Photo courtesy Matthews International
Matthews International Architectural Products recently created a monument to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Pittsburgh Steeler Franco Harris’ ‘immaculate reception,’ regarded as one of the greatest plays in National Football League (NFL) history.
A 1.4 x 0.9-m (53.5 x 34-in.) solid bronze master plaque, weighing 154 kg (340 lb), appears in the centre of a historical marker at the exact spot where Harris caught a pass from Terry Bradshaw—which had rebounded off intended receiver John ‘Frenchy’ Fuqua—and raced down the field for a game-winning touchdown on December 23, 1972. The location was determined with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.
A bas-relief image of Harris was hand-sculpted out of clay, while flat-relief production was used for a ‘leatherette’ background and text. Matthews—which itself is based in Pittsburgh, Pa.—sourced, cut and polished local black granite for the monument. Finally, a grey granite sidewalk inlay was installed around the structure, depicting the yard and hash marks of Three Rivers Stadium’s football field.
“Everyone from management to craftsmen with hand tools took tremendous care and pride in creating this fitting tribute,” says Josh Rooney, director of sales and marketing for Matthews’ sports and entertainment division.
