) becomes incomplete and ball is dead immediately if pass is caught by any [offensive] player after it has touched ineligible [offensive] player or second eligible [offensive player], and before any touching by [defensive player]. The penalty of this this infraction is a loss of down at the previous spot. HOWEVER, if a [defensive] player touches [the] pass first, or simultaneously with or subsequent to its having been touched by only one [offensive] player, then all [offensive] players become and remain eligible.
Thanks for this. I always wondered what the Raider players were so upset about. They were seriously angry, and I couldn't figure out why.
The syntho-pop music during the outro was classic...
The greatest play in NFL history.
I was 7 in Pittsburgh and remember that moment. My dad was watching the game as I opened my new Wacky Packages stickers that Mom just bought for like $1.30 a box. An unopened box now would go for thousands on Ebay
HOLY COW! With this newly discovered NBC footage, I wonder if the entire NBC broadcast of this game exists and is somewhere in this country?
It does, around 10 years ago I called to see what I had to do to get a copy. They verified that to receive a copy, I had to get a business or a corporation license
May God Rest FRANCO’S SOUL (He died recently)
I remember watching this game RIP Franco
And to think I saw this live as a 9 year old kid who just happened to come in the house from playing football because I was hungry. The TV just happened to be on and no one was watching it. So I figured it was almost over so I’d watch the last minute and that happens. Wasn’t a Steelers fan but still it was pretty cool.
yeah we saw it live. he grabbed the ball just inches from the turf on a full run. Tatum was arguing that he never touched the ball but replay showed otherwise. There were several replays including how close that ball came to the turf when Franco grabbed it. There was another replay that showed the ball spin changing when Tatum touched it. Today it doesn't matter who touches the ball or how many times if the offensive player winds up with it its their possession and its as simple as that. Franco Harris. what a class act he was. He was a BIG RB too. this was his rookie year. he was in exactly the right place at the right time. unreal!
By rule, the first offensive player to touch the pass must also catch it. Since it appears that Fuqua did touch the ball, Harris would have been ineligible to catch it. Incomplete pass. It doesn't matter if Tatum also touched it, which it appears he did. It was an incredible play by Harris, and of course it's too late to change now, but the official's call was incorrect.
@@conradg1207 The ball is ricocheting past Frenchy after it hit TATUM!!
@@MrBeyondbelief It looks to me like Fuqua touches the ball at the very least in glancing. Once he touches the ball, it doesn't matter if Tatum touched it first or afterwards, only Fuqua is allowed to catch it.
It is at least very interesting that Fuqua refused to say whether he touched the ball or not. Took the fifth. Why? He doesn't want to ruin the myth of this play, then or later.
@@conradg1207, From the 1972 NFL Rule Book: Rule 7, Section 5, Article 2, Item 2-c: Any forward pass (legal or illegal) becomes incomplete and ball is dead immediately if pass is caught by any A player after it has touched ineligible A player or second eligible A, and BEFORE any touching by B. The Penalty of this this infraction is a loss of down at the previous spot.
When the ball made contact with Tatum (B team), it became legal for Franco (A team) to catch the ball. Had the ball NOT touched Tatum, it would've been illegal.
@@conradg1207 Fuqua got hit so hard his brain got scrambled so that is the reason he says what he says. The ball never touched him though.
I was there with the other 3 million in attendance and I tell you the stadium went nuts!
Tatum went for the cheap shot.
Franco went for the end zone.
Here.
We.
Go.
Following week, Pittsburgh lost to Miami
@@charlesrazo7246 and the following seasons steelers became the first team to win four super bowls
@@jorgegaytan3012 no Miami won the Super Bowl again after that
Not a "cheap shot" by Tatum. His hit was to simply break up the play.
Somehow it doesn’t feel right for NBC to run the closing credits over “The Immaculate Reception” with that ridiculous music playing.
That being said, This is absolutely incredible footage. I’ve never seen video of the argument at the goal line, the phone call, the extra point, the following kickoff, or the actual last play of the game, the pass from Stabler to Chester. Great job putting this together!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I know, that music is hilarious. 😂
8 days later, triumph turned to tragedy as we lost the greatest baseball player ever, Roberto Clemente. I still remember exactly where I was and what I was doing on both accounts.
I thought you meant losing to the undefeated Dolphins
As an avid Cubs fan, I had a love/hate relationship with Bob Clemente. He was the greatest player I’d ever seen, and he always killed the Cubs. The high school my mom had attended in Chicago was renamed Clemente High after his death.
