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
We have dropped an Icon in Franco Harris. He embodied Pgh in his Grace, Humility, & Feeling of Satisfaction. He was a Champion on the Discipline & Ambassador off it. Thank you Franco for environment the common that we all try to attain as a Qualified & as a Man or woman. RIP & condolences to Dana. pic.twitter.com/3GtCgOpeOW
— Invoice Cowher (@CowherCBS) December 21, 2022
Words can’t begin to explain the soreness I am experience. Franco will often be a brother, mentor and my definition of greatness. He was a legend on the discipline and the personification of excellence off of the subject- A true course act to glimpse up to and aspire to be like. RIP #32 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/WOYU4qCZDP
— Jerome Bettis (@JeromeBettis36) December 21, 2022
Woke up this early morning to the devastating information that my close friend Franco Harris handed absent during the evening. Just one of the kindest, gentlest males I have ever known. He was a wonderful human being & great teammate. Corridor of Fame player but so a lot much more than that. A great part model for me! pic.twitter.com/OswJ82x7I1
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) December 21, 2022
Steeler Nation is heading to be hurting this week. On the weekend of the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception and the holidays much too. pic.twitter.com/eXwQzh9JRB
— Ramon Foster (@RamonFoster) December 21, 2022
NFL and Professional Soccer Hall of Fame
1 of the kindest persons I have at any time fulfilled. He was so considerably aside of the NFL my generation grew up viewing, a genuine legend. When I experienced the chance to meet Franco what generally stood our was how great he was to every person. God Bless and Rest in Peace Franco. https://t.co/zt3SMcoLQS
— John Lynch (@JohnLynch49ers) December 21, 2022
i met Franco Harris. it was at a very youthful age in my soccer job. he reported to me i have what it will take to be a good football player. im just grateful he took the time to say anything to persuade me to turn out to be a much better man or woman + player. Thank you 🐐.
rest in paradise. #32 pic.twitter.com/VIeZRQVYvs
— Darrelle Revis (@Revis24) December 21, 2022
Sending my condolences to the cherished kinds of the famous Mr. Franco Harris. 🙏🏾🕊️
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) December 21, 2022
So sorry to listen to of the passing of Franco Harris. A good person and pal 🕊️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/UCzDy5ShAo
— Eric Dickerson (@EricDickerson) December 21, 2022
Very unfortunate morning. Not only a person of the Best to ever enjoy the match he was an extraordinary particular person, fantastic man!!! Prayers to Franco’s household. RIP Franco. https://t.co/tnBKGfGFoE
— Jack Youngblood (@theblood85) December 21, 2022
Just devastated listening to of the passing of Franco Harris. A legend, icon, and as authentic a gentleman as they appear. Praying for his spouse and children. We lost a good just one now.
— Gene Steratore (@GeneSteratore) December 21, 2022
Just observed the information that Franco Harris has handed absent. Just one of the real greats from my childhood-and a person of the pillars of those people dominant Steelers teams. Had the privilege to fulfill Franco a handful of periods-and was taken back again on how humble and kind he was every time. Genuine gentleman. RIP 🙏🏼
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) December 21, 2022
Pittsburgh neighborhood
Gisele and I are devastated by this news. We are sending our deepest condolences to Franco’s relatives.
Franco was a legitimate legend and icon on and off the field. He was a definitely selfless guy.
It was an honor to have gotten to know him around the years. I will pass up him dearly. pic.twitter.com/PMaAoDGck2
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) December 21, 2022
Totally heartbroken. Franco was all the things fantastic that is Pittsburgh. He showed up, unannounced, with no cameras, to so lots of volunteer & charitable gatherings. He continuously gave devoid of asking. He was a warrior for justice. So several positive reminiscences, so tiny time. RIP #Franco 💔 pic.twitter.com/6JW6kb6xzJ
— monthly bill peduto (@billpeduto) December 21, 2022
I am so deeply saddened this early morning to learn of the passing of Franco Harris, a Pittsburgh hero and a spouse and children mate. I am holding his beloved ones in my heart. Franco’s legacy in our neighborhood will be without end a person of pleasure, victory, and satisfaction in the Metal City. Rest nicely, my pal. pic.twitter.com/JOmYAKevB3
— Senator Jay Costa (@Senatorcosta) December 21, 2022
