It's been 50+ years (canNOT believe I just typed that) and yet this game and that play never get old. The utter hopelessness that Pittsburgh faced with :22 left can't be overstated. And while the "Immaculate Reception" is the single greatest play in NFL history, it overshadowed one that happened less than 2 minutes earlier that might rank in the Top 5...Stabler's 30-yard TD run. Stabler didn't rush for 100 yards _in his entire career_ !
Franco Harris (1950-2022) Tears flow tonight...for one of the most famous Steelers of the 70s. 'The Immaculate Reception' shall be remembered forever. 🏈😢
R.I.P. Franco Harris. It's so sadly ironic that he passed away near the 50th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. He was truly one of the greatest ever to play the game.
@@jennifershaffor9675 I'm from Chicago, but I can only imagine what Pittsburgh is experiencing, particularly Steeler Nation. Franco Harris has to be one of the most iconic figures in that city ever.
I was 16 when the Steelers got this first shot for a championship after all the horrific previous seasons. Who better to play it against than the Raiders which was like playing your best high school rival. After the Packers of the 60's, the only thing separating the Steelers, Raiders and Cowboys of the 70's was who was finally ahead when time ran out. What competition and intensity between such evenly matched teams. Steelers always, but I sure miss the way football was played back in the day in the NFL and the backyard.
Side note, a raiders Jets game from near the end of the 72 season is preserved where Howard Coselle makes a point of pointing out how badly the raiders wanted to win and avoid playing Miami in round one
The NFC was really rough in the 80's...Landry's Cowboys(until 1986), Parcells' Giants, Gibbs' Redskins, Dick Vermeil/Buddy Ryan's Eagles, Ditka's Bears, and Walsh's 49ers all were really good teams usually fighting for playoff positioning. The Vikings and Rams usually had pretty decent teams too in the 80's.
Oddly enough, Dallas and San Francisco played each other for a third consecutive year in postseason in the second game played the same day as this one -- December 23, 1972. In one of the most incredible comebacks ever, the Cowboys rallied from a 28-13 deficit (there was no two-point conversion in 1972, so that represents a three-score margin) in the last five minutes to defeat the 49ers, 30-28. Yet, that game is hardly highlighted, while this one, with the Steelers winning a defensive battle on an extremely lucky play, has been "immortalized." Further, both winning teams on December 23 lost on December 31 in the conference championship games.
Great matchups, but not the NFL'S greatest rivalries. The Cleveland Browns have a much bigger beef with the Steelers than any other team ever has. As far as Oakland, P,Pittsburgh, San Francisco and Dallas, any of those teams gets bad and nobody cares about the so called rivalry.
@@Famijoly And don't forget, Miami almost had it's unbeaten streak ended the next day, against Cleveland. They had to rally late in the 4th quarter, to win.
I was 10, I big Raiders fan my uncle was a big Steelers fan. I never forget watching it on TV. Very controversial call to this day. Considered the greatest play in NFL history
This game, with that stunning and much discussed touchdown in the closing seconds, triggered a rivalry that symbolizes the NFL of the 1970s. When the NFL absorbed all 10 AFL franchises in 1970, old-line NFL franchises Pittsburgh, Baltimore (Colts), and Cleveland were placed in the AFC with the AFL-originated franchises. Oakland and Pittsburgh met for the first time ever on the opening Sunday of the 1972 season, a 34-28 Steelers win in Pittsburgh that was covered in this film. The Steelers were terrible for many years prior to 1972. The Raiders had been strong in the closing years of the AFL and would continue to be strong for a long time. Al Davis made sure the AFL logo was engraved into all three Raiders Super Bowl rings, even those championships were in the NFL. The Raiders continued to embody the maverick spirit of the AFL, while the Steelers were old party-line NFL all the way. Even though they had never met prior to 1972, and even though they have never been in the same division, and even though they are in very different parts of the country, the Raiders and Steelers of the 1970s really did hate each other for reasons beyond the football field. A Raiders-Steelers postseason game never disappointed for intensity.
To this day, I can't believe how it ended! Even though I was neither a fan of these two teams per say, if you're a true Football fan, you watch these games because of the love of the sport. I rooted for the Steelers simply because one of my brothers was indeed a Raiders fan. When Stabler scored, I thought that was it... great game still. But to see Franco come out of nowhere, catch the football and actually score was just unbelievable! And to witness the joy of the home crowd's reaction was truly spectacular!! I don't think we'll ever see anything like this ever again... at least not in my lifetime!! R.I.P. Franco
When they beat the Raiders in Oakland in the 74 AFC Championship is when it really started after the Raiders beat Miami in the Sea of Hands game the week before...ending the Dolphins dynasty
The Steelers got Swann, Stallworth, Lambert, Mike Webster, and Donnie Shell all in the 74 draft. By far the best draft class in NFL history. I think they got both Bradshaw and Mel Blount in the 1970 draft. Two of the three best draft classes in NFL history along with the Bears getting both Gale Sayers and Dick Butkus in the 1965 draft
This was 8 years before I was born. My dad and grandfather used to tell me about this amazing catch Franco Harris made to win the game. Of course it would be years later before I finally saw the immaculate reception. I also heard after the Raiders took the lead and once it was 4th and 10 Art Rooney left his seat to walk to the locker room to console his players only to be greeted with very happy players who just won the game. Art Rooney never got to see what happened. A shame the Steelers couldn't overcome the Dolphins the following week but we know Dolphins would win the Superbowl that year. Four years later 76 and the dynasty of the Steelers began.
This is the very first NFL game I can remember, somewhat. I was 8 years old and my neighborhood friend was 9 and his visiting "uncle" was about 14 and a raiders fan who made us watch the game in my parent's basement in NJ. My dad, a Giants fan, sat in on the proceedings. I remember him yelling that Lamonica was just throwing the ball up for grabs. Then I remember people screaming when Stabler put the Raiders ahead and then screaming again when the Harris' TD followed. Then I remember the TV showing the final score of 13-7.
That was definitely the best and most hard hitting rivalry I've ever seen. I'm a Bills fan but always rooted for Oakland whenever they played Pittsburgh. Buffalo-Miami was a great AFC rivalry in the late 80's and 90's. Then the Pats-Colts and Steelers-Ravens in the 2000's. Pats-Steelers and Pats-Ravens was pretty good too in the playoffs
I have never seen anything like their rivalry. RAIDERS VS STEELERS BAD BLOOD AND BRUISE' S. 1975 AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WAS BRUTAL. THEY DID NOT LIKE EACH OTHER. ALABAMA, AUBURN ONLY RIVALRY THAT BEETS IT IN MY OPPINON.
I’m a Giant fan ! Yeah this rivalry was classic ! I have always said LT and my defense was pretty dam good ! They stood right in line with theses defenses !!!
:-DD)))...AND not only every 12.23!!>>Check out a whole documentary of the NFL's "A Football Life" dedicated to this game(i.e., it's called "The Immaculate Reception"!!) and you can see Franco and Phil on there as guests going back & forth together in a wonderful, playful "bluster of banter" about the catch~like 38 years later!! It's GREATTT!! :-))).....
Greatest play in NFL history period. Having said that, it was actually one helluva play by Jack Tatum. The big hit and the timing. I can't speak to the NFL pre merger, but the past 50 years I've never seen a bigger/badder hitter than that cat.
Yes - he would be playing at a loss if he suited up in today's game with all the fines. I think only being a Raider has kept him out of the HOF, unfortunately.
I was 9 years old in 1972 when Franco Harris made that remarkable play against the Oakland raiders at 3 rivers stadium Franco Harris greatest player of time Alex
A little before my time, D-fence looked at smothering for both teams, It looked like Steelers defense game plan was to not rush the quarterback but to take away the receivers. Mike Siani was a great receiver for the Raiders, that never gets talked about.
@@sonora_rey Stabler's contemporaries; Tarkenton was 22 when he got to start, Bradshaw 23, Griese 23. Stabler didn't get the fulltime job until he was 27. Staubach wasn't until 29, but that's because he had a commitment to the Navy. Plus Landry was stubborn and didn't let Staubach start fulltime until week 8 of the 1971 NFL season. Whereas Staubach proceeded to run the table on the 71 season all the way to being Superbowl MVP.
