Terry Bradshaw, former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, shared a fascinating story about John Madden’s lingering grudge against the Steelers, specifically related to the famous “Immaculate Reception” play. The Immaculate Reception occurred in the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Steelers and the Oakland Raiders.
According to Bradshaw, even years later when both he and Madden were working as broadcasters, Madden maintained a grudge against the Steelers over the controversial play. Madden believed that the Steelers and the referees had wronged the Raiders in the Immaculate Reception game.
“John went to his grave thinking he got hosed by Pittsburgh and the refs,” Bradshaw confirmed.
The Immaculate Reception is one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. In the closing moments of the game, Bradshaw threw a pass that deflected off a Raiders defender and was caught by Steelers running back Franco Harris, who ran it in for a touchdown. The play remains a subject of controversy and debate.
Various theories and rumors surrounded the officiating decisions on the Immaculate Reception, including suggestions that referees used instant replay (which wasn’t part of the NFL in 1972) or that there were concerns about crowd control if the ruling went against the Steelers. Madden, until his death, reportedly never got over the play and believed that he was wronged.
Despite the controversy, Bradshaw suggested that the Steelers-Raiders rivalry in subsequent years was fueled by Madden’s lingering resentment.
“That’s what made the next match against them good. Well, he wouldn’t have won anyway,” Bradshaw said.
While the Immaculate Reception game was a significant moment in NFL history, it seems that its impact extended beyond the field, influencing the dynamics of the rivalry and leaving a lasting mark on the perception of the play among those involved, including Hall of Famer John Madden.