Sports world reacts to death of Steelers great Franco Harris

Sports world reacts to death of Steelers great Franco Harris

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL shed a person of their legends with the demise of Franco Harris. On Wednesday, Harris’ relatives announced that the Hall of Fame working back died overnight. He was 72.

Harris aided writer a single of the league’s most iconic plays in a 1972 AFC playoff recreation from the Oakland Raiders. Trailing late, Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw threw up a previous-next pass. When Raiders DB Jack Tatum collided with Frenchy Fuqua, the intended receiver, the ball caromed backward, where by Harris grabbed it before it hit the ground. He took the catch, now without end identified as the Immaculate Reception, for the winning score.

His participate in was etched into sports activities lore and served introduced the Steelers’ dynasty. Harris’ demise arrives just two times in advance of the 50th anniversary of the play.

Harris, who played collegiately at Penn State, won NFL Rookie of the Yr honors in 1972 and rushed for 12,120 yards in his career even though winning 4 Tremendous Bowls in Pittsburgh. He was inducted into the Pro Soccer Hall of Fame in 1990.

People from all-around the sports activities globe compensated tribute to Harris on Wednesday.

Steelers

NFL and Professional Soccer Hall of Fame

Pittsburgh neighborhood