Madden didn't trust Stabler did you ever hear of him doing anything great in college no then he didn't even make any NFL roster after college he was playing semi pro football when the raiders gave him a roster spot so he could learn under Madden number 3 and number 16
@@barbaracaroll Landry didn't trust Staubach. Walsh didn't trust Montana. And Landry cost the Cowboys Superbowl VI by Not letting Roger start full time until he was 29 years old and halfway into the 1971 season. Oh, and then Roger proceeded to win the last 7 straight games, was Superbowl MVP, and Second team All-Pro.
6 years later the Raiders had their own fantastic/controversial pass play with the 'Holy Roller'. Both plays are fun to watch but I suspect if these happened in the 1950's they both would've been Called Back.
A tremendous game played by two of the teams who dominated the decade. As a side note, check out the dirty pants of many of the players on both teams. It is incredible to think how dirty the city of Pittsburgh was in the early 70's from all the steel mills.
One of the great broadcasters in history. The glorious Ray Scott captured the drama and pageantry of this historic game. Notice how incredible the Steeler Back Seven were. The Defensive Line received so much deserved ink. Yet, the Linebackers picked off Raider passes twice. Russell, Ham and Lambert blanketed Three Rivers Stadium like a Giant Quilt. I think it was poetic that a team that relied on so many lucky finishes, fell to a last minute miracle themselves. No Ghost to the Post, Holy Roller, or Sea of Hands. Just a stupid, cheap hit by the Raiders resident thug Jack Tatum. Ironically, had Tatum simply made a clean tackle, the game would be over. Instead his high hit caused a deflection that sent the bal careening into the hands of Franco Harris. Decades later, the old Raiders are still bitter. Let them be. This gets better every time I watch it.
The following week in the AFC championship game,the Steelers were hosting(!) the undefeated Dolphins team ,and were actually winning ,I believe 17-14 mid 4th Q. Then on 4th and 10 in their own territory,Larry Seiple,the Dolphins punter,ran about 30 yards on a fake punt. Miami would go on to score and win on route to their perfect season
Not quite. The Steelers led 7-0, and 10-7. The Dolphins actually led 21-10 in the 4th. Seiple's ad lib fake punt was epic, however, I think it was in the 1st quarter.
That gadget play by Seiple was a desperation call at the perfect time, hate to recall that one, Shula and Noll were both assistants under legendary Coach Paul Brown
Correct me if I'm wrong, So Jack Ham was before Lambert. Because I didn't see 58 nowhere, but could you imagine if he was in that game, we may not have needed a Miracle catch, but I'm glad we did!
This particular game here was what made me a true Oakland Raiders fan 🏴☠️ 4 life. What a great defensive game 🏈 when The snake ran that TD I knew the game was over, until that BS reception👎🏿
Thnx for this. Up to this point Pittsburgh never achieved anything in the NFL. They had a breakout season this year though. At the time, I felt they got a lucky bounce in this game. Tatum said he never touched the ball and Fuqua pretty much took the Fifth. That just adds to the mystique of one of the NFL’s most iconic plays. It will be debated forever. What can’t be debated is it was the springboard for a dynasty.
Who would've thunk it, I was a Brown's fan and Pittsburgh was our nemesis but to their credit one of if not the greatest defensive dynasties of all times.
One interesting thing about this day, and the ramifications it would eventually carry for sports fans of the Steel City is that, while the Pittsburgh Steelers were winning the first playoff game in the history of the franchise with the Immaculate Reception, there was an earthquake in Nicaragua, which was an event that would forever be intertwined with the Steelers' first post-season. Eight days later, while the Steelers were playing in, and losing the AFC Championship Game to the undefeated Miami Dolphins, a plane carrying five people, including Roberto Clemente, the unsinkable Pirate, crashed delivering supplies to the victims of the earthquake that happened on the day of this particular game, killing all five people aboard.
Not to mention for the people of Nicaragua, who had to suffer through that earthquake and it's aftermath, as well as for the people of Pittsburgh, who lost a sports icon at the very time they were gaining a sports dynasty.
+cjs83172 Something else! Right Wing Fascist pig dictator Anastasio Somoza ripped off all the international aid that was suppose to go to the people of Managua. He was blown up by a rocket launcher in his Limousine, while in exile in Asuncion, Paraguay after he was overthrown by the Sandinistas. Pieces of his body were found 3 blocks away. Poor Fascist dictator! Of course Buck tooth war criminal Ollie North and Beirut Reagan who got 241 Marines blown to bits in Beirut, Oct 23, 1983, and armed freedom lovers in Afghanistan, prevented the Nicaraguan guerrillas in red underwear from taking over Mexico, U.S. Canada and Alaska. R.I.P. Roberto Clemente.
The loss of Roberto proved that there were far worse things then losing a football game. 'The Unsinkable Pirate' reference comes from the 1971 World Series highlight film narrated by Curt Gowdy. Unfortunately that would be proven untrue, at least physically, when Clemente's plane crashed into the ocean. However, the legend and legacy of Roberto Clemente has proven to be absolutely unsinkable. As for the Steelers-Dolphins game, I still cringe every time I hear of Miami's over-rated perfect season. They were guaranteed 6 wins in a 14 game season thanks to being in a very weak division and the win over Pittsburgh doesn't happen without a fake punt and a Bradshaw first quarter injury. Their Super Bowl win over Washington made last year's Patriots-Rams snoozer look like Super Bowl 43 (the Steelers-Cardinals epic in Tampa in 2009) In fairness, the Dolphins of the early 70's were a great football team for their time but I don't believe that they are the best ever, not even close, despite the undefeated season.
When the Raiders got off the bus to walk into their hotel the night before the game, some Steeler fans physically attacked them...hate is a word that just doesn't quite fit what they felt.
My cousin Dave was a passionate Raider fan going back to the AFL days. Over Christmas two days after the Immaculate Reception, he was understandably beside himself over that play. But his Raiders had better outcomes in the years ahead.
Hard to think that there will ever be a play that could too The Immaculate Reception. The Catch from San Francisco or Hail Mary come close but none will ever surpass it for sure.
Ernie Holmes and Steve Furness rookie backups!!! They would be all-pro's on most any other team, and they were rooks!!! The 70's were the NFL's greatest teams/era/Rivalries. Pitt-Oak, Skins-Cowboys, Vikes - Rams, Oak - Chiefs, Colts w/ Bert Jones vs anyone, esp. Mia. Yes, Today's players are bigger/faster, but the quality and intensity doesn't compare to the 70's.
t a Yes! It was a better game back then as far as watch ability. The defensive illegal contact and def holding calls have really ruined the flow of the game. The only issue I had with the 70's...(pre '78) is that with only 14 games and 4 playoff spots per conference, teams off to a slow start we're out of it early and were spoilers. I think the 5 playoff teams, the 16 game schedule had it right and no byes. 1978-1989
Can't argue w/ any points u made... I'll say this about the 14 game season, it whittled down any or little chance for major upsets - which I like. I don't like the idea of a 9 win team getting hot and knocking off a 14-15-16 win team, and I say that as a NY Giants fan - we won the SB w/ 9 wins upsetting NE twice. The 14 game season only made EVERY game that much more intense. Peace fjr, gonna subscribe and search your channel now... and THANKS.
Today's Players are bigger and faster agreed but prone to more injuries . Because of muscle and tendon extensions doing weight lifting and calisthenics that are two grow muscle but not to with stand hits or blows
@@richfjr1300 Nah. only illegal if Frenchy Fuqua hit the ball first before Franco caught it...as were the rules back then on a play like that....Jack Tatum had to have collided with that pass first just by the way it shot backwards to Franco. Legal play, Steelers win.....it wouldn't. have been overturned even if they had replay back then as there's no way there's conclusive evidence based on all the video available.
On this day I was praying for an all bay area Super Bowl with my 2 favorite teams. The 49ers and the Raiders. This day must be the darkest day in the history of bay area sports. Both teams lost their respective playoff games in the last moments or seconds and in memorable ways. On this day, 2 things were born, the "immaculate Reception" and "captain Comeback" Roger Staubach.
