The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the passing of legendary running back Franco Harris on Wednesday.
Harris was the creator of the “Immaculate Reception” in the 1972 playoffs — one of the greatest plays in NFL history. Harris is a four-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer.
The Steelers originally drafted Harris, then a prospect out of the Penn State Nittany Lions program, in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft.
Harris won all four Super Bowls with the Steelers. He was the MVP of Super Bowl IX, when the Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings to win the franchise’s first championship in 1975. He rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown in that game.
He finished his career with 12,120 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. He added 307 yards and another nine touchdowns through the air. He retired with the Seattle Seahawks in 1983, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990 — his first year of eligibility.
Legendary Steelers fullback Jerome Bettis was one of the first to offer condolences:
Words can’t begin to describe the pain I am feeling. Franco will always be a brother, mentor and my definition of greatness. He was a legend on the field and the personification of excellence off of the field– A true class act to look up to and aspire to be like. RIP #32 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/WOYU4qCZDP
— Jerome Bettis (@JeromeBettis36) December 21, 2022
“Words can’t begin to describe the pain I am feeling, Bettis wrote. Franco will always be a brother, mentor and my definition of greatness. He was a legend on the field and the personification of excellence off of the field– A true class act to look up to and aspire to be like. RIP #32.”
The NFL world was quick to unleash an outpouring of support for Harris’ family and friends:
#Steelers Hall of Fame Running Back Franco Harris has passed away at age 72, may he rest in peace.
Harris' football career is best remembered for the Immaculate Reception. It happened 50-years ago this week.pic.twitter.com/K5Zy7rPVT9
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 21, 2022
We have lost an Icon in Franco Harris. He embodied Pgh in his Grace, Humility, & Sense of Pride. He was a Champion on the Field & Ambassador off it. Thank you Franco for setting the standard that we all strive to achieve as a Professional & as a Person. RIP & condolences to Dana. pic.twitter.com/3GtCgOpeOW
— Bill Cowher (@CowherCBS) December 21, 2022
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
One of my favorite Franco Harris moments pic.twitter.com/uIUfvMorZJ
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) December 21, 2022
Most tragically, Harris was two days away from his jersey retirement ceremony at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday when the Steelers host the Las Vegas Raiders.
Harris was 78-years-old at the time of his death.
