Franco Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers legend and HOF RB, passes away at 72

Franco Harris had a strong career at Penn State before landing with the Pittsburgher Steelers in the 1972 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, the legendary figure from the NFL passed away late Tuesday night, Franco’s family confirmed to the AP.

Harris was 72 years old at the time of his passing. According to Harris’ son Dok, no cause of death was given.

Harris is best known for his signature “immaculate reception” play for the Steelers in the NFL Playoffs. That now iconic moment came during the 1972 playoffs against the Oakland Raiders with Harris going on to win 4 Super Bowl titles with the Steelers.

Harris passes away just shy of the 50-year anniversary of the immaculate reception. The Steelers were also preparing to honor Harris during the Christmas Eve game against the Las Vegas Raiders with a jersey retirement ceremony for Harris’ No. 32.

The football world recognized Harris and honored him with outpouring of love and support on social media:

Crushing news about Franco Harris. Just days before the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. He’s literally the image on the patch the Steelers will wear this weekend. He literally changed the course of NFL history. #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/lEx8BDL1gw

— Damon Amendolara (@DAonCBS) 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

Franco Harris was so much more than just one play. He was one of the great backs of his time, or any time, and the heartbeat of the offense of those legendary #Steelers teams. He was also as classy a gentleman as you could ever hope to meet. RIP Franco, thanks for the memories. pic.twitter.com/415S2ZcjFn

— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) 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

This is the best Franco Harris photo ever. pic.twitter.com/1lulRYXiJ3

— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) December 21, 2022

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

— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) December 21, 2022

Franco Harris’ tragic death comes two days before the 50th anniversary of The Immaculate Reception and just days before the Steelers retire his No. 32 jersey on Saturday. https://t.co/u8gQhIIU5S

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 21, 2022

My mother, for whom Christmas Eve has always meant everything, was willing to sit through minus-degree wind chill on Saturday night just to see Franco Harris’ No. 32 retired. That’s how BELOVED Franco Harris was to a few generations in Pittsburgh.
This one hurts,#RIPFranco https://t.co/fmDI9QzFrm

— Rob Rossi (@Real_RobRossi) December 21, 2022

Mike Tomlin on Franco Harris yesterday:
“He’s just a special man. Forget the player. Obviously, I never knew the player, I know the man. What an awesome representation of this organization, this community, a guy that embraces all the responsibility that comes with being him.”

— Amanda Godsey (@AmandaFGodsey) December 21, 2022

Statement from the Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter on NFL legend Franco Harris, who passed away at age 72. pic.twitter.com/WrUvTHNPR6

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 21, 2022

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.