True in 1972 both teams lost in historic comebacks in the divisional round, but in 1970 you were even closer to an all Bay Area Super Bowl as both the Raiders and 49ers were in the conference championship games. Oh well, Raiders leaving for Vegas soon - what a joke. Go Bears. ;)
I remember watching the game in the kitchen in the house where I grew up. That same day, I think, the Cowboys came back and shocked the 49ers, with little time left.
I agree with this with some provisos. First, Lawrence Taylor's impact on the Giants was just as much. Taylor was the only rookie ever to win defensive POY. The Giants went from 4-12 to 9-7 and the playoffs. Second, while Franco was definitely the tipping point for the Steelers, he was the culmination of 3 great drafts, Joe Greene in '69, Terry Bradshaw in '70 and finally Franco in '72. It has been noted that Swann and Stallworth were both selected in '74, but they didn't have as much of an immediate impact even though that was the year of the first Super Bowl win.
@@paulkornreich9806 Well you got a point there about Stallworth and Swannee. But In 1974 Superbowl IX MVP honors went to Franco Harris because of his record setting rushing performance.
i grew up in eastern Ohio 30 miles from Pittsburgh, i hated the ohio teams, was a steelers fan all my life. even though we lost the next game to Miami, i will never forget the feeling it gave steelers nation, this game started the dynasty. Ray Scott was the Penn St. broadcaster as well as the Packer games, he had the voice for broadcasting football games like no other. It's not much of a rivalry any more though. I live in Sactown now and i still hate the Raiders, but i just hate the Ravens now. That's or rivalry. I remember exactly where i was when this game was played.
I was watching this game live with my entire family. When the immaculate reception occurred, no one could believe it. We were all in shock. To this day I try not to watch the actual play because it hurt too much. A week later, I was driving in a friend's car and were still talking about it... believing that the Steelers cheated. Bitter and we were only seven years old! Back in the day, that's how loyal we were as fans. Now I enjoy talking with Steelers fans as the game made legends of both teams.
When I was a young sports fan, I had a tendency to rage pretty hard at losses like those. I had plenty. The missed Ewing finger roll, Reggie Miller 6 points in 8 seconds, Edgar Martinez 2 RBI double to beat the Yankees in the ALDS. John Starks 2 for 18 in the 94 NBA Finals, Chris Calloway botched onsides kick in 97 to let the Vikings come back and beat us in the WC round. The bogus suspensions that allowed the Miami Heat to come back on us from down 3 games to 1. To lose an NFL playoff game on such a bizarre and legally questionable play absolutely would have made me lose my shit and go into full on rage mode for...maybe hours. Was there anger, screaming, shouting, even crying at the tv set that day? Or was it all just stunned silence.
We were playing football in my front yard. Since it was my yard I snuck in real quick for a drink... Dad was sitting in his chair watching the game. . I froze because Pittsburgh was about to snap the ball...I said whose winning.... Waving his hand like shooing a fly... " Them damn Raiders. ..I'd like to see Pittsburgh pull it off!" Just then Bradshaw let the ball fly!..... " I'll be damned" Hey ... looks like Pittsburgh pulled it off.." I'll be damned!" Eric Underwood Class of 81 Downey High school CA ✌️
Was 6 years old saw it when it happened when Atkinson hit the ball I was like all right they finally beat the steelers Then the announcer said Franco caught I said no way it hit the ground but nope Franc caught it all right man but the feeling I had was pure depression.
@Rodney Hunt Totally agreed, when I said "are" I meant this year only. I don't expect this years version of The Pittsburgh Steelers to be winning Super Bowls 10 years from now like the 70s team did. And if you take a good look at it - that 70s team was almost entirely the same players from beginning to end. It's amazing. Best football team ever assembled IMO.
@@lloydkline1518 Yeah but Pittsburgh's two star Running Backs were out for that game. I think, if fully healthy, The Steelers would have won it all in 1976
I was coaching junior league bowlers that morning. If I recall correctly, Bill King, the Raiders announcer yelled, "Batted away, incomplete!" I shut my radio off. A few moments later i turned it back on to hear King screaming in the radio the referee's decision. Never forget it.
Both teams were Built the Same way.. Speed on the Outside, Big Strong OLine, Great Secondary, Strong Running Game,Strong Arm QB.. it’s like a Mirror Of Each Other.. Pitts Used To Say Oakland was Always their Toughest Game..
In Bradshaw's book, 'Looking Deep' he wrote that there was one name that struck fear in the heart of the great Steelers' Defense and that was Kenny Stabler.
Franco was an east west runner very patient! But he would always find the hole and hit it hard . He was a great runner ! He looked like he was tip toeing through the tulips!!
My all time favorite player Kenny "Snake" Stabler and his first big moment in a HOF career...great drive and big time run to grab the lead...then came the luckiest play in NFL history...ugh
Yep. The Raiders did everything right on the play that the Steelers scored their only touchdown. Luckiest play in pro football history in a most desperate moment -- fourth and 10, 22 seconds, no timeouts. As a 16-year-old Cowboys fan, I was watching this one waiting for the Cowboys-49ers playoff game the same day. It was a real kick-in-the-gut loss for the Raiders. Tatum's deflection should have sewed it up, but it wound up being too forceful and went right into the hands of the most overrated running back in pro football history, who, as the film clearly shows, was neither blocking nor actively looking to get open.
@@Famijoly "The Raiders did everything right on the play that the Steelers scored their only touchdown." No, the Raiders did not do everything right on that play. Number 31 for the Raiders was more interested in a big, showy hit to end the game on than what he SHOULD have been doing, which was batting the ball down. Or at the least putting himself in position to stop any Steeler from taking the ball on a deflection all the way to the endzone. "...went right into the hands of the most overrated running back in pro football history, who, as the film clearly shows, was neither blocking nor actively looking to get open." The most overrated running back in pro football history? Your judgement stinks and it stinks of sour grapes. In any case, if Franco Harris doesn't head downfield, he doesn't make the catch. Which he did, off the tops of his shoes, the ball did NOT go right into his hands. You must be blind and biased. I Guess your team was the recipient of a loss at the hands of Franco's Team one too many times, huh?
@@andersonsmith979 Read my comments again. I said Franco Harris is the most overrated running back in pro football history, and I stand by that assessment. I did NOT say Franco was a bad running back. He was a really strong running back and who played on a team with an outstanding offensive line and wide receivers as well as an outstanding defense. He was one cog on a complete team. Put him on another team, and his failure to make yards after contact, his tendency to tiptoe out of bounds, etc. would have been a liability. A strong running back on a complete team? Yes. A great running back? No. Therefore, I stand by my assessment of Franco Harris being the most overrated running back in pro football history.
I think the best case for Tatum contacting the ball is how far the ball was propelled backward. I don't think a ball that touched only Fuqua would go that far.
As I said, pause it at the 19:43 mark and you can see the ball is touching Tatum's shoulder pad and Fuqua is knocked clear away. It may take a few rewinds to get it just right. I am looking at the still frame now. If I could I would take a photo with my phone and post it but I don't think photos can be posted.
@@aldixon1977 lol... I lived in Florida back in 98.. I couldn't agree more. Trick or treat in 72 degree dew point sucks. Not having seasonal changes wasn't for me
@@johnward6699 Yeah, I was born there but would never live there, I got out in 1969...the only good thing was chipped ham IMO. The people are knuckleheads too for the most part mixed with a few really nice saintly ones.
The truth is that there were 2 dirty, nasty, cheap shot teams in the NFL, the Raiders AND the Steelers. I still laugh about Chuck Noll crying about the Raiders during the "criminal element" season.
God THE 70's!!!! Where do we START? HMMM, Let's see..Steelers/Raiders,Steelers/Cowboys,Raiders/Dolphins,Steelers/Dolphins, Cowboys/Vikings,Cowboys/Rams, Vikings/Rams, Steelers/Oilers!!! Just a GREAT DECADE FROM START TO FINISH. With all these teams seaming to compete for a good portion of the decade, if not dominate.
