Franco played before I was born and yet he is my favorite Nittany Lion after Joe. He is literally the only prominent Penn Stater to stand up to our evil and cowardly board of trustees and to the mass of media jackals. He kept his poise and waited for the facts to arrive. He then spoke up about it. Sad how few PSU supporters have done the same to this day. Franco wasn’t just supporting Joe either, thanks to John Ziegler, who he became close friends with, Franco knew Sandusky was clearly innocent. We failed big time.
Franco Harris - RIP
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I am very saddened by Franco's death RIP Franco. The true friend of Joe when most were kicking him down, and always a great ambassador to Penn State.
His brother Pete, also a PSU player, died at age 49.
Wonderful words from Sue Paterno:
We are all saddened by the sudden loss of Franco Harris,” said Sue Paterno, widow of longtime Penn State coach Joe Paterno, in a statement. “His death is not only a loss for his family and friends but also for Penn State, the Steelers, Pittsburgh and the countless people for whom he was an example of a life well-lived. For many he was a man of miracles, the man who showed up at the right time to lift a franchise and a city to greatness in one incredible play.
“But his life was about so much more than the game, what he did with that moment was even more inspiring. He poured himself forth to a life of service to others. He was an example of integrity, selflessness, and loyalty. Perhaps most fitting is that the indelible image of him reaching down to make that catch, to save the day, is symbolic of a big man reaching down to lift others he could help. It is that life of care, loyalty and service that will forever shine in our hearts. Our hearts go out to Dana, Dok and his family and friends across the years who came to know and love a symbol of the very best of Penn State, Pittsburgh and this country.”
We are all saddened by the sudden loss of Franco Harris,” said Sue Paterno, widow of longtime Penn State coach Joe Paterno, in a statement. “His death is not only a loss for his family and friends but also for Penn State, the Steelers, Pittsburgh and the countless people for whom he was an example of a life well-lived. For many he was a man of miracles, the man who showed up at the right time to lift a franchise and a city to greatness in one incredible play.
“But his life was about so much more than the game, what he did with that moment was even more inspiring. He poured himself forth to a life of service to others. He was an example of integrity, selflessness, and loyalty. Perhaps most fitting is that the indelible image of him reaching down to make that catch, to save the day, is symbolic of a big man reaching down to lift others he could help. It is that life of care, loyalty and service that will forever shine in our hearts. Our hearts go out to Dana, Dok and his family and friends across the years who came to know and love a symbol of the very best of Penn State, Pittsburgh and this country.”
Just feels like a punch to the gut. RIP Franco.
Shocking news to wake up to this morning. It’s said about many but I have no doubt it is true in Franco’s case. Always seemed like an even better person that he was a football player. RIP.
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RIP Franco. Franco became burnished in my Penn State mind from his "debut" in his sophomore year at the Orange Bowl. He scored a TD in our win.
But I have a great Franco story on the topic of "glamorous business travel". In the late 1990's Franco and I were waiting on our rental cars to be filled with gas. We had about a 10 minute conversation of the untold story of business travel. After I completed my obligatory compliment on the Immaculate Reception, I made a comment on us standing in a parking lot, waiting on a car near midnight, and he then launched into a conversation of what is seldom seen or understood about the true nature of business travel. His flights were delayed and he had to show up the next day beaming with greatness. Having had a similar encounter with Walter Payton, I always thought Franco was more worthy of the face of the NFL character award.
obviously the Immaculate Reception is one of the iconic plays in NFL history. But the football world is a poorer place without Franco running through a hole Mike Webster opened.
But I have a great Franco story on the topic of "glamorous business travel". In the late 1990's Franco and I were waiting on our rental cars to be filled with gas. We had about a 10 minute conversation of the untold story of business travel. After I completed my obligatory compliment on the Immaculate Reception, I made a comment on us standing in a parking lot, waiting on a car near midnight, and he then launched into a conversation of what is seldom seen or understood about the true nature of business travel. His flights were delayed and he had to show up the next day beaming with greatness. Having had a similar encounter with Walter Payton, I always thought Franco was more worthy of the face of the NFL character award.
obviously the Immaculate Reception is one of the iconic plays in NFL history. But the football world is a poorer place without Franco running through a hole Mike Webster opened.
So sad to hear the news this morning. Having met Franco on several occasions he was always gracious and patient. Outstanding football player but even a greater human being. He embodied class. RIP Franco. Thoughts and prayers to his wife Dana, Dok and family.
I just recall Pete and Giuseppe
Here is my little story of how I once met Franco:
It had to be 1973/1974 and I was about 10 years old. The local "Shop -n- Save" grocery story was running a promotion of some sort for an autographed football from the man himself, Franco Harris. For each dollar spent, the patron received a raffle tickets for the football. Being the bratty little kid I was, a buddy and I were camped outside the grocery exit door asking each patron if we could have their tickets. Some said yes. Some said no. I cannot remember how many I ended up collecting. I threw whatever I had in to the lottery bin. Lo and behold, when the drawing was made, I WON!
