Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh

“In their defining tome on the subject of 1972’s Immaculate Reception—arguably the greatest play in NFL history—Tom Olenic and Ray Hartjen not only chronicle the chain of events and circumstances that led to the iconic moment, they explore how the play became a catalyst for four Super Bowl victories in the ensuing decade, an enduring Steelers football dynasty and the very rebirth of the city of Pittsburgh. If you’re a Steelers fan…heck, if you’re a football fan…you’re going to love this book.”

“A half-century after Franco Harris' miraculous catch that may be the defining moment in Pittsburgh Steelers history, comes an immaculately researched book that does its best to define Pittsburgh, on and off the playing field. Essentially a love letter to the city, the co-authors appropriately co-mingle critical developments about life reliant on steel to life energized by Steelers. A history book as much as a sports book, readers will nod and smile at the introduction of an all-star cast, from players Terry Bradshaw, Frenchy Fuqua and Jack Lambert, to all-star moments in Super Bowls and even from a movie, The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh. Just as the Steelers did, the co-authors show how Pittsburgh adapted from the 20th to the 21st centuries.”

"The Steelers, both as an organization and an identity, are Pittsburgh—full stop. There are precious few communities like it, and Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh, is a collection of all the stories, past and present, that makes Pittsburgh a Steelers town, and the Steelers a treasured source of Pittsburgh pride."

"The Immaculate Reception football is not just another football, as it's also an Immaculate Remembrance. Having 50 years of history, sparking a Pittsburgh Steeler dynasty, changing a city and my family forever. Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh recounts this story and so much more to show readers how important the Steelers are to the city of PIttsburgh."

"In their book, Tom O'Lenic and Ray Hartjen capture the history that shaped Pittsburgh, its citizens and, eventually, its football team. Then, they explore the pivot that ultimately allowed the Steelers and the city of Pittsburgh to come together to shape their collective future. Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh provides a fascinating look at the community and why it is unique."

“As a child of immigrants who grew up watching the Steelers in the 70s and 80s, I understand firsthand how the Steelers of that era brought our entire community together—both long-time residents and newcomers like my family bonded through our common love of the Black and Gold. Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh tells the story of how a city and community experienced a resurgence that mirrored the rise of one of the great football dynasties in the history of sports.”

“Come for the football, stay for the history lesson!”

“Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh not only shares the stories of how Pittsburgh and its football club were built, but it also tells the story of how they both overcame adversity and rose to new heights. From U.S. Steel and other manufacturers advancing education throughout the valley to the Steelers ascending to become a bedrock of civic pride for us all, this book tells the tales of what makes Pittsburgh someplace special.”