Franco Harris, ‘Immaculate Reception,’ Four-Time Super Bowl Champ, Passes Away

NYSJ Sports-Entertainment Business News Service

Photo: Hall of FameDecember 21, 2022: RIP Franco Harris d Dec. 20, 2022.

Fourds-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers (IX, X, XIII, XIV), Super Bowl IX MVP, nine-time Pro Bowl selection, 12,120 career rushing yards, 91 rushing touchdowns, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1990), "Immaculate Reception" Dec. 23, 1972.

A poll in 2019 of media members conducted by the NFL named the Immaculate Reception as the “Greatest NFL play in NFL history.”

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said via the league, “We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Franco Harris. 

"He meant so much to Steelers fans as the Hall of Fame running back who helped form the nucleus of the team's dynasty of the '70s, but he was much more. He was a gentle soul who touched so many in the Pittsburgh community and throughout the entire NFL. Franco changed the way people thought of the Steelers, of Pittsburgh, and of the NFL.

"He will forever live in the hearts of Steelers fans everywhere, his teammates, and the city of Pittsburgh. 

"Our condolences go out to his wife, Dana, and their son, Dok."

The 11th season of NFL Films-produced series A Football Life continues with a profile of Harris. Premiering on the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, the one-hour show Dec. 23 (9 PM ET) on NFL Network.

It features interviews with Harris, and such former teammates as Rocky Bleier, Mel Blount, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Greene and Jack Ham.

"Franco was the heart and soul of our team. When Franco arrived, we became the Pittsburgh Steelers." – Joe Greene.

The Immaculate Reception was recreated as part of the NFL 100-Year Game commercial in 2019 when Bradshaw throws a pass and Harris scoops it up before it hits the floor.

The Steelers will wear throwback jerseys this week when they host the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Eve in Acrisure Stadium.

The jerseys feature block letters and numbers on a traditional looking jersey, a reference to the teams of the 1970s and part of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.

'The 100-Year Game'The jersey will also have a special patch honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.

Steelers president Art Rooney II said via the team, “It is difficult to find the appropriate words to describe Franco Harris' impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers, his teammates, the City of Pittsburgh and Steelers Nation.

“From his rookie season, which included the Immaculate Reception, through the next 50 years, Franco brought joy to people on and off the field. He never stopped giving back in so many ways. He touched so many, and he was loved by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Dana, his son Dok, and his extended family at this difficult time.

“The entire team at the Pro Football Hall of Fame is immensely saddened today,” Pro Football Hall president Jim Porter said via the organization.

“We have lost an incredible football player, an incredible ambassador to the Hall and, most importantly, we have lost one of the finest gentlemen anyone will ever meet. Franco not only impacted the game of football, but he also affected the lives of many, many people in profoundly positive ways,” Porter continued.

“The Hall of Fame and historians everywhere will tell Franco’s football story forever. His life story can never be told fully, however, without including his greatness off the field.”

Harris was awarded the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 1976. The award recognizes NFL players who have exhibited excellence on the field and whose passion to impact lives extends beyond the game.

Harris was born March 7, 1950, in Fort Dix, N.J., the son of Cad and Gina Harris, He graduated from Rancocas Valley Regional High School and Penn State University.

He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round, the 13th player selected overall, in the 1972 NFL Draft.

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