Steelers Legend, NFL Hall of Famer Franco Harris Dead At 72

Franco Harris — a Pro Football Hall of Famer and probably the most legendary Pittsburgh Steelers of all time — has died … his household introduced Wednesday.

He was 72 years outdated.

A reason for demise has but to be revealed … although the Harris household mentioned he handed away in a single day.

“The total group on the Pro Football Hall of Fame is immensely saddened at the moment,” Hall of Fame president Jim Porter mentioned Wednesday morning in a press release.

“We have misplaced an unbelievable soccer participant, an unbelievable ambassador to the Hall and, most significantly, we’ve misplaced one of many most interesting gents anybody will ever meet. Franco not solely impacted the sport of soccer, however he additionally affected the lives of many, many individuals in profoundly constructive methods.”

Harris was taken by the Steelers within the first spherical of the 1972 NFL Draft … and it did not take lengthy for him to turn into an enormous star. In his rookie season, he ran for 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns, making the Pro Bowl group whereas successful Rookie of the Year honors.

Harris went on to make eight extra Pro Bowls with the Steelers … and ended up successful 4 Super Bowls with the group. In SB IX, he was named MVP.

In his profession, Harris rushed for 12,120 yards and 91 TDs, whereas including 2,287 yards and 9 TDs receiving. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound working again, although, is most well-known for his position within the “Immaculate Reception” — a wild play in a 1972 AFC divisional spherical playoff recreation in opposition to the Raiders that many contemplate one of many biggest moments in NFL historical past.

During the play, the Steelers have been down 7-6 on fourth down with simply 22 seconds left within the recreation. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw heaved a cross that was in the end deflected backward — proper into Harris’ ready arms.

Harris then ran it in for the game-winning rating.

Harris was set to be honored by the Steelers simply in the future after the fiftieth anniversary of the play … with Pittsburgh formally retiring his No. 32 on Saturday throughout its recreation in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders.