The Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL lost one of their legends with the death of Franco Harris. On Wednesday, Harris' family announced that the Hall of Fame running back died overnight. He was 72.
Harris helped author one of the league's most iconic plays in a 1972 AFC playoff game against the Oakland Raiders. Trailing late, Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw threw up a last-second pass. When Raiders DB Jack Tatum collided with Frenchy Fuqua, the intended receiver, the ball caromed backward, where Harris grabbed it before it hit the ground. He took the catch, now forever known as the Immaculate Reception, for the winning score.
His play was etched into sports lore and helped launched the Steelers' dynasty. Harris' death comes just two days before the 50th anniversary of the play.
Harris, who played collegiately at Penn State, won NFL Rookie of the Year honors in 1972 and rushed for 12,120 yards in his career while winning four Super Bowls in Pittsburgh. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
People from around the sports world paid tribute to Harris on Wednesday.
Steelers
We have lost an Icon in Franco Harris. He embodied Pgh in his Grace, Humility, & Sense of Pride. He was a Champion on the Field & Ambassador off it. Thank you Franco for setting the standard that we all strive to achieve as a Professional & as a Person. RIP & condolences to Dana. pic.twitter.com/3GtCgOpeOW
— Bill Cowher (@CowherCBS) December 21, 2022
Words can't begin to describe the pain I am feeling. Franco will always be a brother, mentor and my definition of greatness. He was a legend on the field and the personification of excellence off of the field- A true class act to look up to and aspire to be like. RIP #32 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/WOYU4qCZDP
— Jerome Bettis (@JeromeBettis36) December 21, 2022
Woke up this morning to the devastating news that my friend Franco Harris passed away during the night. One of the kindest, gentlest men I have ever known. He was a great person & great teammate. Hall of Fame player but so much more than that. A tremendous role model for me! pic.twitter.com/OswJ82x7I1
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) December 21, 2022
Steeler Nation is going to be hurting this week. On the weekend of the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception and the holidays too. pic.twitter.com/eXwQzh9JRB
— Ramon Foster (@RamonFoster) December 21, 2022
NFL and Pro Football Hall of Fame
One of the kindest people I've ever met. He was so much apart of the NFL my generation grew up watching, a true legend. When I had the opportunity to meet Franco what always stood our was how good he was to everyone. God Bless and Rest in Peace Franco. https://t.co/zt3SMcoLQS
— John Lynch (@JohnLynch49ers) December 21, 2022
i met Franco Harris. it was at a very young age in my football career. he said to me i have what it takes to be a great football player. im just grateful he took the time to say something to encourage me to become a better person + player. Thank you 🐐.
— Darrelle Revis (@Revis24) December 21, 2022
rest in paradise. #32 pic.twitter.com/VIeZRQVYvs
Sending my condolences to the loved ones of the legendary Mr. Franco Harris. 🙏🏾🕊️
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) December 21, 2022
So sorry to hear of the passing of Franco Harris. A great man and friend 🕊️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/UCzDy5ShAo
— Eric Dickerson (@EricDickerson) December 21, 2022
Very sad morning. Not only one of the Greatest to ever play the game he was an incredible person, great man!!! Prayers to Franco's family. RIP Franco. https://t.co/tnBKGfGFoE
— Jack Youngblood (@theblood85) December 21, 2022
Just devastated hearing of the passing of Franco Harris. A legend, icon, and as genuine a man as they come. Praying for his family. We lost a great one today.
— Gene Steratore (@GeneSteratore) December 21, 2022
Just saw the news that Franco Harris has passed away. One of the true greats from my childhood-and one of the pillars of those dominant Steelers teams. Had the privilege to meet Franco a few times-and was taken back on how humble and kind he was each time. True gentleman. RIP 🙏🏼
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) December 21, 2022
Pittsburgh community
Gisele and I are devastated by this news. We are sending our deepest condolences to Franco's family.
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) December 21, 2022
Franco was a true legend and icon on and off the field. He was a truly selfless man.
It was an honor to have gotten to know him over the years. I will miss him dearly. pic.twitter.com/PMaAoDGck2
Absolutely heartbroken. Franco was everything good that is Pittsburgh. He showed up, unannounced, without cameras, to so many volunteer & charitable events. He constantly gave without asking. He was a warrior for justice. So many positive memories, so little time. RIP #Franco 💔 pic.twitter.com/6JW6kb6xzJ
— bill peduto (@billpeduto) December 21, 2022
I am so deeply saddened this morning to learn of the passing of Franco Harris, a Pittsburgh hero and a family friend. I am holding his loved ones in my heart. Franco's legacy in our community will be forever one of joy, victory, and pride in the Steel City. Rest well, my friend. pic.twitter.com/JOmYAKevB3
— Senator Jay Costa (@Senatorcosta) December 21, 2022