‘Legendary figure.’ Penn State community and beyond reacts to death of Franco Harris
Legendary Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris has died at the age of 72, his family announced Wednesday, leading to an immediate outpouring of condolences and memories from the Penn State community and beyond.
While at Penn State (1969-1971), Harris amassed 380 carries for 2,002 rushing yards, 24 rushing touchdowns, along with 28 receptions for 352 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. His illustrious career at Penn State led him to be selected with the 13th pick in the 1972 NFL Draft by the Steelers.
The former Penn State running back made the play of his career on Dec. 23, 1972 — and arguably the greatest play in football history. With the Steelers lined up against the Oakland Raiders at Three Rivers Stadium, quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw a pass intended for John Fuqua. With the ball bouncing and falling low near the ground, Harris caught the ball and sprinted into the end zone for a game-winning score.
The Steelers are set to honor the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception” on Saturday in a matchup with the Raiders. His No. 32 jersey is set to be retired then.
Harris’ career blossomed with Pittsburgh, winning four Super Bowl rings, being named as the Super Bowl IX MVP, a nine-time Pro Bowler, a first-team All-Pro selection in 1977 and an NFL 1970s All-Decade Team selection. He was tabbed for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 1990 after amassed 100 touchdowns in 13 seasons with 12,120 rushing yards.
“Our thoughts are with Franco Harris’ wife, Dana, and we send our deepest condolences to his entire family, his friends, the Steelers organization and all whose lives were impacted by Franco,” Penn State football head coach James Franklin said in a written statement. “His professional career and accomplishments speak for itself 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.”
In a statement, Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft called Harris a “legendary figure” that he was enamored with as a child growing up in the Midwest.
“When I was blessed to join the Penn State family earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to get to know Franco and his wife, Dana, very well. They have been so gracious with their kindness and support,” Kraft said. “Franco was known for his grit and unrelenting style on the field but his compassion, warmth, generosity off the field will leave a lasting impression on me. I am heartbroken for all who loved him. We have lost a true legend and friend.”
Harris was a longtime supporter of his former head coach, Joe Paterno, and in a statement Sue Paterno called Harris “a symbol of the very best of Penn State, Pittsburgh and this country.”
“For many he was a man of miracles, the man who showed up at the right time to lift a franchise and a city to greatness in one incredible play,” she wrote. “But his life was about so much more than the game, what he did with that moment was even more inspiring.”
Here’s a look at what others in the Penn State community and far beyond had to say about Harris’ contributions to football and those off the field:
This story was originally published December 21, 2022 at 11:11 AM.
