As we all know, Homer J, our resident historian and sage of all things Steelers, was asked by NFL films to do an interview on the Immaculate Reception. I, like most of you, am waiting anxiously to see that.

But to whet your appetites, I bring you news that the Post -Gazette is running a series on the 40th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. I have pasted the links to the first two installements after the jump for your convenience.

As the Post-Gazette describes this series:

The Steelers have opened their 80th season, and the 40th since the Immaculate Reception, that one remarkable play many believe was one of the best in the history of the NFL.

It neatly divided the team's fortunes into the woeful 40 years before, and the championship years after.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has embarked on a season-long look back at that play and its impact on the city and the team. Look for a story in each Sunday's Sports section revisiting that moment from the point of view of players from the Steelers and the Raiders, as well as fans and team officials, culminating in coverage on Dec. 23, the 40th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/the-steelers-immaculate-reception-the-play-that-changed-a-city-653782/

I would strongly recommend reading them in the order of their publication, as it will maintain the tempo and build-up the paper is trying to achieve.

The first installment is a background piece, setting the tone and mood of the City of Pittsburgh, and our Nation, as it was waaay back in 1972; for me, it brought back vivid memories of my childhood growing up in Western Pa. For you youngins' its a brief but well written encapsulation of what life was like back then.

So, without further adieu, I present to you the opening installments describing the greatest single play in sports history, and one of the foundation stones of what has become an edifice of excellence, our Pittsburgh Steelers:

Sept. 8: Steelers Immaculate Reception: The play that changed a city

Sept. 16: Frenchy Fuqua: The man who collided with history