Steelers Legend Franco Harris Dies at 72
Updated: Dec 22, 2022
I woke up this morning and read a Tweet from my friend Field Yates at ESPN that Franco Harris had passed away. I was shocked and dumbfounded by this news. I can't fathom what Steelers fans are feeling this morning after hearing this tragic news. My heart goes out to his family, friends and of course Franco's Italian Army
just days before the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 50th anniversary celebration of the Immaculate Reception, seen above the football world mourns the loss of one of the all time greats of this game. No matter if you believe this play was legit or not it gave the Steelers their first playoff win in the franchises history. and catapulted them as the team of the 70's as they went on to win four Superbowl's in six seasons.
The Steelers were planning to recognize the anniversary of the monumental catch on Friday, and Harris is to have his No. 32 retired Saturday night at halftime of the team’s game against the Raiders at Heinz Field. I honestly had no clue that Franco who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of fame in 1990 and member of the HOF all 1970's team number 32 was still being worn. Harris was the MVP of Super Bowl IX and at the time of his retirement in 1984 was the NFL’s third-leading rusher with 12,120 yards. He spent his first 12 seasons with the Steelers before ending his career with the Seattle Seahawks. To be honest Harris just never looked right in any other colors than Black and Gold. The world has lost a good man. RIP Franco.
