If it weren’t for Craig Hanneman, there is a good chance the Immaculate Reception never would have happened.
And before you Google “Craig Hanneman,” just keep on reading.
Hanneman was a rookie defensive lineman for the Steelers in 1972, a backup on a unit that was loaded with names like Joe Greene, Dwight White, L.C. Greenwood and Ernie Holmes.
On Dec. 23, 1972, in the AFC Divisional Round game against the Oakland Raiders at Three Rivers Stadium, he was given an assignment.
With the Steelers defense playing stingy, holding the Raiders