The Raiders owned the Steelers in the Regular Season. The Iron curtain owns the Raiders in the Playoffs. The Raiders can not beat the Steelers in a turnover derby. Terry Bradshaw is a gamer or winner. He is very underrated by his team and his coach Chuck Noll. I would take Bradshaw/Noll over Brady/Belichek
The catch can be debated..BUT..had #20 (Warren) for the Raiders not celebrated by throwing up his arms, the result may have been different. The second or so it took to celebrate and then realize that Harris is running back looks to be just enough time to stop that DB from making a play. Perfect block by #55 to keep Bradshaw going, incredible ricochet, unreal catch, early celebration - yeah - pretty immaculate.
no it cannot be debated - only a fool will debate it now that the footage from 'behind' the play, opposite endzone, was made available... go watch it here on youtube, you can freeze frame the exact frame where both of Franco's hands are on the ball and it is NOT touching the ground... there is no myth around this anymore, its over, all Raider fans listen you were a bunch of spoil sport loudmouth crybabies, period!!!... but the games between the teams were the best all time...
With that thrilling last-sec. win at home over RaIders, 13-7, Steelers would advance to A.F.C. Championship Game at home wknd. later where they'd lose to un-beaten/un-tied Dolphins 🐬, 21-17. Same Dolphin 🐬 team that would go on to defeat Redskins, 14-7 in Super Bowl, VII to complete Pro Football's lone perfect season, start-to-finish
It's been 50+ years (canNOT believe I just typed that) and yet this game and that play never get old. The utter hopelessness that Pittsburgh faced with :22 left can't be overstated. And while the "Immaculate Reception" is the single greatest play in NFL history, it overshadowed one that happened less than 2 minutes earlier that might rank in the Top 5...Stabler's 30-yard TD run. Stabler didn't rush for 100 yards _in his entire career_ !
The Raiders and Steelers games in the 70's were legendary grudge matches.
Oh man, they were the best to watch...so many over the top plays on both sides...
You’re right about that!!!!
@@johnnypastrana6727 Yes, now that you mentioned it!!!
Franco Harris (1950-2022)
Tears flow tonight...for one of the most famous Steelers of the 70s.
'The Immaculate Reception' shall be remembered forever.
🏈😢
and so will franco may he rip.
One of the most famous players ever. There, fixed it for you.
yes I will be willing to bet by the time my 5 year old grandson is my age he will still be watching it on highlights
Rip Franco Harris no32
There's that old music love that sound. Of the 70s. Football 🏈😅
Always loved hearing Ray Scott on narration and broadcasting.
far superior to anyone announcing today
Yeah, my favorite broadcaster of all time. What a voice.
This is one of the great games in football history. I remember watching it live in 1972 when I was 12 years old; it was memorable!
Roger McIntyre absolutely 🌈. I was 9 on this now classic day !
I was 7 u had to be .50 miles out side of pgh to watch live or else u were watching tapedelay at 11.30 at night cause my dad was bitchin
And where did you see it??
@@davidclaycomb4287 radio Jack Fleming and Myron cope I was 7 with my dad and his ironcity
I saw it on the telly too, I was 22 years old...a young lad. I saw the game in Muscoy, California.
"The Immaculate Reception." Best nickname ever!
Appropo for a Catholic city lol
It only extended the Steelers season one more week this was the year of the Dolphins 🐬
By 1974 the Steelers would upgrade their receivers, by getting a couple of guys named Lynn Swann and John Stallworth.
And a guy named Jack Lambert!
Amazing wut a couple receivers can do for a team( make a dynasty)
Grabbed Donnie Shell, Mike Webster, and others. That 1974 draft produced the best ever. You won't see that again.
For a decade, the Steelers and Raiders produced one of the greatest rivalries. Equal talent and always so much at stake.
You’re right about that!!!!
@@adamdorgant9454 Thanks.
@@searchforthestrangler5034 You’re welcome, and you take care!!!
@@adamdorgant9454 You too.
@@adamdorgant9454 They played each other five years in a row in the playoffs, including three straight AFC Title games. What are the odds?
The way fans could interact with players back then was awesome.
Scott refers to Stabler as "young" several times. In fact, he was 3 years older than Bradshaw. I remember watching this game on TV as a kid.
I watched this and it's incredible that it's been fifty years. The beginning of Pittsburgh's dynasty and tremendous heartbreak for Oakland...
R.I.P. Franco Harris. It's so sadly ironic that he passed away near the 50th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. He was truly one of the greatest ever to play the game.
Being from the Pittsburgh area, I was devastated this morning.
@@jennifershaffor9675 I'm from Chicago, but I can only imagine what Pittsburgh is experiencing, particularly Steeler Nation. Franco Harris has to be one of the most iconic figures in that city ever.
Franco Harris passed away? RIP Franco from this member of raider nation
I was 16 when the Steelers got this first shot for a championship after all the horrific previous seasons. Who better to play it against than the Raiders which was like playing your best high school rival. After the Packers of the 60's, the only thing separating the Steelers, Raiders and Cowboys of the 70's was who was finally ahead when time ran out. What competition and intensity between such evenly matched teams. Steelers always, but I sure miss the way football was played back in the day in the NFL and the backyard.
Side note, a raiders Jets game from near the end of the 72 season is preserved where Howard Coselle makes a point of pointing out how badly the raiders wanted to win and avoid playing Miami in round one
THE BEGINNINGS OF THE DYNASTY AND MY CHILDHOOD REIGN AS A STEELERS ADDICT!!!
The NFLs greatest rivalry was born this day. Wasnt until Dallas vs SF in the early 90s that a rivalry this good was seen again
The NFC was really rough in the 80's...Landry's Cowboys(until 1986), Parcells' Giants, Gibbs' Redskins, Dick Vermeil/Buddy Ryan's Eagles, Ditka's Bears, and Walsh's 49ers all were really good teams usually fighting for playoff positioning. The Vikings and Rams usually had pretty decent teams too in the 80's.
Oddly enough, Dallas and San Francisco played each other for a third consecutive year in postseason in the second game played the same day as this one -- December 23, 1972. In one of the most incredible comebacks ever, the Cowboys rallied from a 28-13 deficit (there was no two-point conversion in 1972, so that represents a three-score margin) in the last five minutes to defeat the 49ers, 30-28. Yet, that game is hardly highlighted, while this one, with the Steelers winning a defensive battle on an extremely lucky play, has been "immortalized." Further, both winning teams on December 23 lost on December 31 in the conference championship games.
Great matchups, but not the NFL'S greatest rivalries. The Cleveland Browns have a much bigger beef with the Steelers than any other team ever has. As far as Oakland, P,Pittsburgh, San Francisco and Dallas, any of those teams gets bad and nobody cares about the so called rivalry.
@@Famijoly And don't forget, Miami almost had it's unbeaten streak ended the next day, against Cleveland. They had to rally late in the 4th quarter, to win.
Maybe, but can't compare eras...
I was 10, I big Raiders fan my uncle was a big Steelers fan. I never forget watching it on TV. Very controversial call to this day. Considered the greatest play in NFL history
This game, with that stunning and much discussed touchdown in the closing seconds, triggered a rivalry that symbolizes the NFL of the 1970s. When the NFL absorbed all 10 AFL franchises in 1970, old-line NFL franchises Pittsburgh, Baltimore (Colts), and Cleveland were placed in the AFC with the AFL-originated franchises. Oakland and Pittsburgh met for the first time ever on the opening Sunday of the 1972 season, a 34-28 Steelers win in Pittsburgh that was covered in this film. The Steelers were terrible for many years prior to 1972. The Raiders had been strong in the closing years of the AFL and would continue to be strong for a long time. Al Davis made sure the AFL logo was engraved into all three Raiders Super Bowl rings, even those championships were in the NFL. The Raiders continued to embody the maverick spirit of the AFL, while the Steelers were old party-line NFL all the way. Even though they had never met prior to 1972, and even though they have never been in the same division, and even though they are in very different parts of the country, the Raiders and Steelers of the 1970s really did hate each other for reasons beyond the football field. A Raiders-Steelers postseason game never disappointed for intensity.
