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Barry Pearson, Intended Immaculate Reception Target, Dies at 76

8/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Former Steelers wide receiver Barry Pearson died on Aug. 16 at age 76.
He was the intended target of the Immaculate Reception on Dec. 23, 1972.
Pearson recorded 86 catches for 1,312 yards and seven touchdowns in 50 NFL games.
A knee injury in 1976 forced Pearson to retire from professional football.
He retired as president of HPC Foodservice in 2016.

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Story summary

Former Steelers wide receiver Barry Pearson died on Aug. 16 at age 76.
He was the intended target of the Immaculate Reception on Dec. 23, 1972.
Pearson recorded 86 catches for 1,312 yards and seven touchdowns in 50 NFL games.
A knee injury in 1976 forced Pearson to retire from professional football.
He retired as president of HPC Foodservice in 2016.