Franco's Immaculate Reception: Proof the Ball Hit Tatum

I've never fully understood the controversy around this play in terms of whether the ball hit Jack Tatum. It very obviously did.

From the 1972 NFL Rule Book: Rule 7, Section 5, Article 2, Item 2-c: Any forward pass (legal or illegal) becomes incomplete and ball is dead immediately if pass is caught by any [offensive] player after it has touched ineligible [offensive] player or second eligible [offensive player], and before any touching by [a defensive player]. The Penalty of this this infraction is a loss of down at the previous spot.

However, if a [defensive] player touches [the] pass first, or simultaneously with or subsequent to its having been touched by only one [offensive] player, then all [offensive] players become and remain eligible.

So when the ball made contact with Tatum, it instantly became legal for Franco to catch the ball.

Yet according to 50 years of whining by Raiders fans, I'm supposed to ignore my what my eyes plainly see and somehow believe this magic ball -- which had already screamed PAST Frenchy Fuqua -- somehow did NOT hit Jack Tatum square in the chest... even though the video clearly shows it did.

Nope. If you claim Tatum didn't touch the ball, you're a boob. Or a liar. Or both.

Regarding Franco's catch, there's also clear evidence of that. You can watch it here:    • Immaculate Reception Wide Angle Game Film ...  

On the linked video, there's an official standing RIGHT THERE, watching the catch. Franco catches it IN STRIDE -- no hesitation, no trap... smooth as silk -- and races into the end zone to win the game.

Rest in peace, Franco. You meant so much to the Steelers, to the city of Pittsburgh, and to the NFL. Your contributions will live forever. God bless your family.