To this day, I can't believe how it ended! Even though I was neither a fan of these two teams per say, if you're a true Football fan, you watch these games because of the love of the sport. I rooted for the Steelers simply because one of my brothers was indeed a Raiders fan. When Stabler scored, I thought that was it... great game still. But to see Franco come out of nowhere, catch the football and actually score was just unbelievable! And to witness the joy of the home crowd's reaction was truly spectacular!! I don't think we'll ever see anything like this ever again... at least not in my lifetime!! R.I.P. Franco
The immaculate reception was the beginning of a dynamic dynasty.
how?? when they lost that year. they didn't win a title until 1974.
When they beat the Raiders in Oakland in the 74 AFC Championship is when it really started after the Raiders beat Miami in the Sea of Hands game the week before...ending the Dolphins dynasty
@@sainttrunks1982 Didn't they lose to Miami in the 73 AFC Championship?
The Steelers got Swann, Stallworth, Lambert, Mike Webster, and Donnie Shell all in the 74 draft. By far the best draft class in NFL history. I think they got both Bradshaw and Mel Blount in the 1970 draft. Two of the three best draft classes in NFL history along with the Bears getting both Gale Sayers and Dick Butkus in the 1965 draft
@@jeremythompson9122 yes
This was 8 years before I was born. My dad and grandfather used to tell me about this amazing catch Franco Harris made to win the game. Of course it would be years later before I finally saw the immaculate reception. I also heard after the Raiders took the lead and once it was 4th and 10 Art Rooney left his seat to walk to the locker room to console his players only to be greeted with very happy players who just won the game. Art Rooney never got to see what happened. A shame the Steelers couldn't overcome the Dolphins the following week but we know Dolphins would win the Superbowl that year. Four years later 76 and the dynasty of the Steelers began.
This is the very first NFL game I can remember, somewhat. I was 8 years old and my neighborhood friend was 9 and his visiting "uncle" was about 14 and a raiders fan who made us watch the game in my parent's basement in NJ. My dad, a Giants fan, sat in on the proceedings. I remember him yelling that Lamonica was just throwing the ball up for grabs. Then I remember people screaming when Stabler put the Raiders ahead and then screaming again when the Harris' TD followed. Then I remember the TV showing the final score of 13-7.
Ray Scottt and Sam Spence music can’t be beat…..nothin like it today!!!
True!!!
The greatest NFL rivalry Ive ever seen! Pitt vs Oakland in the 70's
they sure were fun to watch
I agree along with KC/Oakland a few years earlier.
That was definitely the best and most hard hitting rivalry I've ever seen. I'm a Bills fan but always rooted for Oakland whenever they played Pittsburgh. Buffalo-Miami was a great AFC rivalry in the late 80's and 90's. Then the Pats-Colts and Steelers-Ravens in the 2000's. Pats-Steelers and Pats-Ravens was pretty good too in the playoffs
Matt Pizzano The reason why the Raiders don't make the playoffs no more, like 3 times only in the past 20 seasons has the Raiders been in the playoffs
I have never seen anything like their rivalry. RAIDERS VS STEELERS BAD BLOOD AND BRUISE' S. 1975 AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WAS BRUTAL. THEY DID NOT LIKE EACH OTHER. ALABAMA, AUBURN ONLY RIVALRY THAT BEETS IT IN MY OPPINON.
I’m a Giant fan ! Yeah this rivalry was classic ! I have always said LT and my defense was pretty dam good ! They stood right in line with theses defenses !!!
Watching the NFL and MLB in the 70s was pretty much the pinnacle of sports. Its been downhill since.
Plus we had NHL game of the week, the ABA, motocross and surfing on Wide World, 76 Olympics, etc..
I wasn't around yet, but NBA and NASCAR were pretty good from what I've read and seen
Apparently Franco Harris calls Phil Vilipiano every December 23 to say hello and rub it in. Hahaha!
Yes, now that you mentioned it!!!!
:-DD)))...AND not only every 12.23!!>>Check out a whole documentary of the NFL's "A Football Life" dedicated to this game(i.e., it's called "The Immaculate Reception"!!) and you can see Franco and Phil on there as guests going back & forth together in a wonderful, playful "bluster of banter" about the catch~like 38 years later!! It's GREATTT!! :-))).....
Fun Fact: The Immaculate Reception was the first postseason touchdown in Steelers franchise history
True!!!!
@Aaron D. Digby, Sr. Is that Right?
Steve Sabol said that it cost a fortune to film in slow motion but it was worth the cost because it was so dramatic.
I was 12 years old. It was brutal and I loved it.
Greatest play in NFL history period. Having said that, it was actually one helluva play by Jack Tatum. The big hit and the timing. I can't speak to the NFL pre merger, but the past 50 years I've never seen a bigger/badder hitter than that cat.
Yes - he would be playing at a loss if he suited up in today's game with all the fines. I think only being a Raider has kept him out of the HOF, unfortunately.
@@fjr70 fk the hall; his play speaks for itself!
You gotta admit Steelers nation Terry Bradshaw had his moments as you Quarterback just like Phil Simms drove me nuts !!
Narrated by Ray Scott, longtime broadcaster for many teams and networks, and a native of Connellsville, Pennsylvania.
I know he's considered a legend but I find Ray Scott rather boring.
Yes CBS, Notre Dame, and Penn State, and Green Bay !!!!!! RIP Mr. Scott
The voice of the Green Bay Packers is how I remembered him...the best IMO.
Hi that's awesome didn't know that and I'm from connellsville pa
And one of the greatest of all time!!
I was 9 years old in 1972 when Franco Harris made that remarkable play against the Oakland raiders at 3 rivers stadium Franco Harris greatest player of time Alex
A little before my time, D-fence looked at smothering for both teams, It looked like Steelers defense game plan was to not rush the quarterback but to take away the receivers. Mike Siani was a great receiver for the Raiders, that never gets talked about.
Belitnikoff and Branch were so dominant it made for Siani to go under the radar, probably the best third wide receiver in football ,imho
Kenny Stabler wasn't that young in this game. He was just a couple days shy of 27. I liked Darrell Lamonica, but Snake was on the bench way too long.
26 is pretty young
@@sonora_rey Stabler's contemporaries; Tarkenton was 22 when he got to start, Bradshaw 23, Griese 23. Stabler didn't get the fulltime job until he was 27. Staubach wasn't until 29, but that's because he had a commitment to the Navy. Plus Landry was stubborn and didn't let Staubach start fulltime until week 8 of the 1971 NFL season. Whereas Staubach proceeded to run the table on the 71 season all the way to being Superbowl MVP.
❤️ Darrell Lamonia as quarterback
Madden didn't trust Stabler did you ever hear of him doing anything great in college no then he didn't even make any NFL roster after college he was playing semi pro football when the raiders gave him a roster spot so he could learn under Madden number 3 and number 16
@@barbaracaroll Landry didn't trust Staubach. Walsh didn't trust Montana. And Landry cost the Cowboys Superbowl VI by Not letting Roger start full time until he was 29 years old and halfway into the 1971 season. Oh, and then Roger proceeded to win the last 7 straight games, was Superbowl MVP, and Second team All-Pro.
That guy at the end flashing his belly tied it all together.....perfect! LOL
Cornhoolio!!!
You’re right about that!!!
facts a good ole fashioned sports celebration haha
I saw every home game that season and both playoff games immaculate reception is unforgettable
:-OO))))....IN PERSON!?!!.... Wowww, I simply cannot imagine the surreal "rush" & off~the~charts emotional level of intensity in BEING there!!
Thanks for Sharing!!!
Your grammar, however, is atrocious. Probably a Trump supporter. Only a Trump supporter could be that stupid.
love seeing the fans hug the players
I debut of Kenny Stabler ! Always loved Kenny cause he was left handed just like me 👍👌
If it were not for that immaculate reception, he would have been the hero for that game with that scramble for the go ahead TD.
