Former Steelers wide receiver Barry Pearson dies at 76
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 12:54 AM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026

Barry Pearson, a former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver known for his role in the Immaculate Reception, has died at age 76. He passed away on August 16, as noted in his obituary. Pearson joined the Steelers shortly before graduating from Northwestern in 1972 and made his mark during the legendary play, which occurred during a 1972 playoff game against the Oakland Raiders. With seconds left in the game, quarterback Terry Bradshaw's pass was deflected, and Franco Harris caught it to score a game-winning touchdown. Pearson's contribution in that moment has remained significant in NFL history.
- •Barry Pearson died on August 16, 2026, at age 76.
- •He played in the 1972 playoffs against the Oakland Raiders.
- •Pearson was signed by the Steelers as a free agent in 1972.
- •He executed the play that led to Franco Harris's game-winning touchdown.
- •The play is known as the Immaculate Reception.
- 12:54 AMYahoo Sports — Former Steelers wide receiver, who had a role in the Immaculate Reception, dies at 76
"Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Barry Pearson, who was a part of the legendary Immaculate Reception play, has died. He was 76. Pearson passed away on Aug. 16, according to his obituary.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 2:28 AMFinal Score: New York Jets Beat Pittsburgh Steelers As Geno Shines
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 2:14 AMWill Howard struggles, throws two INTs in Steelers’ loss to Jets
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 2:03 AMGeno Smith throws a touchdown pass during his 1-drive cameo as Jets top Steelers 17-0
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 1:22 AM‘This Is on the Receiver’ — Ex-NFL QB Pins Blame on Steelers WR Roman Wilson for Will Howard’s 2 INTs
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 1:07 AMSteelers QB Will Howard struggles in preseason start vs Jets
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 12:56 AMJets' David Bailey records first preseason sack vs. Steelers (video)