I was called back to the store and there was a brief ceremony. They announced the winner and Franco was there to deliver the football. I received the autographed football and got to shake his hand. Maybe someone took a picture, but I don't recall. Being only 10-yo, I really didn't grasp the relative magnitude of the situation. I guess I was somewhat awestruck. I was happy that I won the football and that I got to shake his hand.
I never did play with the football. It was proudly displayed on a shelf in my bedroom. It remained there until a house fire sadly took it as a victim.
So, I've never forgotten that interaction and experience. It has remained with me for almost 50 years. I've been reading various tributes and memorials about Franco all day. He was larger than life to a 10-year-old me and remained that throughout his life because this nearly 60-year-old shed a tear when I read the news this morning.
Oh how I wish I could be at that football game this Saturday, in the stands, when the Steelers retire his number. The emotion and outpuring of love and respect that I expect the great fans to bestow Saturday night should be awesome.
It had to be 1973/1974 and I was about 10 years old. The local "Shop -n- Save" grocery story was running a promotion of some sort for an autographed football from the man himself, Franco Harris. For each dollar spent, the patron received a raffle tickets for the football. Being the bratty little kid I was, a buddy and I were camped outside the grocery exit door asking each patron if we could have their tickets. Some said yes. Some said no. I cannot remember how many I ended up collecting. I threw whatever I had in to the lottery bin. Lo and behold, when the drawing was made, I WON!
I was called back to the store and there was a brief ceremony. They announced the winner and Franco was there to deliver the football. I received the autographed football and got to shake his hand. Maybe someone took a picture, but I don't recall. Being only 10-yo, I really didn't grasp the relative magnitude of the situation. I guess I was somewhat awestruck. I was happy that I won the football and that I got to shake his hand.
I never did play with the football. It was proudly displayed on a shelf in my bedroom. It remained there until a house fire sadly took it as a victim.
So, I've never forgotten that interaction and experience. It has remained with me for almost 50 years. I've been reading various tributes and memorials about Franco all day. He was larger than life to a 10-year-old me and remained that throughout his life because this nearly 60-year-old shed a tear when I read the news this morning.
Oh how I wish I could be at that football game this Saturday, in the stands, when the Steelers retire his number. The emotion and outpuring of love and respect that I expect the great fans to bestow Saturday night should be awesome.
As nice a guy as you could hope to meet. RIP Franco, you were a great guy.
Here's a Franco nugget I found while mourning:
That Time Ed O’Neill Met Steelers Legend Franco Harris at Sofia Vergara's Wedding | 9/26/17 - YouTube
That Time Ed O’Neill Met Steelers Legend Franco Harris at Sofia Vergara's Wedding | 9/26/17 - YouTube
Pete was an All-American Safety in 1978…..led the country with 10 interceptions!
Quick story, as relayed to me.....just a few moments ago...
Franco is from Mt. Holly, NJ - his family is fairly well known.
A colleague's ex-husband was good frirnds with Giuseppe. The ex husband did some work for the town of Mt. Holly (as an engineer) and got to know Giuseppe (nicknamed Zeppe) pretty well. Not exactly sure how, but he did.
Franco used to sponsor a golf outing locally, to raise money for his foundation. He had various pro sports memorabilia, he had Eagles and some Jets/Giants players show up, etc. He also had Flyers and Sixers players show up. Franco also was raffling two tickets to the Super Bowl for the upcoming year. This was the summer before the season, so I am assuming these were made available through the NFL. The event was sold out every year, but Zeppe got my colleague and her ex-husband in on his group, so they could get a chance to play.
Anyway, the colleague's ex-husband won the raffle, but had to wait to see who were the teams in the Super Bowl. Turned out this was the year the Eagles made it against the Patriots in Jacksonville. So, the colleague and her then husband get hotel rooms, but they don't have a ride to the game. They are standing out front of the hotel, when a black limo pulls up, the window rolls down and it's Franco- saying "Hey, aren't you the guy who won the Super Bowl raffle tickets? Do you need a ride to the game? You can ride with me." So, he gives them a ride to the Super Bowl, in his private limo, and when they get there he gives them his cell phone number to call in case they need a ride back to the hotel after the game. They do call him after, he gives them a ride, and then he invites them up to his suite for a private party with a bunch of other NFL retired players. They spent the evening with a lot of former NFL players.
Those simple and kind acts by Franco have stayed with my colleague all of these years.
Quite a hell of a guy, that Franco.
Franco is from Mt. Holly, NJ - his family is fairly well known.
