An Ode to Franco Harris, a True Penn State and Pittsburgh Legend
PITTSBURGH - Steeler Nation remembers four-time Super Bowl champion running back Franco Harris, who has died at age 72.
A product of Penn State, Harris was drafted 13th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1972 at a crucial turning point for the organization.
The Steelers' ground game needed improvement, and while late head coach Chuck Noll’s head was turned by Houston running back Robert Newhouse, Steelers owner Art Rooney Jr. convinced him to take a chance on Harris, who surpassed 2,000 career rushing yards and had 25 touchdowns with the blue and white.
The news of his passing struck the Steel City on the morning of Dec. 21, three days before the Pittsburgh Steelers are set to play the Las Vegas Raiders at Acrisure Stadium on Dec. 24, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception.”
Considered one of the greatest and most iconic plays in NFL history, the “Immaculate Reception” stamped Harris’ name in the NFL history books during his rookie season.
Let’s turn back the clock to the 1972 AFC Divisional playoff.
Staring down 60 yards of open field with 22 seconds remaining and down by a touchdown, Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw called “66 Circle Option” from his playbook.
Facing stifling pressure from the Raiders' defense, Bradshaw aired it out downfield to running back John “Frenchy” Fuqua. Fuqua collided hard with Raiders safety Jack Tatum, which sent some Raiders players into celebration mode.
The football ricocheted and found Harris, who was blocking for Bradshaw during the play but close enough to the action. This turned the tide in mere seconds for the black and gold as Harris took it to the house for the game-winning touchdown.
In a panel interview on Dec. 21 with NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” Bradshaw explained that Harris and the Nittany Lions running back room were taught to run toward a play once a quarterback released his throw.
“Had he not been taught that by Paterno, he would not have released and gone downfield, and that’s exactly what he did. That’s why he caught that pass,” Bradshaw said.
A stellar running back in collegiate and professional play, Harris embodied the spirit of Pittsburgh on and off the field. Known for his kind nature and approachability in the Pittsburgh and Penn State communities, Harris became a catalyst for fans to showcase pride for their team and ethnic heritage.
Born into a multicultural family with African American and Italian roots, Harris became an icon to many fans because he was proud of his heritage. His most loyal fans came to be affectionately nicknamed, “Franco’s Italian Army.” Adorned with army helmets, these fans celebrated their Italian American heritage along with Harris.
Penn State head coach James Franklin released a statement regarding Harris’ vast impact on the Penn State Football program:
“His professional career and accomplishments speak for themselves as a Pro Football Hall of Famer, four-time Super Bowl Champion and nine-time Pro Bowl selection, but it was his toughness and team-first approach as a Nittany Lion that will long be remembered by Penn Staters. Franco was a true steward of the Blue & White, and he will be sorely missed.”
Harris remained involved with Penn State Football in the NFL over the years. During the 2021 NFL Draft, Harris announced Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth as the Steelers’ 55th pick with excitement onstage.
Harris’ No. 32 will be retired during halftime of the Christmas Eve primetime matchup between the Steelers and Raiders. Ernie Stautner (No. 70) and Joe Greene (No. 75) are the only two Steeler numbers retired. Harris will join the group as the first offensive player to receive this rare honor from the organization.
Condolences go out to his wife, Dana, and son, “Dok” Harris.
“Will he be missed? Certainly,” Bradshaw said. “But he’ll be talked about forever.”
Emma Holtz is a junior majoring in public relations. To contact her, email emma.holtz01@gmail.com.
