Franco Harris, the Hall of Fame running back whose heads-up thinking authored “The Immaculate Reception,” considered the most iconic play in NFL history.
Pittsburgh Steelers great Franco Harris, who was arguably best known for one of the most iconic plays in NFL history – dubbed the “Immaculate Reception” – has died at the age of 72, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced on Wednesday.
Dok Harris, Harris’ son, told The Associated Press that his father died overnight. The reason of death was not disclosed.
His death happens two days before the 50th anniversary of the play that gave the Steelers the boost they needed to become one of the NFL’s elite teams, and three days before Pittsburgh is set to honor him by retiring his No. 32 during a ceremony at halftime of its game on Christmas Eve against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s president, Jim Porter, issued a statement on Wednesday saying, “The entire crew at the Pro Football Hall of Fame is deeply saddened tonight.” “We have lost one of the best ones you will ever meet, in addition to losing an incredible football player and advocate for the Hall. Franco had a tremendously positive impact on a great deal of people’s lives in addition to the game of football.
Franco Harris career journey :-
Harris passed away just a few days before the “Immaculate Reception,” a touchdown catch that helped the Steelers defeat the Oakland Raiders 13-7 in the 1972 AFC Divisional Round, marking the 50th anniversary of Pittsburgh’s first-ever playoff game.
After the reception’s selection as the best play in NFL history in 2020 during the league’s 100th anniversary season, Harris said, “That play really typifies our teams of the ’70s.”
During the second half of their matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday, the Steelers had planned to retire Harris’ number 32 jersey.
The gold jacket career that it gave Franco was the result, according to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who mentioned so on Tuesday.
“What it accomplished for them that season in terms of the season’s course. How it has benefited this franchise. It’s a play because of a variety of factors. The game’s most important play in its history.
Harris was selected with the 13th overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft out of Penn State, and he soon rose to prominence for his team, winning the league’s Rookie of the Year award after becoming only the fourth rookie in league history to dash for 1,000 yards.
Harris remained in Pittsburgh following his retirement, opening a bakery and becoming heavily involved in several charities, including serving as the chairman of “Pittsburgh Promise,” which provides college scholarship opportunities for Pittsburgh Public School students.
Harris is survived by his wife Dana Dokmanovich and his son, Dok.
