Franco Harris, a Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer, passed away on December 20, 2022, at the age of 72. According to Fox News, Franco Harris performed a radio interview only hours before his death. He appeared on Chris “Mad Dog” Russo’s radio show, where Harris stated that he was doing great when asked how he was feeling. His tenure with the Steelers ran from 1972 to 1983.
He died just a few days before the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. This historic play was named the greatest moment in league history as part of the NFL 100 celebration in 2019. In honor of the 50th anniversary of Harris’s touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in the 1972 AFC divisional playoffs during his rookie season, the Steelers intended to retire Harris’ No. 32 this Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.
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
A pillar in the history of our league. #RIP #FrancoHarris pic.twitter.com/Zz42doRXQZ
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) December 21, 2022
Did Franco Harris Have Cancer?
There is no information about Franco Harris having cancer. The news of Franco Harris’ death was originally reported by Pittsburgh’s local news agency, WTAE. As per reports, he died from natural causes. However, no official explanation for his death has been provided.
When speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin noted Harris’ historic catch. He explained, “I was in Section 135 that day. I was eight months old. I think it’s funny. Surprisingly, I’ve probably met 75,000 people that were there that day,” Tomlin stated. “It’s just one of those beautiful things in the history of our game.”
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Franco Harris’ Major Achievements
During the 1970s, Harris helped Pittsburgh win four Super Bowls in six seasons. He spent his entire NFL career with the Steelers, having been picked 13th overall out of Penn State in 1972. Harris was selected to his first of nine Pro Bowls in 1973 after rushing for 1,055 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie.
The White House and Obama Issue Statements on Franco Harris’ Death
US President Joe Biden and US President Barack Obama have issued statements regarding Franco Harris’s death. Both the current and previous presidents paid tribute to the Pro Football Hall of Famer on social media, with Biden revealing that he had known Harris for many years.
“I knew him for his character and compassion,” Biden stated, referring to someone who “spent time with my boys after we lost my first wife and infant daughter.” Meanwhile, Obama revealed that he knew Harris off the field and liked him. “He was an extraordinary man,” Obama stated, adding, “He will be missed.”
Joe Biden's statement on Franco Harris's passing. pic.twitter.com/zXYQadPbUF
— Bryan Armen Graham (@BryanAGraham) December 21, 2022
I grew up watching Franco Harris, and had the honor of getting to know him years later. He was an extraordinary man on and off the field, and will be missed. Our thoughts go out to his family and all of Steeler Nation.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 21, 2022
Following Harris’ unexpected passing, Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said the following:
“We have lost an incredible football player, an incredible ambassador to the Hall and, most importantly, we have lost one of the finest gentlemen anyone will ever meet.”
“Franco not only impacted the game of football, but he also affected the lives of many, many people in profound ways.”
After being selected in the first round the same year out of Penn State, Harris went on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, scoring 10 touchdowns on the ground and accumulating 1,055 receiving yards. He finished his career with four Super Bowl rings.
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During the NFL’s 100th anniversary season in 2020, Harris’ “Immaculate Reception” playoff fellow Steelers veteran Terry Bradshaw’s last-second throw was later deemed the greatest play in NFL history.
Franco Harris was also named Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl IX, as he rushed for 158 yards and a score against the Minnesota Vikings. His Super Bowl record of 354 career running yards is still today, four decades after he retired from a truly great career.
