Steelers History: The Most Blatant Catch

The most legendary catch in Pittsburgh Steelers history? Many fans would answer ‘Immaculate Reception’ without batting an eyelid. And they have a point. Franco Harris' artistic catch from the 1972 season has defined the organization for decades.

But since February 1, 2009, another catch has been giving him a run for his money - and this is the incredible story behind it. If you are someone who enjoys the thrill of gaming and the chance to win big, you should take a look at Richard Casino. It’s a great place to experience fun and exciting games, with many opportunities to win amazing prizes.

Santonio Holmes Like A Ballet Dancer

Tampa Bay, Florida, Sunday afternoon, Super Bowl XLIII (43), last minute of the game: The Steelers have their backs against the wall in a crazy final game against the Arizona Cardinals. Moments earlier, Arizona took the lead for the first time during the game thanks to a 64-yard touchdown catch and run by Larry Fitzgerald. Pittsburgh still had :42 seconds and three attempts to win the game six yards from the opposing end zone.

Then The Santonio Holmes Celebrations Reach Their Climax

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his teammate Santonio Holmes, background, watch during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLIII football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, in Tampa, Fla.

The 24-year-old Steelers receiver has played a good game up to this point. But the following scene reads like something out of a fairy tale: "Big Ben" receives the ball from the center. He looks around, looks for a free receiver, hesitates, fakes the throw, once, twice, nobody is free. He runs to the right, wants to buy himself time, discovers his only chance at the back right of the end zone, puts all his eggs in one basket and fires the football.

The ball is in the air for what feels like an eternity. It sails over three opponents. And finally into the wide-open hands of Holmes. The receiver stretches out for the catch - he has to acrobatically stretch his toes and fingertips to stay in the field. Then he topples out of bounds with the ball on his chest. Steelers touchdown!

The Record-Breaking Catch

This picture went around the world on February, 1 2009. In the style of a ballerina, Holmes caught the pass that secured Pittsburgh the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the sixth time - and made the franchise the record champions! The New England Patriots' dynasty had just three titles at the time.

After the Holmes catch, the Cardinals got the ball again with half a minute left, but a fumble forced by LaMarr Woodley and recovered by Brett Keisel ended the game. It was the end of a wild game that had already produced an incredible highlight before the legendary catch. The Steelers won 27-23. 

An MVP Tradition Made In Pittsburgh

With the ballerina catch, Holmes not only secured the Super Bowl victory for the Steelers, but also himself the MVP title as the most valuable player of the final game.

Nine caught balls for 131 yards and a touchdown, including four for 73 yards in the game-winning drive - Holmes took the team on his back in the decisive phase and was therefore a more than worthy winner.

With the award, he joined a high-caliber list: Lynn Swann in Super Bowl X, Hines Ward in Super Bowl XL, Santonio Holmes in Super Bowl XLIII - becoming the third Steelers pass receiver and sixth wide receiver ever to win the MVP title in the big game.