Pittsburgh Steelers: 15 best running backs in franchise history

Greatest running backs in Pittsburgh Steelers history: #12. John Fuqua

A personality that was larger than life, John Fuqua was well-known during his playing days for his edgy clothing style. Often seen wearing capes, Fuqua nicknamed himself “The French Count” and was often simply called “Frenchy” Fuqua.

His most elaborate outfit during his playing days consisted of platform shoes that had see-through heels. Inside those heels were tropical fish that matched his outfit. Fuqua certainly had his own sense of style.

On the field, the former 11th-round pick out of Morgan State began his career with the New York Giants before being traded to the Steelers ahead of his second NFL season. That ended up being a great move for both the player and team, as Fuqua recorded 691 yards and seven touchdowns in his first season with the Steelers.

Those remained his best numbers, but he was no slouch after that, recording more than 600 yards in each of his first three seasons with the Steelers. In all, he had 2,942 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground and added 132 receptions for 1,236 yards and three scores.

He finds himself in the top 15 for both yards and touchdowns, but is best known as the intended target of the most famous pass in team history — the “Immaculate Reception.” In a 1972 AFC playoff game against the Oakland Raiders, Terry Bradshaw threw a fourth-down pass to Fuqua, but the ball flew backward when Fuqua was hit by Raiders hard-hitting safety Jack Tatum.

From there, Franco Harris grabbed the ball and ran it back for a 60-yard touchdown, which was also the first playoff victory in Steelers’ franchise history. The play is remembered to this day, but it was also highly controversial. At the time, the rules didn’t allow Harris to catch the ball had it first been touched by Fuqua.

There’s no definitive answer regarding who first touched the ball between Fuqua and Tatum, although Fuqua says he knows, but he will never tell.