This article originally appeared on SteelersNOW.com.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Barry Pearson, who was a part of the legendary Immaculate Reception play, has died. He was 76. Pearson passed away on Aug. 16, according to his obituary.
Barry signed with the Steelers as a free agent shortly before his graduating from Northwestern in 1972.
He was on the field during the Immaculate Reception game; it was his first career play. Pearson was elevated after a late-season injury to Frank Lewis. Pearson brought in the play to Terry Brashaw. He was later told by head coach Chuck Noll that the play was called for him because Barry’s steady hands would do the trick.
With 22 seconds left in the game, the Steelers found themselves down 13-7 against the Oakland Raiders. It was fourth down with ten yards to go.
By then, even the owner Art Rooney began to go down to the field to greet the team. It seemed the same old Steelers were headed to the offseason. However, quarterback Terry Bradshaw bought time and threw a last-gasp pass intended for running back Frenchy Fuqua. The ball was deflected, seeming to end the game, only to be caught by Franco Harris for a game-winning touchdown to defeat the Raiders, 13-7, in the AFC Divisional Round.
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