The Steelers were set to retire Franco Harris’ #32 jersey Sunday night when the Steelers took on the Raiders in Pittsburgh on the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception”, but unfortunately, it will be emotional for all the wrong reasons, as Harris, who was responsible for the play, has passed away at the age of 72.
Harris’ son confirmed the news to the Associated Press Wednesday morning, with no cause of death given.
Franco, who played collage ball at Penn State and was taken 13th overall by the Steelers in the 1972 NFL Draft, played the majority of his career in the Steel City and some years with the Seahawks, is most know for being in the most right place at the right time during one of the most famed plays in all of NFL history.
Harris went on to win four Super Bowls in Pittsburgh in a career that flipped the script on the Steelers franchise with a twenty year drought of almost all bad seasons before his arrival.
More about Franco Harris, the Hall of Fame running back who was the central figure in the most iconic play in NFL history, passing away at the age of 72.https://t.co/PQdcE99Vm7
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 21, 2022