@@carlbaumeister3439 I grew up in the Mike Schmidt era of Cub killing! Still a sad day in Pittsburgh! Being a footnote to the 17-0 Dolphin season plus losing such a great talent in Clemente!
@@KT72273 Imagine how many HR Schmidt would’ve had if he’d played for the Cubs!
Sorry but not the greatest
Franco was one of the greatest. As a kid I remember seeing this on TV and sat in shock at the outcome. I wasn’t for the other team it just shocked me that this could and did happen.
Yes, one of the greatest at avoiding contact and getting out of bounds. Walter Payton he was not.
Guys, Here is our Savior
YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified/Pierced for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF”
From the Ancient Egyptian Semitic:
"Yad He Vav He" is what Moshe (Moses) wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3)
Ancient Egyptian Semitic Direct Translation
Yad - "Behold The Hand"
He - "Behold the Breath"
Vav - "Behold The NAIL"
It would be nice if the nfl showed the whole game broadcast for the 50th year anniversary.
Yes! & Show it this weekend because the Steelers play the Raiders & in memory of #32 Franco Harris! 👍✌️
Jack Tatum wanted to inflict pain rather than prevent Pittsburg from scoring and as a result his team lost
One of the greatest football plays of all time.
The Greatest.
Yes indeed!!!!
The complete game should be released it is a part of history.
When Curt Gowdy says he's never seen anything like this, you know this is the beginning of crazy, improbable plays. The next level up is 10 years later when the Cal-Stanford play with the "band on the field." Gowdy was the unofficial sports historian of his time.
Wow, this is my first time seeing the full video footage of this miracle play. Thanks for sharing!
It makes you have goosebumps if you are a Steelers fan.
Even if you’re not a steeler fan!
always does
I still get goosebumps, and I was a Baltimore Colts fan, Johnny U through and through. But a fingertip catch that was made a fraction of an inch off above the turf after the ball ricocheted from a smashing hit by Oakland's Jack Tatum, and then followed by Franco's gallop to the endzone, replete with a stiff arm of an Oakland would-be tackler. American football at its best.
Omg, thank you thank you thank you!!! I’ve never seen the rest of this game. Always wondered what happened on the last couple plays.
'Run to the ball!!!' The oldest coaching axiom in football
has never paid bigger dividends.
Thanks for great footage. The end zone shot pretty much dispels any doubt the ball hit Tatum first.
Something people don't get these days .go near the ball at ALL TIMES that's how u make plays..
Actually Franco was blocking downfield on this play he was not the intended receiver. he just happened to be in the perfect place at the perfect time AND he was observant. he always had great vision on the field & that served him well here. he will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him what a class act. I was a Dolphin fan at the time but it didn't matter what a great play this was!
the old rules may make this wrong, but even if Tatum hit it last, that ball is live; if Fuqua made contact, given the ball trajectory, it was slight & incidental compared to Tatum having a better
angle & momentum towards the ball, especially when u "re- apply "real time" speed: pretty hard to eject the ball outward when attempting to make a catch
Oh my gosh!!! Did not know . I'm a 73 yr.old lady Steeler fan. Saw the games in the 70's...loved em!!! What a sad loss especially in light of what was planned😭😞😪major bummer!!
Much prefer these announcers to the likes of RG3 and Romo
Nantz!
Thanks for posting this. But I really hope NFL will post the full game using the broadcast master sources they have access to.
I hope so, too! I believe this footage is proof that the full game is out there. I think it's only a matter of time until it gets out.
Wow I was 6 yrs old & a Raider Fan. There will never be times like the 70's Curt Gowdy calling the games. RIP to the humble HOF Franco Harris
U right. I was 6 too. Nothing like the 70's.
Happy 50 year anniversary from 6 yr old ( in 1972) Steeler fan.
This play was 5,6,7 years old when I became a football / Cowboys fan @ the time, & seeing it confirmed the Steelers were luckier than I thought: Given their poor history, you could
say it was long overdue for them to catch a break, pun intended.
Franco used basketball IQ to follow the play & crash the boards.
The ricochet went far enough & directly in his path: Athletic play & great instincts nevertheless, to shoestring catch it on the run & sprint to the wire; Very sad, upsetting, & cruel to a great extent that he won't be able to revel & celebrate his historic moment in time
A time that also includes a resume proving he was More than a One Trick "Immaculate Reception" pony: An important & key member of a Fantastic Fraternity / era of great running backs & more importantly, a classy guy that will be missed
Actually watched this when it happen, boy how time flies now in 2024.
RIP Franco. 🙏
I remember listening to this game. Up to this time the Steeler fans had suffered for years and years of losing seasons.