With the Raiders and Steelers renewing their storied rivalry today, there were lots of tributes to the Immaculate Reception over the past few days.
The Arizona Cardinals took their tribute more seriously than most.
Of course you know the play. In the AFC divisional playoff game in 1972 between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders, the Raiders were leading with under a minute to go. Terry Bradshaw lofted a throw in the direction of John Fuqua, and the ball ricocheted off of Raiders safety Jack Tatum, and into the welcoming arms of running back Franco Harris, who raced into the end zone with the game-winning touchdown. The play is etched in NFL lore:
Well, enter Kyler Murray, Maxx Williams and the Arizona Cardinals from today:
Just like the #Cardinals drew it up 🤣
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 19, 2021
As you can see from the end zone angle, the pass is first tipped at the line of scrimmage, and then by a linebacker, before settling into the waiting arms of Williams, who races upfield for a big gain.
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, while the Steelers won the game on their Immaculate Reception, Arizona still trails the Minnesota Vikings in the first half by multiple scores. But perhaps the luck is on their side, given this moment?
