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Former Steelers player Barry Pearson news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Former Steelers wide receiver Barry Pearson died Aug. 16 at age 76. His first NFL play was the Immaculate Reception, a legendary playoff moment.
Background
Barry Pearson was a former Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver who played a key role in the Immaculate Reception, one of the most famous plays in NFL history. He died on Aug. 16, 2026, at age 76. Pearson's first career NFL play was bringing in the play call for the Immaculate Reception, which occurred during a 1972 playoff game against the Oakland Raiders. He was later told by head coach Chuck Noll that the play was called for him because of his steady hands.
How it unfolded
- 1972Pearson signed with the Steelers as a free agent and, in his first NFL play, brought in the play call for the Immaculate Reception during a playoff game against the Oakland Raiders.
- Aug 16, 2026Barry Pearson passed away at age 76, according to his obituary.
- Aug 21, 2026News of Pearson's death was reported by multiple outlets, including WPXI and Steelers Now.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- His obituary notes his role in the Immaculate Reception and his later induction into the Geneseo High School Hall of Fame in 2014.
- Public
- Fans and media remember Pearson as a key part of one of the NFL's most memorable plays, with some noting his steady hands were the reason the play was called for him.