Story Behind the ‘Immaculate Reception’ Football to be Featured in New Steelers Film

Award-winning filmmaker Bill McAdams Jr. has secured the exclusive rights to the captivating story of the football that Franco Harris miraculously caught for the Immaculate Reception in 1972.

A lifelong Steelers fan, McAdams will co-write the upcoming drama with sports and entertainment publicist Michael Misetic. McAdams will also direct the project.

The film will specifically center around Jim Baker, a former insurance salesman from West Mifflin, who attended the legendary game – and walked away with the football.

Moments after Harris picked the deflected Terry Bradshaw pass out of the air at his shoe tops and took off down the sideline for a game-winning touchdown, Baker and his 14-year-old nephew raced from their seats, across the field, and positioned themselves behind the goal post in anticipation of the extra point.

There was no netting behind the endzones in those days, so when the ball sailed through the uprights, Baker managed to retrieve it amid the ensuing chaos. He quickly concealed the ball under his nephew's coat, tore through the crowd, and exited the stadium.

Despite receiving substantial offers, Baker has consistently refused to sell the ball because of its profound emotional significance, particularly its connection to his late son, Sam. Sam was born just four days before the historic play in 1972 and tragically passed away in 2005 from a rare form of cancer. For Baker, the ball symbolizes not only a pivotal moment in NFL history but also serves as a cherished link to his son's memory.

“In telling the story of Jim Baker and the Immaculate Reception ball, we delve into the profound intersection of sports, memory, and personal legacy,” said McAdams. “It's not just about a historic play; it's about a father's enduring connection to his son and the emotional weight carried by a single piece of leather. This film aims to explore how a moment in time can transcend the field, becoming a symbol of love, loss, and human experience."

Misetic added, "It's a narrative about chance, choice, and the unexpected intersections of fandom and fate."

Baker said, “The football is more than just a piece of leather; it’s a bridge to my son Sam, a link to a moment that changed my life and the city of Pittsburgh forever. Holding it is like holding onto a piece of my past, my family, and the spirit of that unforgettable day. It’s not just memorabilia; it’s a testament to love, loss, and the enduring power of memory.”

McAdams previously wrote and directed the 2024 documentary short Immaculate Reception: The Game Ball, for which he won a Silver Telly award for Best Director. He also wrote and directed Jose Canseco: The Truth Hurts. The feature-length documentary about one of Major League Baseball’s most polarizing sluggers won several awards, including the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival’s “Moxie Award” and “Best Documentary” from the Boston International Film Festival.

Misetic is a leading publicist in the sports and entertainment field, whose clients include a long list of current and former professional athletes. In addition to personal representation, Misetic has worked on publicity campaigns for numerous feature films starring Hollywood heavyweights such as Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Bruce Willis, Kevin Sorbo, and more.