Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris - 5 most iconic plays featuring Steelers legends
Quarterback Terry Bradshaw and running back Franco Harris are two of the greatest NFL players in Pittsburgh Steelers history. They each played an integral part in creating the franchise’s dynasty era in the 1970's. The tandem was a key part of their offense for all four Super Bowl victories during the Steelers' dominant decade of football.
Bradshaw was awarded the Super Bowl MVP twice during their incredible run, while Harris also won the award once. Bradshaw also won an NFL MVP award, while Harris has an Offensive Player of the Year award in his own trophy case. They have combined to make 12 Pro Bowl appearances and have earned four All-Pro selections.
Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris are each enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for their incredible list of accomplishments. They have also been involved in many iconic moments in Steelers history. Here are five of their greatest ever:
#5 - Super Bowl XIII - Terry Bradshaw's game-winning TD pass
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys were the two greatest teams during the 1970's decade. They met twice in the Super Bowl, with Terry Bradshaw and Roger Staubach facing off as two of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. Bradshaw earned glory in Super XIII, their second meeting. He hit Lynn Swann with a game-sealing touchdown pass to win his fourth ring.
One of NFL Films' most recognizable and iconic end zone shots...
Lynn Swann's 18-yard "flying circus" touchdown grab from #Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw — the winning score of Super Bowl XIII, played 43 years ago today. https://t.co/1hAZmiMVQl
#4 - Super Bowl IX - 1st ring in Pittsburgh Steelers history
Super Bowl IX was the first time in Steelers history that they won a ring. It would start an incredible run of four titles in six years. The Steelers led the Minnesota Vikings 9-6 in the fourth quarter of an extremely close game. Terry Bradshaw found Larry Brown for a touchdown pass that would clinch the game and officially begin their dynasty.
On this day in 1975, the Steelers beat the Vikings 16-6 in Super Bowl IX, the first of their four Super Bowl wins in six years. Here’s Terry Bradshaw’s touchdown pass to Larry Brown to clinch the victory in Super Bowl IX. #Steelers https://t.co/YlrtGExSfG
#3 - 1975 AFC Championship Game - starting a dynasty
The 1974 NFL season was the first time the Steelers would win a Super Bowl ring. They were forced to defeat John Madden and the legendary Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship Game to get there. Bradshaw connected with Lynn Swann to take the lead in what was a 10-10 game in the fourth quarter. Franco Harris sealed the victory with a rushing touchdown to make it a 24-13 final score.
.@francoharrishof scores with help from teammate John Stallworth who took out 2 #Raiders
1975 AFC Championship
#Steelers https://t.co/OTI1ZnBkcD
#2 - Super Bowl XIII - Franco Harris
Franco Harris scored one of the most iconic touchdowns of his career in Super Bowl XIII against the Dallas Cowboys. In a tight 21-17 game in the fourth quarter, Harris burst through the Dallas defense on a third-and-long play for a touchdown, creating a big lead. It was later revealed Harris demanded the ball in the huddle and Bradshaw listened to his star running back, calling him and ignoring the obvious passing situation.
Super Bowl XIII, January 1979
The #Steelers' Franco Harris roars in for a touchdown and a 28-17 fourth quarter lead on a surprising 3rd-and-9 fullback trap call from the Cowboys' 22.
https://t.co/abu7cslsuE
#1 - The Immaculate Reception - Making NFL history
The Immaculate Reception is one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. It also gave the Steelers their first playoff win in franchise history and did so against John Madden and the Oakland Raiders, one of the greatest teams of all time. Terry Bradshaw threw a Hail Mary-type pass in a desperate move, but it was swatted away downfield by the legendary Jack Tatum.
Now that it's December 23, it's officially the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.
As we mourn the passing of @steelers legend Franco Harris, we also celebrate his greatness and look back on how he remembered this historic moment. https://t.co/LvM1QLHgy1
Franco Harris caught the batted ball just moments before it hit the turf. An incomplete pass would have ended the game, but Harris' heroics changed everything. He ran the reception all the way to the endzone for a touchdown, making NFL history. To this day, it's one of the most memorable games, plays, and moments from all of NFL history. It likely always will be.