Steelers Hall Of Fame RB Franco Harris Leaves Behind His Legacy
The legendary Franco Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers passed away overnight on Tuesday, December 20. The 72-year-old running back from the Hall of Fame.
Steelers Hall Of Fame RB Franco Harris Leaves Behind His Legacy
Given that his No. 32 jersey was going to be retired during halftime of the Steelers’ Week 16 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Harris’ passing came at an especially unfortunate moment.
“Franco was the heart and soul of our team,” Steelers legend Joe Greene told the documentary crew. “When Franco arrived, we became the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
Today we lost a legend and an incredible human being in Franco Harris. He epitomized what it meant to be a Steeler and a leader in the Pittsburgh community. Franco brought joy to everyone he was around and he will be missed. pic.twitter.com/YmMgwHqzno
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) December 21, 2022
Given that it happened two days before the 50th anniversary of his legendary “Immaculate Reception” play, which changed the course of the club in 1972, Harris’ passing also astounded the NFL community.
According to Pittsburgh Action News 4 (via Economic Times), the Steelers icon died of natural causes.
Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter had this to say after Harris’ untimely death:
“We have lost an incredible football player, an incredible ambassador to the Hall and, most importantly, we have lost one of the finest gentlemen anyone will ever meet.”
Woke up this morning to the devastating news that my friend Franco Harris passed away during the night. One of the kindest, gentlest men I have ever known. He was a great person & great teammate. Hall of Fame player but so much more than that. A tremendous role model for me! pic.twitter.com/OswJ82x7I1
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) December 21, 2022
“Franco not only impacted the game of football, but he also affected the lives of many, many people in profound ways.”
After being selected in the first round the same year out of Penn State, Harris went on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year honours after rushing for 10 touchdowns and receiving 1,055 yards. With four Super Bowl rings at the end of his career.
During the NFL’s 100th anniversary season in 2020, Harris’ “Immaculate Reception” play off fellow Steelers veteran Terry Bradshaw’s last-second throw was adjudged the greatest play in league history.
Franco Harris is known for the glory he brought to football. But I knew him for his character and compassion – someone who spent time with my boys after we lost my first wife and infant daughter.
May God bless Franco Harris, a dear friend of 50 years and a great American. pic.twitter.com/YhOYr3a4IM
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 21, 2022
Franco Harris rushed for 158 yards and a score in the 16-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IX, earning MVP honours as well. Despite having retired from a legitimate career in football four decades ago, his 354 career rushing yards in the Super Bowl still stand as a record.
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