Former Steelers, Chiefs WR Barry Pearson dies at 76

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Barry Pearson passed away on August 16th at the age of 76, according to a report by Chris Ward of steelersnow.com. Pearson began his professional football career with the Steelers as a free agent in 1972 after an impressive college career at Northwestern University. He played for the Steelers for two seasons and the Kansas City Chiefs for three seasons.

Pearson is best remembered for his role in the "Immaculate Reception," a famous play during the Steelers' playoff victory over the Raiders in 1972, which occurred on his very first career play. He also scored the game-winning 46-yard touchdown against the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football in 1973. The Steelers traded Pearson to the Chiefs in 1974, and he went on to lead the Chiefs in receiving yards in 1975 with a total of 608 yards.

However, a severe knee injury in 1976 forced him to retire from professional football. After retiring, Pearson worked as a wide receivers coach for Jimmy Johnson at Oklahoma State University. He interviewed for a coaching position with the Lions but ultimately returned to his family's business, where he had a successful career. Pearson is survived by his wife Linda, their daughter Jessica and her husband Shawn, their daughter Devorah and her husband Jeff, and their three grandchildren: Parker, Jackson, and Gia.