Football World Remembers Franco Harris, Steelers Legend and Hall of Famer

He was an iconic part of the Steelers’ 1970s dynasty, which took home four Super Bowls.

Steelers great and Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris died on Wednesday, his family confirmed to the Associated Press. He was 72 years old.

The news comes just days before Pittsburgh was set to retire his No. 32 jersey. The ceremony was scheduled to be held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the most famous play in Harris’s career, and among the most famous in all of NFL history: the “Immaculate Reception.”

The legendary running back played at Penn State before embarking on a lengthy NFL career, playing with the Steelers from 1972 to ’83 and one season with the Seahawks in ’84. The No. 13 pick in the ’72 draft went on to win offensive rookie of the year and was a second-team All-Pro in his first year in the league. He’d go on to three total All-Pro seasons, including first-team honors in ’77, and nine Pro Bowls. He was also an integral part of four Super Bowl victories for the Steelers’ 1970s dynasty, winning the MVP award of Super Bowl IX.

He finished his NFL career with 12,120 rushing yards and 91 touchdowns, adding 2,287 receiving yards and nine touchdowns through the air.

Harris was a beloved figure in football, for one of the sport’s most iconic franchises. As those around the sport learn of his death, plenty of tributes to Harris are pouring in on social media.

I was lucky enough to spend time with Franco yesterday, and it's surreal and unfathomably sad to wake up and learn he's gone. He was a kind man who had time for everyone. Thinking of everyone who knew and loved Franco -- and the thousands who didn't know and still loved Franco. https://t.co/ERt3g8kRxM

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 21, 2022

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

We are saddened to share the news that Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris has passed away at age 72. #HOFForever More info: https://t.co/s53OU0Ryhe pic.twitter.com/insXLT37L9

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) December 21, 2022

Franco Harris embodied everything good about football and humanity. My mother loved football, and she loved Franco Harris. Losing him feels like losing her all over again.

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 21, 2022

Thank you Franco. RIP pic.twitter.com/iQUNihCZvf

— Steel City (@SteelCityBrand) December 21, 2022

Thoughts on Franco Harris, from @gmfb pic.twitter.com/vzbogzzXbE

— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) December 21, 2022

The Immaculate Reception is the first major NFL moment I can remember. I was 8, loved football, didn’t get all the controversy, just knew that Franco was in the right place at the right time with quick reactions and good hands.

— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) December 21, 2022

Woke up this morning to the devastating news that my friend Franco Harris passed away during the night. One of the kindest, gentlest men I have ever known. He was a great person & great teammate. Hall of Fame player but so much more than that. A tremendous role model for me! pic.twitter.com/OswJ82x7I1

— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) December 21, 2022

We have lost an Icon in Franco Harris. He embodied Pgh in his Grace, Humility, & Sense of Pride. He was a Champion on the Field & Ambassador off it. Thank you Franco for setting the standard that we all strive to achieve as a Professional & as a Person. RIP & condolences to Dana. pic.twitter.com/3GtCgOpeOW

— Bill Cowher (@CowherCBS) December 21, 2022