❤️ Oakland raiders great left side offensive line; maybe best ever;; very sad of John madden
6 years later the Raiders had their own fantastic/controversial pass play with the 'Holy Roller'. Both plays are fun to watch but I suspect if these happened in the 1950's they both would've been Called Back.
A tremendous game played by two of the teams who dominated the decade. As a side note, check out the dirty pants of many of the players on both teams. It is incredible to think how dirty the city of Pittsburgh was in the early 70's from all the steel mills.
I remember this game. I remember a broken heart too.
The first of 5 straight years they would face each other in the Playoffs.
One of the great broadcasters in history. The glorious Ray Scott captured the drama and pageantry of this historic game. Notice how incredible the Steeler Back Seven were. The Defensive Line received so much deserved ink. Yet, the Linebackers picked off Raider passes twice. Russell, Ham and Lambert blanketed Three Rivers Stadium like a Giant Quilt. I think it was poetic that a team that relied on so many lucky finishes, fell to a last minute miracle themselves. No Ghost to the Post, Holy Roller, or Sea of Hands. Just a stupid, cheap hit by the Raiders resident thug Jack Tatum. Ironically, had Tatum simply made a clean tackle, the game would be over. Instead his high hit caused a deflection that sent the bal careening into the hands of Franco Harris. Decades later, the old Raiders are still bitter. Let them be. This gets better every time I watch it.
Not bitter at all. One of the league's winningest teams. Gave players a second chance, when other teams gave up on em..
The following week in the AFC championship game,the Steelers were hosting(!) the undefeated Dolphins team ,and were actually winning ,I believe 17-14 mid 4th Q. Then on 4th and 10 in their own territory,Larry Seiple,the Dolphins punter,ran about 30 yards on a fake punt. Miami would go on to score and win on route to their perfect season
Not quite. The Steelers led 7-0, and 10-7. The Dolphins actually led 21-10 in the 4th. Seiple's ad lib fake punt was epic, however, I think it was in the 1st quarter.
That gadget play by Seiple was a desperation call at the perfect time, hate to recall that one, Shula and Noll were both assistants under legendary Coach Paul Brown
Correct me if I'm wrong, So Jack Ham was before Lambert. Because I didn't see 58 nowhere, but could you imagine if he was in that game, we may not have needed a Miracle catch, but I'm glad we did!
Ralph Sanchico Correct. 1974 was Lambert’s first year. I believe this was Ham’s rookie year.
@@travismcdonald6576 this was Jack Ham's second year.
Jack Ham was as good as Lambert...both top of the line big game linebackers. Andy Russell was a perennial all pro too.
This particular game here was what made me a true Oakland Raiders fan 🏴☠️ 4 life. What a great defensive game 🏈 when The snake ran that TD I knew the game was over, until that BS reception👎🏿
Franco Harris passed away today two days before the 50th Anniversary. RIP Franco. Franco's Italian Army.
Thnx for this. Up to this point Pittsburgh never achieved anything in the NFL. They had a breakout season this year though. At the time, I felt they got a lucky bounce in this game. Tatum said he never touched the ball and Fuqua pretty much took the Fifth. That just adds to the mystique of one of the NFL’s most iconic plays. It will be debated forever. What can’t be debated is it was the springboard for a dynasty.
Who would've thunk it, I was a Brown's fan and Pittsburgh was our nemesis but to their credit one of if not the greatest defensive dynasties of all times.
One interesting thing about this day, and the ramifications it would eventually carry for sports fans of the Steel City is that, while the Pittsburgh Steelers were winning the first playoff game in the history of the franchise with the Immaculate Reception, there was an earthquake in Nicaragua, which was an event that would forever be intertwined with the Steelers' first post-season. Eight days later, while the Steelers were playing in, and losing the AFC Championship Game to the undefeated Miami Dolphins, a plane carrying five people, including Roberto Clemente, the unsinkable Pirate, crashed delivering supplies to the victims of the earthquake that happened on the day of this particular game, killing all five people aboard.
Sad for the people that lost their lives but a very good nugget nonetheless.
Not to mention for the people of Nicaragua, who had to suffer through that earthquake and it's aftermath, as well as for the people of Pittsburgh, who lost a sports icon at the very time they were gaining a sports dynasty.
+cjs83172 Something else! Right Wing Fascist pig dictator Anastasio Somoza ripped off all the international aid that was suppose to go to the people of Managua. He was blown up by a rocket launcher in his Limousine, while in exile in Asuncion, Paraguay after he was overthrown by the Sandinistas. Pieces of his body were found 3 blocks away. Poor Fascist dictator! Of course Buck tooth war criminal Ollie North and Beirut Reagan who got 241 Marines blown to bits in Beirut, Oct 23, 1983, and armed freedom lovers in Afghanistan, prevented the Nicaraguan guerrillas in red underwear from taking over Mexico, U.S. Canada and Alaska. R.I.P. Roberto Clemente.
The loss of Roberto proved that there were far worse things then losing a football game. 'The Unsinkable Pirate' reference comes from the 1971 World Series highlight film narrated by Curt Gowdy. Unfortunately that would be proven untrue, at least physically, when Clemente's plane crashed into the ocean. However, the legend and legacy of Roberto Clemente has proven to be absolutely unsinkable. As for the Steelers-Dolphins game, I still cringe every time I hear of Miami's over-rated perfect season. They were guaranteed 6 wins in a 14 game season thanks to being in a very weak division and the win over Pittsburgh doesn't happen without a fake punt and a Bradshaw first quarter injury. Their Super Bowl win over Washington made last year's Patriots-Rams snoozer look like Super Bowl 43 (the Steelers-Cardinals epic in Tampa in 2009) In fairness, the Dolphins of the early 70's were a great football team for their time but I don't believe that they are the best ever, not even close, despite the undefeated season.
@@fjr70 Hell sad for all who loved the Great One and there were millions...
I grew up in Steelers Country in PA in the 70s, and man the fans really hated the Raiders. Great rivalry back then.
When the Raiders got off the bus to walk into their hotel the night before the game, some Steeler fans physically attacked them...hate is a word that just doesn't quite fit what they felt.
My cousin Dave was a passionate Raider fan going back to the AFL days. Over Christmas two days after the Immaculate Reception, he was understandably beside himself over that play. But his Raiders had better outcomes in the years ahead.
The phrase, 'It's just a game' comes to mind
Hard to think that there will ever be a play that could too The Immaculate Reception. The Catch from San Francisco or Hail Mary come close but none will ever surpass it for sure.
Ernie Holmes and Steve Furness rookie backups!!! They would be all-pro's on most any other team, and they were rooks!!! The 70's were the NFL's greatest teams/era/Rivalries. Pitt-Oak, Skins-Cowboys, Vikes - Rams, Oak - Chiefs, Colts w/ Bert Jones vs anyone, esp. Mia. Yes, Today's players are bigger/faster, but the quality and intensity doesn't compare to the 70's.
t a Yes! It was a better game back then as far as watch ability. The defensive illegal contact and def holding calls have really ruined the flow of the game. The only issue I had with the 70's...(pre '78) is that with only 14 games and 4 playoff spots per conference, teams off to a slow start we're out of it early and were spoilers. I think the 5 playoff teams, the 16 game schedule had it right and no byes. 1978-1989
Can't argue w/ any points u made... I'll say this about the 14 game season, it whittled down any or little chance for major upsets - which I like. I don't like the idea of a 9 win team getting hot and knocking off a 14-15-16 win team, and I say that as a NY Giants fan - we won the SB w/ 9 wins upsetting NE twice. The 14 game season only made EVERY game that much more intense. Peace fjr, gonna subscribe and search your channel now... and THANKS.
Today's Players are bigger and faster agreed but prone to more injuries . Because of muscle and tendon extensions doing weight lifting and calisthenics that are two grow muscle but not to with stand hits or blows
My cousin played LB at Rhode Island University and roomed with Steve Furness. Said he was an unbelievably great guy
Classic tough lower points exciting timeless amazing ending with successful teams NFL playoff game
Madden is still bitter about this one...
