This is such tragic news in light of the historical significance this week brings. NFL and Pittsburgh Steelers legend Franco Harris has sadly passed away just days before he was going to be honored for the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.at this week brings.Â
This is supremely tragic. Of course, the death of anyone, whether they are an NFL legend like Harris or just a regular plumber, is sad, but to know that Harris was getting honored in a few days by the organization he gave so many great memories to makes it even worse.
When you mention the great Steelers teams of the 1970’s, you tend to think of five people: Terry Bradshaw, “Mean” Joe Greene, Chuck Noll, Lynn Swann, and Franco Harris. The legendary running back was one of the very best players in the NFL, let alone his own position, during the Steelers championship years (1975-1980) as he not only made 9 Pro-Bowls and 3 All-Pro team appearances in his 12 years with the Steelers, but he also routinely rushed for over 1,000 yards/season in a time where defenses could literally destroy running backs with vicious hits.
Oh, and I almost forget to mention that Franco Harris racked up his 12,120 career rushing yards (most in Steelers history) and 91 career rushing TDs in a time where teams only played 14-16 games. Those are elite stats.
Moreover, by all accounts, Harris was a consummate professional and one of the most courageous football players who has ever graced the field. You can watch any interview from any of his Steelers teammates or his ‘rivals’ from the great Raiders, 49ers, Vikings, and Cowboys of the day and they’ll go on and on about how kind and generous of a person Harris was, despite having the fame and adoration of being one of the best football players ever (at the time).
And when you have a person who is still able to remain as humble and compassionate after so much success and glory, it’s a feat as great as his 4 Super Bowl wins, 1972 Rookie of the Year win, 9 Pro Bowl appearances, 3 All-Pro selections, the 1970’s All-Decade team selection, 12,120 career rushing yards, and 91 rushing TDs combined.
That’s how great of a man and player Franco Harris was.
Nevertheless, it is truly a great shame that Harris was unable to see his beloved Steelers retire his #32 this weekend against the Raiders as they honor the 50th anniversary of the greatest play in Steelers (and perhaps NFL) history: the Immaculate Reception.
Rest in peace, Franco Harris, you have more than earned it. And I hope the Steelers can honor your memory with a great performance against the Raiders this weekend.
Images Source: Featured Image: (Wikimedia Creative Commons License/Author: Governor Tom Wolf) (Governor Tom Wolf from Harrisburg, PA, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)
