When conversations turn to the greatest catches in NFL history, Steelers fans rarely need much convincing that Pittsburgh belongs in the discussion.
ESPN’s Get Up recently revisited that debate by ranking the greatest catches the league has ever seen. Two iconic Steelers plays made the cut, reinforcing just how much the franchise’s history has been defined by unforgettable moments on football’s biggest stages.
No Steelers moment changed history like the Immaculate Reception
There may never be another play in NFL history debated, replayed, and celebrated quite like the Immaculate Reception.
With Pittsburgh trailing the Raiders late in the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff, Terry Bradshaw‘s desperation pass appeared destined to fall incomplete before the ball ricocheted into the hands of Harris, who raced untouched for the game-winning touchdown.
Beyond the controversy surrounding whether the pass legally touched Raiders safety Jack Tatum or Steelers running back Frenchy Fuqua first, the play represented something much larger. It delivered the Steelers their first playoff victory in franchise history and became the launching point for one of the greatest dynasties professional sports has ever seen.
Without the Immaculate Reception, the Steelers’ four Super Bowl championships in the 1970s might never have happened.
Considering its historical significance, many fans would argue the Immaculate Reception belongs even higher than third, and depending on the list, it often does. Still, landing at No. 3 among the greatest catches in NFL history is an honor worthy of one of the game’s most iconic plays.
Holmes delivered one of the greatest Super Bowl catches ever
If the Immaculate Reception changed the course of Steelers history, Santonio Holmes authored perhaps the franchise’s finest individual catch.
Trailing the Arizona Cardinals with just 35 seconds remaining in Super Bowl XLIII, Ben Roethlisberger lofted a pass toward the back right corner of the end zone. Holmes somehow managed to secure the football while getting both feet down along the sideline despite tight coverage from three Cardinals defenders.
Like the Immaculate Reception, Holmes’ catch has been replayed countless times, and the degree of difficulty remains astonishing nearly two decades later.
Everything had to be perfect. The throw needed pinpoint accuracy, and Holmes needed flawless body control, concentration, and awareness of the endzone boundaries. Any slight mistake may have ended Pittsburgh’s championship hopes.
Instead, the touchdown capped one of the greatest game-winning drives in Super Bowl history and secured the Steelers’ sixth Lombardi Trophy.
What plays ranked higher?
Whether Steelers fans agree with ESPN’s exact rankings or not, having two plays in the top five is a reminder of just how many iconic moments the franchise has produced.
To recap, Franco Harris‘ Immaculate Reception checked in at number three, while Santonio Holmes’ Super Bowl XLIII game-winning touchdown catch landed at number five. That begs the question, “What ranked better?”
Odell Beckham Jr.’s unforgettable one-handed grab against the Cowboys came in at number four, sandwiched between the two Steelers plays.
Ranking ahead of Franco’s Immaculate Reception was Dwight Clark‘s famous “The Catch” for the 49ers (ranked second). Understandably, David Tyree‘s improbable helmet catch in Super Bowl XLII claimed the top spot.
Regardless of where fans would personally rank them, it’s hard to argue with the company Pittsburgh keeps. Every play in ESPN’s top five changed a game, defined an era, or became an enduring piece of NFL history. The Steelers just happen to own two of them.