Jan 25, 2009 6:40 pm US/Eastern
Pa. Museum Unveils Immaculate Reception Statue
PITTSBURGH (CBS) ―
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The Franco Harris statue stands at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum.
KDKA
In one week, the Steelers battle the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII.
But today the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum paid tribute to a Steelers great who changed the course of history with just one play.
The museum unveiled a statue honoring the famous "Immaculate Reception."
And the man behind the play, former Steeler, Franco Harris, came to the Sports Museum to help mark the occasion.
At the time, Harris was a 22-year-old rookie running back in the right place at the right time to catch an errant football seconds before it hit the ground.
The Immaculate Reception happened in December of 1972 in a playoff game against the Oakland Raiders, fourth down and 10 with 22 seconds. A Terry Bradshaw pass is caught by Harris after a collision between Frenchy Fuqua and Jack Tatum.
Harris takes it all the way to the end zone for the winning touchdown. A statue of Harris catching the ball now sits at the entrance to the Sports Museum.
"This brings back memories of 36 years ago during the 1972 season which was a magical season. We look at that season being the start of an incredible run that continues through today," said Harris.
At the museum today, Steelers fan, Ellwood Clark, said he sitting near the end zone at Three Rivers Stadium watching the play come towards him.
"We were dancing up and down. It was unreal," said Clark. "Never forget that, no it was a moment to remember."
But other fans who didn't have the privilege of being there remember the moment just as well.
"I was probably propped in front of the television, definitely wasn't at the game, unfortunately, but it's something you'll never forget," said fan, Terri Carr.
When they play in Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday, the Steelers could be the first team to win six championship trophies. Harris says that '72 team started a 36 year run to greatness that continues today and fan support is as strong as ever.
"Steeler fans are everywhere, all parts of the world. I travel quite a bit. I run into Steeler fans everywhere I go. It's pretty exciting," said Harris. "You talk about fans that are devoted to their team, they follow their team, they travel with their team."
As for next week's big game, Harris says he believes the Steelers can win.
"If they [the Steelers] play their football and their best football, I feel we're the better team," said Harris.
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