Steelers president Art Rooney II mentioned he would be having a very special announcement today at 1 PM EST. There was a lot of speculation of what this news could be all over the internet. Some fans were on twitter saying the Steelers would be retiring Ben Roethlisberger’s jersey number 7.
Art Rooney II announcement
The announcement is finally here and its not one many people predicted. Art Rooney II announced today the Steelers will be retiring Franco Harris’s Jersey number 32. This celebration of Harris will be held on December 24th as the team will be facing the Raiders. Harris made the immaculate reception in 1972 against the raiders in one of the greatest Steelers games in team history.
Per the Steelers website Rooney went on to say
“I am thrilled we are going to honor Franco with this recognition by retiring his No. 32 jersey,” said Steelers President Art Rooney II. “This is the 50th anniversary of one of the most memorable plays in NFL history; one that changed the course of our success with his ‘Immaculate Reception’ in 1972. My Grandfather was once quoted as saying..
‘Before Franco got here, we didn’t win much, since he got here, we don’t lose.’ I think that sums it up pretty good. Franco’s impact on the franchise would be hard to overstate. That is why I think it is fitting and appropriate that we recognize Franco’s remarkable career by retiring his Number 32 at our game on December 24.”
Franco Harris
Harris is a hall of famer and big reason for the Pittsburgh Steelers success in the 70’s. It is well overdue that Harris number would be retired for no-one to ever wear. He won four superbowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was named the MVP of super IX. There is no doubt that Harris is a living breathing example of what it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. We are all happy and eagerly awaiting the matchup against the Raiders and the ceremony.
Harris will be only one of three players who’s jersey was retired. He joins Ernie Stautner #70 and mean Joe Greene #75.
Well deserve and congrats to Franco Harris!
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