Barry Pearson, Steelers WR and 'Immaculate Reception' Target, Dies at 76
A veteran of five NFL seasons who played a key role in a 1972 playoff game between the Steelers and Raiders died at 76.
Barry Pearson, a former wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the intended target of the infamous Immaculate Reception, has passed away at the age of 76. Pearson, who amassed 86 catches, 1,312 yards, and seven touchdowns in his five-year NFL career, was 22 years old when he made his debut for the Steelers in a crucial December 1972 game against the Oakland Raiders.
The Steelers were trailing 7-6 with only 22 seconds left in the fourth quarter when quarterback Terry Bradshaw attempted the famous play. Instead of throwing to Pearson, Bradshaw's pass was deflected to Franco Harris, who ran 42 yards for the game-winning touchdown. The Immaculate Reception remains one of the most iconic plays in NFL history.
After retiring from football, Pearson worked for HPC Foodservice as a president and CEO. He is survived by his wife, Linda, two siblings, two children, and three grandchildren.
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