What a win for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday evening over the Las Vegas Raiders. Head Coach Mike Tomlin's team came up with a riveting 13-10 victory in what was a must-win game to keep playoff hopes alive. There were thousands of emotions surrounding the contest. What was supposed to be a celebration of Hall of Fame running back, Franco Harris, ended up turning into somber preparation after the legend's passing earlier in the week. There were ideas circulating social media about how the organization and its players would honor the architect of the Immaculate Reception prior to the contest and it was clear as the team arrived what was decided.
Flanked by former Pittsburgh greats, Franco Harris and Rocky Blier, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin hoists the championship trophy. The Pittsburgh Steelers defeat the New York Jets 24-19 to win the AFC Championship game on Sunday, January 23, 2011, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Doug Kapustin/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
The franchise-changing play happened in 1972 and while no guys who put on a jersey Saturday evening were alive when the greatest play in NFL history occurred, all of them honored Harris in a special way. Each player showed up to Acrisure Stadium dressed the same. The unit came together and all wore #32.
All @Steelers players are arriving to tonight’s game in a Franco Harris jersey. Really cool gesture by the team.pic.twitter.com/96QRSNT3ew
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 24, 2022
It was a touching tribute to one of the most important figures in franchise history. Tomlin talked about after the game whose idea it was to throw on Harris' jersey and it should come as no surprise that it was someone who played for his alma mater:
"Penn State man. Pat Freiermuth. I was sitting with him on the back patio on Wednesday, we were getting ready to go to practice and it was his suggestion," Tomlin said.
Steelers tight end, Pat Freiermuth (#88) lines up on the line of scrimmage at Acrisure Stadium during a 2022 regular season matchup against the New York Jets. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
It was more than just a Nittany Lions' bond between the two as Harris was who announced Freiermuth being drafted to the Steelers back in 2021 when the tight end was selected in the second round almost two years ago. He definitely made the legendary ball-carrier proud as he came up with one big catch after another on Saturday night. He finished with a team-high seven catches and 66 yards receiving including multiple crucial catches on the final drive.
It was hard to watch Saturday's game from beginning to end and not think about Harris and the impact he has had on the city of Pittsburgh. The offense seriously struggled throughout the game, but found a way at the end to come up with the game-winning drive despite not even entering the red zone for the first 58 minutes or so. No matter who a fan of the NFL is loyal to, it's hard to deny how awesome and touching it was for the entire group to come together and wear the Hall of Famer's numbers entering the grounds.
The Steelers won on what pretty much was their final offensive drive aside from a kneel down at the end. While it wasn't quite the historical ending that helped Pittsburgh to beat the Raiders 50 years ago, the drive that proved to be the deciding factor surely created memories that fans will never forget.
Steelers Hall of Fame running back, Franco Harris sprints towards the end zone against the Raiders in what would become known as the Immaculate Reception. | Credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Could you have guessed whose idea it was for the team to wear Harris' jersey into the locker room prior to reading the article? Let us know in the comments below!
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