Franco Harris, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, as well as the author of the Immaculate Reception — arguably the NFL’s most famous and most controversial play, has passed away.
Field Yates of ESPN was one of many to report the news. He tweeted out a video of the Immaculate Reception, along with the news of Harris’ passing.
“Legendary Steelers RB Franco Harris, author of the “Immaculate Reception” – one of the greatest plays in NFL history – has passed away at the age of 72. A 4-time Super Bowl champion, Hall of Fame player and revered individual by so many. RIP.”
Legendary Steelers RB Franco Harris, author of the “Immaculate Reception” – one of the greatest plays in NFL history – has passed away at the age of 72.
A 4-time Super Bowl champion, Hall of Fame player and revered individual by so many.
RIP.pic.twitter.com/hUERPwHVwo
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 21, 2022
Harris was drafted out of Penn State by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft. In that season’s AFC Playoffs, the Steelers squared off against the then-Oakland Raiders. Trailing 7-6 in the game’s final second, Pittsburgh quarterback Terry Bradshaw fired a ball down the field. It initially appeared as though the pass was broken up by Raiders safety Jack Tatum but a sprinting Harris caught the ball just ahead of midfield and ran into the end zone.
The play was controversial for two reasons. One, Pittsburgh receiver John “Frenchy” Fuqua was the intended receiver on the play. If the ball bounced off of Fuqua and into Harris’ hands, the catch would have been illegal by the rules of the time. Two, it was not entirely clear that Harris caught the ball before it hit the ground. No cameras at the game could definitively resolve either controversy.
While the Steelers would lose in the AFC Championship Game to the undefeated Miami Dolphins, the Immaculate Reception is seen as the launching point of their dynasty. Two years later, they defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IX. It was Pittsburgh’s first Super Bowl victory. In that game, Harris rushed for 158 yards, scored the game’s first touchdown, and was the Super Bowl MVP.
Harris was on all four of Pittsburgh’s championships in the 1970s. He was the MVP of Super Bowl IX, when the Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings to win their first Super Bowl. He remained in Pittsburgh through the 1982 season and finished his career with the Seattle Seahawks in 1983.
Harris finished his career with 12,120 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. He added 307 receiving yards and caught nine more touchdowns. In 1990, Harris was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception falls on Friday, December 23. One day later, the Steelers will host the Raiders.
[Field Yates on Twitter]