Okland.had a better team
Really, Oakland raiders vs Pittsburgh Steelers, 1970s rivalry best ever
they're claiming that the immaculate reception was an illegal pass? i can't see it , it looked legal to me lol
@@richfjr1300 Nah. only illegal if Frenchy Fuqua hit the ball first before Franco caught it...as were the rules back then on a play like that....Jack Tatum had to have collided with that pass first just by the way it shot backwards to Franco. Legal play, Steelers win.....it wouldn't. have been overturned even if they had replay back then as there's no way there's conclusive evidence based on all the video available.
@@michaelgarrett4849 Not after 1973...as Pitts drafted 5 players in the HOF in 1974...
On this day I was praying for an all bay area Super Bowl with my 2 favorite teams. The 49ers and the Raiders. This day must be the darkest day in the history of bay area sports. Both teams lost their respective playoff games in the last moments or seconds and in memorable ways. On this day, 2 things were born, the "immaculate Reception" and "captain Comeback" Roger Staubach.
phil lamonica. Who woud u have gone for.?? 49ers or The Raders..??
Phil - I like your last name. Daryle remains my favorite Raider and favorite player.
True in 1972 both teams lost in historic comebacks in the divisional round, but in 1970 you were even closer to an all Bay Area Super Bowl as both the Raiders and 49ers were in the conference championship games. Oh well, Raiders leaving for Vegas soon - what a joke. Go Bears. ;)
And Tom Bradiy is going up against defensive linemen who weigh 295 pounds with very little body fat.
John Harman you don’t actually think Brady tougher than staubach or Bradshaw or “softie” Franco do you 😂😂😂
The AFC playoffs from 1970-1974 didn't allow the Division Champion who was on the road to host the Championship game unless the Wild Card advanced
19:31 God bless you Franco and RIP.
I just wish we could all be stuck back in this ERA of time. God this life sucks so bad now in 2021.
I remember watching the game in the kitchen in the house where I grew up.
That same day, I think, the Cowboys came back and shocked the 49ers, with little time left.
That was 🤪crazy the fans all on the field hugging Bradshaw only in 72 😆
I know Right!!!!
As a Rookie in 1972 Franco Harris had the biggest impact on a team as any Rookie I can think of. At least in the NFL.
he was great ...like a slightly slower jim brown, but he could block where brown never did ... Harris is a huge reason why Pittsburgh was successful
I agree with this with some provisos.
First, Lawrence Taylor's impact on the Giants was just as much. Taylor was the only rookie ever to win defensive POY. The Giants went from 4-12 to 9-7 and the playoffs.
Second, while Franco was definitely the tipping point for the Steelers, he was the culmination of 3 great drafts, Joe Greene in '69, Terry Bradshaw in '70 and finally Franco in '72. It has been noted that Swann and Stallworth were both selected in '74, but they didn't have as much of an immediate impact even though that was the year of the first Super Bowl win.
@@paulkornreich9806 Well you got a point there about Stallworth and Swannee. But In 1974 Superbowl IX MVP honors went to Franco Harris because of his record setting rushing performance.
i grew up in eastern Ohio 30 miles from Pittsburgh, i hated the ohio teams, was a steelers fan all my life. even though we lost the next game to Miami, i will never forget the feeling it gave steelers nation, this game started the dynasty. Ray Scott was the Penn St. broadcaster as well as the Packer games, he had the voice for broadcasting football games like no other. It's not much of a rivalry any more though. I live in Sactown now and i still hate the Raiders, but i just hate the Ravens now. That's or rivalry. I remember exactly where i was when this game was played.
I was watching this game live with my entire family. When the immaculate reception occurred, no one could believe it. We were all in shock. To this day I try not to watch the actual play because it hurt too much. A week later, I was driving in a friend's car and were still talking about it... believing that the Steelers cheated. Bitter and we were only seven years old! Back in the day, that's how loyal we were as fans. Now I enjoy talking with Steelers fans as the game made legends of both teams.
When I was a young sports fan, I had a tendency to rage pretty hard at losses like those. I had plenty. The missed Ewing finger roll, Reggie Miller 6 points in 8 seconds, Edgar Martinez 2 RBI double to beat the Yankees in the ALDS. John Starks 2 for 18 in the 94 NBA Finals, Chris Calloway botched onsides kick in 97 to let the Vikings come back and beat us in the WC round. The bogus suspensions that allowed the Miami Heat to come back on us from down 3 games to 1. To lose an NFL playoff game on such a bizarre and legally questionable play absolutely would have made me lose my shit and go into full on rage mode for...maybe hours. Was there anger, screaming, shouting, even crying at the tv set that day? Or was it all just stunned silence.
Really, only God and Franco know. And Franco is not saying
My brother (Raider fan) and I still argue about this play. Hahaha
We were playing football in my front yard. Since it was my yard I snuck in real quick for a drink...
Dad was sitting in his chair watching the game. . I froze because Pittsburgh was about to snap the ball...I said whose winning.... Waving his hand like shooing a fly...
" Them damn Raiders. ..I'd like to see Pittsburgh pull it off!" Just then Bradshaw let the ball fly!.....
" I'll be damned"
Hey ... looks like Pittsburgh pulled it off.." I'll be damned!"
Eric Underwood Class of 81 Downey High school CA ✌️
Being a Giant fan !! I LOVE defense !! So I like the Steelers ! But my Giants are the best !
This game started a rivalry unlike one that we will ever see again. The games between these two teams became violent wars.
Was 6 years old saw it when it happened when Atkinson hit the ball I was like all right they finally beat the steelers Then the announcer said Franco caught I said no way it hit the ground but nope Franc caught it all right man but the feeling I had was pure depression.
It was Tatum (32) who the ball bounced off of.
@@andrewpadaetz5549 Tatum was wearing 31 at the time.
The Steelers of the 1970s were the best
@Rodney Hunt We may be able to use "are" this year based on what I saw Monday night.
@Rodney Hunt Totally agreed, when I said "are" I meant this year only. I don't expect this years version of The Pittsburgh Steelers to be winning Super Bowls 10 years from now like the 70s team did. And if you take a good look at it - that 70s team was almost entirely the same players from beginning to end. It's amazing. Best football team ever assembled IMO.
1970s Dallas cowboy could not beat the 1970s Pittsburgh steelers , ❤ Oakland Raiders offensive line left side art shell, gene Upshaw, jim otto
They seem unbeatable& invincible except Oakland raiders 1976
@@lloydkline1518 Yeah but Pittsburgh's two star Running Backs were out for that game. I think, if fully healthy, The Steelers would have won it all in 1976
Sounds like Ray Scott doing the voice over...classic.
Love the music
Me too!!!!
Who's here on December 24, 2022 50 years and a day after the Immaculate Reception RIP Franco Harris
As a 7 year old Raiders fan ..I loved every minute of this Defensive battle until.....
Until what dawg, come one say it😂
I was coaching junior league bowlers that morning. If I recall correctly, Bill King, the Raiders announcer yelled, "Batted away, incomplete!" I shut my radio off. A few moments later i turned it back on to hear King screaming in the radio the referee's decision. Never forget it.
Both teams were Built the Same way.. Speed on the Outside, Big Strong OLine, Great Secondary, Strong Running Game,Strong Arm QB.. it’s like a Mirror Of Each Other.. Pitts Used To Say Oakland was Always their Toughest Game..
In Bradshaw's book, 'Looking Deep' he wrote that there was one name that struck fear in the heart of the great Steelers' Defense and that was Kenny Stabler.
Franco was an east west runner very patient! But he would always find the hole and hit it hard . He was a great runner ! He looked like he was tip toeing through the tulips!!
What an arm on Bradshaw, good god
Yes but running for his life, Lamar jackson run to get yards and TDs !
This was before Pitts drafted Lambert, Webster, Swann, Stallworth, and Shell in 1974...all of them hall of famers.
Greatest draft class of all time. 'Bout time they inducted Donnie. Still, several players on this team who deserve to be in Canton......
@@mikegike7273 Yeah, for me L.C. Greenwood, Andy Russell, and big game safety Mike Wagner...maybe some Olinemen too?
Dig that immaculate music baby!
