MIAMI -- It help change the fortunes of a once-downtrodden franchise.
And now, the Immaculate Reception has been named the NFL 100 Greatest Moment in league history.
The play was chosen after a lengthy vote, which began with fans identifying the top moment in their team history. Steelers fans chose the Immaculate Reception, which helped the team win its first playoff game in its history in 1972.
From there, the field was narrowed to 32 plays, with the Immaculate Reception being voted the best.
The Immaculate Reception has been been voted as the Greatest Moment in @NFL history!
Thank you for all of your votes, #SteelersNation! #NFL100
MORE: https://t.co/fSfFbQIECP pic.twitter.com/MFzOzSXF4P
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 2, 2020
The play became an instant point of contention -- and joy in Pittsburgh -- when late in a Divisional playoff game against the Raiders with the Steelers trailing 7-6, Terry Bradshaw escaped pressure and fired a pass downfield intended for running back Frenchy Fuqua.
Fuqua was hit as the ball arrived by Raiders defensive back Jack Tatum and the ball ricocheted backward where it was caught inches off the turf by Franco Harris on the run. Harris scooted down the sideline for a game-winning touchdown.
Thanks to all the great fans and friends who voted to make The Immaculate Reception the Greatest Moment in NFL History!! @steelers steelers_nation_unite steelersdeutschland acereros psufootballproud #nfl100 nflfilms… https://t.co/uE8TIkzLrv
— Franco Harris (@francoharrishof) February 2, 2020
The contention of the Raiders was that the ball had hit Fuqua first, which, by the rules of the time would have made it an illegal play. Some also argued the ball had touched the turf at Three Rivers Stadium before it was grabbed by Harris.
It was tagged as the "Immaculate Reception" later that week by a caller to Myron Cope's nightly radio show.
But the play stood as a touchdown and is now recognized as the greatest in the history of the league.
