On Wednesday, December 21, 2022, The Associated Press announced that Harris’ son, “Dok” told the media that his dad and legendary running back Franco Harris passed away overnight. He was 72-years-old.
The cause of death has not yet been determined.
Legendary lunch talk: Franco Harris speaks of Immaculate Reception, while some great WPIAL football coaches support NIL deals for high schools https://t.co/QB0tXyA6U9 via @PittsburghPG
— Franco Harris (@francoharrishof) August 3, 2022
The Immaculate Reception
On Tuesday, December 20, 2022, an announcement was made about a new documentary that covers the 50th anniversary of Harris’ incredible catch vs the Oakland Raiders on December 23, 1972, that would go down in record as the “Immaculate Reception.” It was voted the best play in NFL history.
The documentary, Franco Harris: A Football Life is scheduled to air on December 23, @ 9:00pm on the NFL Network. It happens to be slated for the precise date when the play occurred during the outstanding running backs season in 1972. The presentation will also include some of Harris’ well-known players from the past, including: Terry Bradshaw, Joe Greene, Jack Ham and Mel Blount.
Retiring of his Jersey
The Steelers were planning on retiring Harris’ #32 jersey on Christmas Eve during a halftime celebration when the team is going to take on the Las Vegas Raiders.
It would of been a special time for his friends, family and teammates to be able to celebrate with him.
His Incredible Career
Harris was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first-round with the 13th overall pick in 1972. He earned the NFL Rookie of the Year award in that same year. He also achieved a record for a rookie during that time when he dashed for 1,055 yards and scored 10 touchdowns.
The dynamic running back was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, tailing the second most for a running back after the incredible Barry Sanders did of making all 10.
Harris tallied 12,120 yards and was a 4x Super Bowl winner with the 1970’s Pittsburgh Steelers. He started an empire when he reeled in a last- second heave that he scooped off the ground in a 1972 playoff match against the Oakland Raiders.
In 1976 he won the NFL Man of the Year award, while leading the league in touchdown receptions.
Harris would finish his playing career as the number three all-time rushing leader in the league behind Walter Payton, and Jim Brown.
In 1984, Harris would retire with the third-most rushing yards in the history of the NFL (@ that point in time). In 1990, Harris was enshrined into the NFL Football Hall of Fame.
The incredible athlete was recognized for his tough style of play and appreciated his 13-years in the NFL. He spend his first 12-years with the Pittsburg Steelers before playing his last season with the Seattle Seahawks.
He surely will be missed by all!
We wish Dok and his family our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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5 Comments
RIP
He was a leader on and off the field.
A legend for sure…
That play was great! Awesome article!
Great article!! He was truly a legend!