A colleague's ex-husband was good frirnds with Giuseppe. The ex husband did some work for the town of Mt. Holly (as an engineer) and got to know Giuseppe (nicknamed Zeppe) pretty well. Not exactly sure how, but he did.
Franco used to sponsor a golf outing locally, to raise money for his foundation. He had various pro sports memorabilia, he had Eagles and some Jets/Giants players show up, etc. He also had Flyers and Sixers players show up. Franco also was raffling two tickets to the Super Bowl for the upcoming year. This was the summer before the season, so I am assuming these were made available through the NFL. The event was sold out every year, but Zeppe got my colleague and her ex-husband in on his group, so they could get a chance to play.
Anyway, the colleague's ex-husband won the raffle, but had to wait to see who were the teams in the Super Bowl. Turned out this was the year the Eagles made it against the Patriots in Jacksonville. So, the colleague and her then husband get hotel rooms, but they don't have a ride to the game. They are standing out front of the hotel, when a black limo pulls up, the window rolls down and it's Franco- saying "Hey, aren't you the guy who won the Super Bowl raffle tickets? Do you need a ride to the game? You can ride with me." So, he gives them a ride to the Super Bowl, in his private limo, and when they get there he gives them his cell phone number to call in case they need a ride back to the hotel after the game. They do call him after, he gives them a ride, and then he invites them up to his suite for a private party with a bunch of other NFL retired players. They spent the evening with a lot of former NFL players.
Those simple and kind acts by Franco have stayed with my colleague all of these years.
Quite a hell of a guy, that Franco.
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My Franco story (and wish I could find the picture) was being up at the Beav for a game vs Michigan with one of my best friends, who is from Michigan and was decked out in his Maize and Blue. Franco was doing an autograph session, and my buddy Eric wanted one. He gets up to Franco, and Franco slooowly looks him up and down--and says "Have fun tomorrow--but not too much fun".
My story is a lot more mundane, but also talks about who he was as a person. While we were classmates, I was just another nobody in particular- I was introduced to him at a party once, and on a couple of later occasions when we ran into each other, and he took the time to have a conversation rather than just blowing me off as he easily could have.
I suspect many of us had that experience.
Years ago, a co-worker played in a charity golf tournament, and was paired up with Franco. At the end of the round, Franco signed this golf towel a.k.a. Terrible Towel for him.
My co-worker was an Eagles fan, and knowing I grew up in Pittsburgh, gave me this as a gift. It's one of my favorite pieces of sports memorabilia, and is extra meaningful today.
RIP Franco, you were an amazing athlete, a class act, and always carried yourself with dignity. with dignity.
My co-worker was an Eagles fan, and knowing I grew up in Pittsburgh, gave me this as a gift. It's one of my favorite pieces of sports memorabilia, and is extra meaningful today.
RIP Franco, you were an amazing athlete, a class act, and always carried yourself with dignity. with dignity.
Among everything he represented, Franco stepped up and defended our University when even the scum bag Board of Trustees wouldn't. He continued to be a steward of everything PSU until this morning. Let's do #34 on helmets at the Rose Bowl to begin what needs to be a huge celebration for what he's done for our University.
Steelers Hall-of-Famer Franco Harris dead at 72
Pittsburgh Steelers Hall-of-Famer Franco Harris has died at the age of 72, just days before the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.www.wtae.com
Would very much like to see Penn State find a way to recognize Franco at the Rose Bowl Ad beyond. Great man
Love tbe idealist everyone having the #34 on the sides of their helmet.
A few years ago, I met Franco at a restaurant/bar in State College (I can't remember the name). Franco was there to have dinner with a few friends, a small group of maybe 5-6 people. Before he sat down I walked over to him and told him that I wanted to thank him for everything that he has done for Penn State and Joe Paterno. He asked me my name and we talked for 10-15 minutes. Several times throughout the conversation he called me by my name like we had known each others for years. I could see that the people he came with had already sat down and were waiting for him. I ended the conversation, feeling bad for keeping him for so long. He posed with me for a picture and thanked me for coming over and talking to him.
For someone who probably can't go anywhere in State College without being inundated with requests for pictures and autographs, I was amazed at how gracious and polite he was talking to me. He never made me feel like he wanted to go or was doing me a favor by talking to him. Here I was taking him away from his dinner and his friends and he was thanking me for talking to him and making me feel like he would have spent hours talking if I wanted to. That is a memory I will never forget.
For someone who probably can't go anywhere in State College without being inundated with requests for pictures and autographs, I was amazed at how gracious and polite he was talking to me. He never made me feel like he wanted to go or was doing me a favor by talking to him. Here I was taking him away from his dinner and his friends and he was thanking me for talking to him and making me feel like he would have spent hours talking if I wanted to. That is a memory I will never forget.
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