Former Steelers, Chiefs WR Barry Pearson dies at 76

Posted by Admin August 21, 2026 NFL

Former Steelers wide receiver Barry Pearson died Aug. 16, Chris Ward of steelersnow.com reports. Pearson was 76.

Pearson signed with the Steelers as a free agent in 1972 after starring at Northwestern. He played two seasons with the Steelers and three with the Chiefs.

He was on the field for the Immaculate Reception in the Steelers’ miracle win over the Raiders in the 1972 playoffs. It was his first career play.

Pearson brought in the play to quarterback Terry Bradshaw.

He caught the 46-yard game-winning touchdown on Monday Night Football against Washington in 1973.

The Steelers traded Barry to the Chiefs in 1974, and he led the team in receiving yards in 1975 with 608.

A serious knee injury in 1976 forced him to retire from football.

Barry later served as a wide receivers coach for Jimmy Johnson at Oklahoma State. He interviewed for a coaching position with the Lions, but instead returned to his wife’s family business and had a successful business career.

Barry is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Linda; their daughter, Jessica Pearson, and her husband, Shawn Koupal; their daughter, Devorah Pearson Gomez, and her husband, Jeff Gomez; and their three cherished grandchildren: Parker, Jackson and Gia.