My all time favorite player Kenny "Snake" Stabler and his first big moment in a HOF career...great drive and big time run to grab the lead...then came the luckiest play in NFL history...ugh
Until the helmet catch
Yep. The Raiders did everything right on the play that the Steelers scored their only touchdown. Luckiest play in pro football history in a most desperate moment -- fourth and 10, 22 seconds, no timeouts. As a 16-year-old Cowboys fan, I was watching this one waiting for the Cowboys-49ers playoff game the same day. It was a real kick-in-the-gut loss for the Raiders. Tatum's deflection should have sewed it up, but it wound up being too forceful and went right into the hands of the most overrated running back in pro football history, who, as the film clearly shows, was neither blocking nor actively looking to get open.
@@Famijoly "The Raiders did everything right on the play that the Steelers scored their only touchdown." No, the Raiders did not do everything right on that play. Number 31 for the Raiders was more interested in a big, showy hit to end the game on than what he SHOULD have been doing, which was batting the ball down. Or at the least putting himself in position to stop any Steeler from taking the ball on a deflection all the way to the endzone.
"...went right into the hands of the most overrated running back in pro football history, who, as the film clearly shows, was neither blocking nor actively looking to get open." The most overrated running back in pro football history? Your judgement stinks and it stinks of sour grapes. In any case, if Franco Harris doesn't head downfield, he doesn't make the catch. Which he did, off the tops of his shoes, the ball did NOT go right into his hands.
You must be blind and biased. I Guess your team was the recipient of a loss at the hands of Franco's Team one too many times, huh?
@@andersonsmith979 Read my comments again. I said Franco Harris is the most overrated running back in pro football history, and I stand by that assessment. I did NOT say Franco was a bad running back. He was a really strong running back and who played on a team with an outstanding offensive line and wide receivers as well as an outstanding defense. He was one cog on a complete team. Put him on another team, and his failure to make yards after contact, his tendency to tiptoe out of bounds, etc. would have been a liability. A strong running back on a complete team? Yes. A great running back? No. Therefore, I stand by my assessment of Franco Harris being the most overrated running back in pro football history.
On December 23rd 1972 I was 9 years old when the play arrcurd watching in on tv Alex
I was 9 years old in 1972 when that play happened on TV to beat the Oakland raiders Alex
STEELERS MAKE IT TOUGH by APOLOGETIX a great football song
Great memories old football fans,also I'd like to mountain the passing of mike made dog curtis of baltimore coltsfame.
Loved the way Curtis played, he'd be playing at a financial deficit these days with all the fines he'd receive. He was tough as a $2 steak. RIP
@@fjr70 he was one of my favorite & I didn't follow the colts.
Rest in Peace, Franco.
I think the best case for Tatum contacting the ball is how far the ball was propelled backward. I don't think a ball that touched only Fuqua would go that far.
As I said, pause it at the 19:43 mark and you can see the ball is touching Tatum's shoulder pad and Fuqua is knocked clear away. It may take a few rewinds to get it just right. I am looking at the still frame now. If I could I would take a photo with my phone and post it but I don't think photos can be posted.
@@dallasbrubaker6054 Both players and the ball all 3 meet at the same time. The view from behind the offense is less favorable to the Stealers.
@@binkyxz3all it takes Tatum's shoulder pad, which it does.
@@binkyxz3 ruclips.net/video/_ceQub-p7qE/видео.html
@@dallasbrubaker6054 Fuqua was NOT beyond the path of the rebound off Tatum. See 4:20 here ruclips.net/video/ZMsgfbGjq9M/видео.html
I remember that game as an 11 yr old kid who hated the Steelers. Today I live just 20 minutes from Pittsburgh, life is funny
@John Ward: How Do you like living there ?
@@aldixon1977 actually, I hate it... I miss Wisconsin. Here nothing makes sense... taxes are ridiculous and everything is so expensive.
Interesting, I’m originally from Philadelphia & moved to Naples two years ago. Thinking about going back though, the summers here are too brutal...
@@aldixon1977 lol... I lived in Florida back in 98.. I couldn't agree more. Trick or treat in 72 degree dew point sucks. Not having seasonal changes wasn't for me
@@johnward6699 Yeah, I was born there but would never live there, I got out in 1969...the only good thing was chipped ham IMO. The people are knuckleheads too for the most part mixed with a few really nice saintly ones.
Jack Tatum could have easily picked that ball off ! He was a cheap shot head hunter and it cost him here ! 🤩Oakland Raiders of the 1970’s were DIRTY !
Instead of going for INT in went for the shot. I guess leave by the shot, die by the shot.
I mean live by the shot, die by the shot
Ironic justice for one of the thuggiest, dirtiest, most despicably vicious players ever. Along with the rest of those Oakland head-hunting db’s .
@@tpatl6284 Absolutely 🎯
The truth is that there were 2 dirty, nasty, cheap shot teams in the NFL, the Raiders AND the Steelers. I still laugh about Chuck Noll crying about the Raiders during the "criminal element" season.
I’m a Giants fan true blue ! I remember watching this game I love smash mouth football 👍👍Don’t see that today
God THE 70's!!!! Where do we START? HMMM, Let's see..Steelers/Raiders,Steelers/Cowboys,Raiders/Dolphins,Steelers/Dolphins, Cowboys/Vikings,Cowboys/Rams, Vikings/Rams, Steelers/Oilers!!! Just a GREAT DECADE FROM START TO FINISH. With all these teams seaming to compete for a good portion of the decade, if not dominate.
Can't believe slow Stabler ran it in. Where did all the Steelers go? Crazy.
Stabler was pretty quick in his younger days. This was before his knees got bad.
Roy Gerela wore eye liner !! He always looked like that! I am now 54 and remember saying as a kid, look at his eyes?!
Nicky Depaola do you know the scenario if Oakland had beaten Pittsburgh and played Miami in Miami or in Oakland?
Mustve been a Democrat
ron bowling jr Oakland
Gerela missed so many chip shot field goals in the post season...the miss of the 50 yarder in this one is understandable.
19:20. Classic NFL Films music. Autumn Wind - Power & Glory
All for nothing. They lost to the Dolphins the next week...
Who would have ever thought Stabler could run 31 yards against that defense!
Steelers defense was playing man to man. And every Raiders receiver was down in the endzone.
That Miami team went 32-2 over that 2 year period 72-73. defense was exceptionally smart
Raiders-Steelers; the greatest, most bitter, most physical and most intense rivarly of the the 70s. It was like two biker gangs fiting over turf.
The Raiders owned the Steelers in the Regular Season. The Iron curtain owns the Raiders in the Playoffs. The Raiders can not beat the Steelers in a turnover derby. Terry Bradshaw is a gamer or winner. He is very underrated by his team and his coach Chuck Noll. I would take Bradshaw/Noll over Brady/Belichek
Actually the all-time playoff series is tied at 3-3. All these games occurred between 1972 and 1983.
Stabler wonderful RIP
The catch can be debated..BUT..had #20 (Warren) for the Raiders not celebrated by throwing up his arms, the result may have been different. The second or so it took to celebrate and then realize that Harris is running back looks to be just enough time to stop that DB from making a play. Perfect block by #55 to keep Bradshaw going, incredible ricochet, unreal catch, early celebration - yeah - pretty immaculate.
no it cannot be debated - only a fool will debate it now that the footage from 'behind' the play, opposite endzone, was made available... go watch it here on youtube, you can freeze frame the exact frame where both of Franco's hands are on the ball and it is NOT touching the ground... there is no myth around this anymore, its over, all Raider fans listen you were a bunch of spoil sport loudmouth crybabies, period!!!... but the games between the teams were the best all time...
I was 12 years old , I remember snake said the Raiders were the only team that used to travel with a bails bondsman
With that thrilling last-sec. win at home over RaIders, 13-7, Steelers would advance to A.F.C. Championship Game at home wknd. later where they'd lose to un-beaten/un-tied Dolphins 🐬, 21-17. Same Dolphin 🐬 team that would go on to defeat Redskins, 14-7 in Super Bowl, VII to complete Pro Football's lone perfect season, start-to-finish