Events in Sports History in December 1972

Dec 2 37th Iron Bowl: Auburn beats Alabama 17-16 in Birmingham, Alabama

Ilie Năstase

Dec 2 Romanian tennis star Ilie Năstase successfully defends his ATP Masters Grand Prix title with a 6–3, 6–2, 3–6, 2–6, 6–3 win over American Stan Smith in Barcelona, Spain

Dec 3 CFL Grey Cup, Ivor Wynne Stadium, Hamilton: Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeat Saskatchewan Roughriders, 13-10; Tiger-Cats first team in CFL's modern era to win Grey Cup at home
Dec 5 38th Heisman Trophy Award: Johnny Rodgers, Nebraska (FL)
Dec 11 New York Jets' Don Maynard becomes all time pro reception leader (632)
Dec 16 Miami Dolphins become 1st undefeated NFL team (14-0-0)
Dec 23 "Immaculate Reception" Steelers turns around a 7-6 defeat with a last second touchdown reception against Raiders to win 13-7 [1]
Dec 23 2nd Fiesta Bowl: #15 Arizona State beats Missouri, 49-35
Dec 23 New York Islanders end 15 games winless streak

Franz Beckenbauer Gets Award

Dec 26 Ballon d'Or: Bayern Munich defender Franz Beckenbauer wins award for best European football player ahead of tied fellow German duo of Gerd Müller and Günter Netzer

Dec 27 LA Kings start Islanders on 12 game losing streak
Dec 29 Test Cricket debut of Jeff Thomson and Max Walker v Pakistan at MCG
Dec 31 39th Sugar Bowl: #2 Oklahoma beats #5 Penn State, 14-0
Dec 31 AFC Championship, Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh: Miami Dolphins beat Pittsburgh Steelers, 21-7