On December 5, 1983, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Redskins faced off in one of the most unusual and unforgettable NFL games in history. The game, which took place at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C., is now famously known as the "Immaculate Deception."
The bizarre play occurred in the fourth quarter when the Steelers were trailing 14-10. Steelers' quarterback Mike Malone threw a pass intended for wide receiver Gregg Garrity. However, the ball bounced off the hands of Redskins' defensive back Anthony Washington and then ricocheted off the feet of Steelers' running back Franco Harris, who was lying on the ground. Miraculously, Harris managed to scoop up the ball just before it hit the turf and ran it in for a touchdown, giving the Steelers a stunning 17-14 lead.
The play was initially ruled a touchdown, causing confusion and chaos on the field. The referees huddled to discuss the call, while players, coaches, and fans eagerly awaited the verdict. After a lengthy deliberation, the officials declared that since no Redskins player had actually possessed the ball, the touchdown would stand.
The Redskins were furious, arguing that Harris had illegally kicked the ball, but to no avail. The Steelers held on to their lead and won the game 17-14, thanks to the incredible and controversial play that will forever be remembered as the "Immaculate Deception."
This memorable moment showcased the unpredictable nature of football and the significant impact a single play can have on the outcome of a game. It also added to the storied rivalry between the Steelers and the Redskins, two of the most successful franchises in NFL history.
