Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Franco Harris found himself at the center of some controversial commentary made by CBS Sports announcer Tony Romo during a surprising turn of events in the Divisional Round playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.
Romo mistakenly compared an illegal batting call during the game to a play attributed to Harris, sparking outrage among Steeler Nation.
As the high-stakes playoff game unfolded, a pivotal moment arose when the Bills experienced a fumble early on the first drive. It was tight end Dalton Kincaid who displayed quick thinking and sharp instincts by taking action to prevent the Chiefs from recovering the fumbled ball.
Kincaid's decision to bat the ball out of bounds was a heads-up play, but it came with a significant consequence. The action incurred a penalty for illegal batting, a rule explicitly outlined in the NFL rule book. The rule leaves no room for ambiguity, stating that players cannot intentionally bat the ball forward towards their opponent to gain an unfair advantage.
As a result of this rule violation, the Bills faced a 10-yard penalty, adding an extra layer of complexity to the game's dynamics. However, what caught the attention of viewers and ignited controversy was Romo's commentary.
Steelers Legend Franco Harris Falsely Accused
During the broadcast, Romo made a remark that raised eyebrows and incited a wave of frustration among Steelers fans. He incorrectly attributed the illegal batting rule to Harris, suggesting that Harris had played a role in its creation.
“The old Franco Harris play to tip the ball forward to your teammate is no longer allowed,” Romo asserted.
Romo's statement, however, was factually inaccurate. He had confused the iconic Immaculate Reception play associated with Harris with another famous play known as The Holy Roller. The latter play had nothing to do with Harris and was the catalyst for the rule change regarding illegal batting.
In a moment etched in football lore, the iconic Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler found himself in a dire situation, facing an imminent sack by the relentless San Diego Chargers linebacker Woodrow Lowe, positioned ominously on the 24-yard line. The fate of the game hung in the balance as the ball slipped from Stabler's grasp. Its trajectory set toward the Chargers' hallowed end zone.
Amidst the chaos, the resilient Raiders running back Pete Banaszak made a valiant effort to recover the prized possession on the 12-yard line, only to falter and, in a dramatic twist, pitch the ball even closer to the sacred end zone. The tension mounted as Raiders tight end Dave Casper grappled with the elusive sphere, resorting to desperate tactics of batting and kicking.
Yet, destiny favored the bold, as Casper's determined efforts culminated in a triumphant touchdown, securing a miraculous tie just as the relentless clock ticked its final moments. With the ensuing extra point deftly executed by the unflappable placekicker Errol Mann, the Raiders clinched a spellbinding victory. The final score resonating through history as 21–20.
Romo confused this play with a famous moment in American football history. It happened during a playoff game between the Steelers and the Raiders on December 23, 1972. The Steelers were losing 7-6 with only :22 seconds left.
Quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw a pass to John Fuqua, but it bounced off Raiders safety Jack Tatum's helmet. Harris caught the ball just before it hit the ground and scored the winning touchdown.
Some people still debate whether the ball touched only Fuqua or hit the ground before Harris caught it. NFL Films called it the greatest and most controversial play ever. It marked a turning point for the Steelers, leading to four Super Bowl wins. The name Immaculate Reception was coined by a fan and was inspired by a Catholic Church term, suggesting the play was miraculous.
In the heat of a thrilling playoff matchup, Romo's commentary inadvertently stirred controversy among Steelers fans. While the game itself was filled with tension and pivotal moments, Romo's mistaken comparison of Harris to the illegal batting rule provided an unexpected twist to the narrative. As Steelers fans voiced their outrage, it became clear that even the most seasoned commentators can make errors when referencing the rich history of NFL plays and rule changes.
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