Barry Lynn Pearson (February 4, 1950 – August 16, 2026) was an American professional football player who was a wide receiver for four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1972–1973) and Kansas City Chiefs (1974–1976) of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Northwestern Wildcats.
In 1972, making his pro football debut, Pearson was on the field for the Immaculate Reception and was the receiver for whom the play was designed, but Terry Bradshaw was flushed from the pocket and threw toward Frenchy Fuqua instead. Paul Zeise, "Steelers receiver Barry Pearson came away from 'The Play' with a great story to tell", Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, October 14, 2012
Pearson died on August 16, 2026, at the age of 76.Former Steelers WR Barry Pearson Dead At 76
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