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Shop NowOne of the greats of the game has left us.
Franco Harris, the recipient of the Immaculate Reception, passed away this week.
Harris’ number was scheduled to be retired, a celebration that he sadly missed.
Shock Death
Harris had been doing extra media this week with it being the 50-year anniversary of the play.
In fact, Harris had done an interview only hours before his death…
Remembering @steelers Legend #FrancoHarris pic.twitter.com/bYDeO1CX6v
— Mad Dog Sports Radio (@MadDogRadio) December 21, 2022
The Steelers retired his jersey number on Christmas Eve, perfectly timed for the 50-year anniversary of the play.
It was heartbreaking to see his wife standing there only days after Franco’s death to accept the honor.
It was far from the only great play Franco ever made, but it is one that made him a nationwide name…
Legendary Steelers RB Franco Harris, author of the “Immaculate Reception” – one of the greatest plays in NFL history – has passed away at the age of 72.
A 4-time Super Bowl champion, Hall of Fame player and revered individual by so many.
RIP.pic.twitter.com/hUERPwHVwo
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 21, 2022
Current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stated, “was in Section 135 that day. I was eight months old. I think iit’sfunny. Surprisingly, II’veprobably met 75,000 people that were there that day.
“It’s just one of those beautiful things in the history of our game
“It’s humbling to be in close proximity to it, to work for this organization, to understand its impact on this organization, the career it spawned in Franco [Harris], a gold-jacket career, what it did for them that season in terms of changing the trajectory of that season, what it’s done for this franchise …
“There are many things that make it the play that it is and the most significant play in the history of our game.
“It’s just an honor to be in proximity to it.
“To know the man involved, to call Pittsburgh home, and so it’s awesome to be a part of and to witness.
“But, at the same time, we understand that we’ve got business, we’ve got present-day business, and the best way we can honor him and that is by performing.
“We’re going to work extremely hard to prepare ourselves leading up to it.”
Rest in peace, Franco.
Source: Fox News