Pittsburgh Steelers Epic Moments

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Dec 21, 2012

Pittsburgh Steelers Epic Moments

Jan. 21, 1979

In a battle of dynasties, the Steelers, behind four TD passes from Terry Bradshaw, defeat the Dallas Cowboys 35-31 to become the first three-time Super Bowl winner.

Dec. 23, 1972

Trailing 7-6 to the Raiders in an AFC Divisional playoff game at old Three Rivers Stadium, the Steelers had just 22 seconds on the clock as they faced fourth-and-10 from their own 40-yard line. Fullback Franco Harris collected a tipped ball as it nearly grazed the ground and ran all the way down the field for the game-clinching score in a play that is known simply as the "Immaculate Reception." The victory was seemingly the franchise's turning point and put Pittsburgh on the path of four Super Bowls in six years.

Jan. 18, 1976

One can't think of the Steelers without conjuring up Lynn Swann making unbelievable, leaping catches. The most memorable came against Dallas in Super Bowl X, eventually leading to the second consecutive championship. He would retire in 1982, but not before making many more circus receptions from Terry Bradshaw and snatching a total of four Super Bowl rings in the process.

Jan. 12, 1975

In a battle of two of the league's top defenses in Super Bowl IX, Pittsburgh's "Steel Curtain" outmatched Minnesota's "Purple People Eaters," eventually taking the game 16-6. Franco Harris, who was named the game's MVP after running for 158 yards and a touchdown, paced the offensive side of the ball for the Steelers to garner the franchise's first championship.

Jan. 20, 1980

Terry Bradshaw's two long fourth-quarter passes to John Stallworth, the first covering 73 yards for a TD, rally Pittsburgh to a 31-19 win over the L.A. Rams in a game that featured seven lead changes. Steelers become the first--and so far only franchise--to win four Super Bowls in a six-year period.

Feb. 1, 2009

After 16 unanswered points by the Cardinals in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIII to put them up 23-20, the Steelers mounted a drive from their own 12-yard line with a little over two minutes left to play. Ben Roethlisberger eventually found Santonio Holmes in the back of the end zone for a six-yard reception with just 35 seconds remaining. Holmes made the incredible tiptoe catch beyond three defenders while falling out of bounds to seal the comeback win, 27-23, making it two titles in four years, and six championships overall.

Jan. 15, 2006

With only 1:20 remaining in a divisional playoff game against the favored Colts, the Steelers were up 21-18 on the Indianapolis 2-yard line and the game seemed in hand. While attempting to cross the goal line, Jerome Bettis inopportunely fumbled -- his first of the season -- and Colts cornerback Nick Harper had a caravan to the opposite end zone. Ben Roethlisberger made a backpedaling tackle at the Colts 42 though and Indy eventually missed a long field goal to tie. The win eventually propelled the No. 6 seed Steelers to a Super Bowl win over Seattle for the franchise's fifth championship.