On the anniversary of what many call the greatest play in NFL history, Franco Harris found himself in the right spot at the right time. Luck? Not at all. That surreal, serendipitous moment—the Immaculate Reception—wasn’t just chance; it was the culmination of preparation meeting opportunity.

Franco’s iconic play felt almost mythical, like a white stallion galloping into the sunset to secure victory and end a long drought, heralding the Steelers’ era of Super Bowl dominance. Yet, the magic of the moment was rooted in something far less mysterious: Franco was always prepared.

A friend of mine often says, “Proper preparation prevents piss-poor performance.” That saying rings true here. Franco’s dedication to his craft ensured he was ready when the unexpected happened. His sudden passing, just before the 50th anniversary of the play, was a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of that moment and how it forever changed the course of sports history.

I was in seventh grade when I watched the Immaculate Reception with my dad, a memory I hold close. The thrill of that instant—of something unexpected turning into a game-changing event—stuck with me. Moments like these remind me of the common thread among my friends who consistently come prepared: they always seem to be in the right spot to seize opportunities. Whenever one of my friends comes through in a golf tournament, what appears to be a serendipitous moment, I always chirp, “He’s lucky at cards too!”

As chance would have it, I too benefited from being overly prepared in a professional context. My preparation helped me seize an unexpected opportunity, leaving my competitor at the altar. The feeling of seeing the moment unfold, knowing you’re ready when others aren’t, is one of the greatest rewards in life. It’s not about blind luck—it’s about setting yourself up to be in the right place at the right time.

Carpe Diem: Seize the Day

I often think about Franco’s iconic play and how it mirrors life’s serendipitous moments. It’s not just about luck. It’s about being ready to act, having the skills, knowledge, and mindset to take advantage of a fleeting opportunity. The best moments, in business and in life, are often a blend of preparedness, timing, and the ability to see things others might miss. Franco might have been in the right place at the right time, but his preparation allowed him to catch a pass not many could have, and to outrun the defense—all because he was ready.

I love sharing and reliving these stories with my kids, just as I did with my dad. It’s a reminder that serendipity isn’t just about chance; it’s about being ready to seize the day when the moment comes.

Just like Franco’s preparation, which enabled him to react in a split second to the unexpected bounce of a football, my own career has been shaped by the same principle: be ready, and you’ll be in the right spot when the opportunity knocks. And sometimes, just sometimes, the opportunity is even better than you imagined.

I’m sure Franco didn’t imagine the ball would bounce directly into his hands. But he was ready. He had spent years perfecting his craft, working hard even when it wasn’t glamorous. And when the moment came, he didn’t hesitate. That’s the magic of serendipity—it’s the meeting of preparation and opportunity. I’m sure Franco didn’t imagine the ball would bounce directly into his hands. But he was ready. He had spent years perfecting his craft, working hard even when it wasn’t glamorous. And when the moment came, he didn’t hesitate. That’s the magic of serendipity—it’s the meeting of preparation and opportunity. It’s like thinking all the chicken wings are gone, and then—bam!—there’s one last drumstick sitting at the bottom of the platter.

You weren’t expecting it, but there it is, just waiting for you to claim it. The moment you’ve been waiting for, when you thought it was over. It’s the perfect example of serendipity: the meeting of preparation and opportunity. When you’re ready for it, life tosses you that last wing when you least expect it, and it feels pretty sweet—just like snagging that final, coveted wing at the table. Immaculate Reception