The Pittsburgh Steelers honored Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris, who died on Dec. 21 at the age of 72, at halftime of their game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Here’s what you need to know:
This week marks the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception,” when Harris made an improbable catch off a deflected Terry Bradshaw pass and scored a game-winning touchdown against the Raiders in a 1972 playoff game.
Harris’ No. 32 jersey was retired at halftime. Joe Greene (75) and Ernie Stautner (70) are the only other Pittsburgh players with that honor.
Steelers players and coaches showed up to Acrisure Stadium with Harris jerseys on. There was a moment of silence for him prior to the game.
Backstory
With a physical running style and a humble personality that fit Pittsburgh’s working-class identity, the rugged running back transformed the Steelers into a dynasty that would win the Super Bowl four times in six seasons from 1974-75 to 1979-80. His first Lombardi Trophy came with another accolade, as Harris was honored as the Super Bowl IX MVP after rushing for 158 yards against the Vikings.
Harris played 12 of his 13 NFL seasons in Pittsburgh. He retired at the conclusion of the 1984 season following one season in Seattle. The nine-time Pro Bowler racked up 12,120 rushing yards and 100 touchdowns (91 rushing, nine receiving) in his career. His 1,556 rushing yards in the postseason still rank second in NFL history, behind only Emmitt Smith. Harris was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
“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,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement after Harris’ death. “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.”
After leading a game-winning drive to defeat the Raiders, Pickett said, “It’s an incredibly special night. We dedicated this game to Franco. … We felt like he was with us tonight.”
The scene from Harris’ jersey retirement
Days after Harris’ unexpected death, the ceremony to retire his No. 32 jersey went on as planned. However, the mood and tone shifted dramatically. It was still a celebration, but a somber one of quiet reflection.
“It wasn’t supposed to be like this,” Rooney II said. “The big man was supposed to be standing here right next to me. I want to thank (Harris’ wife) Dana and (his son) Doc for being here tonight and sharing Franco with us for the last 50 years.”
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