Franco Harris - RIP

[Psu-cpa]

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.

Franco was special on and off the field. Was at the Immaculate Reception game.
I never forgave Chuck Noll for cutting him.

Got to sit next to Franco at a lunch I went to honoring Myron Cope.
We spent most of the lunch talking about JoePa and Penn State. Embodied Success with Honor.
Went to an event he had defending Joe and PSU at the Heinz History Center.
RIP.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Thorndike2021]

Of all of us, Franco was among the best of us.

He would not be happy that I said that. Which sort of proves my point.

Peace, brother!

 

[PSUJam]

Please read this article.

Hall of Fame running back's impact on NFL history, Pittsburgh Steelers fans was felt until his final day

Three days before the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception and hours before his surprise passing, Franco Harris connected with fans over his iconic moment.

www.espn.com

 

[Midnighter]

I met Franco when I worked in marketing for a convenience store chain and he was in the sandwich business. Wonderful guy.

 

[PSUJam]

I met Franco when I worked in marketing for a convenience store chain and he was in the sandwich business. Wonderful guy.

With hosts fighting back tears, Steelers Nation Radio talked about a venture as well.

 

[MacNit]

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

Love this picture. Franco getting inducted as an honorary member of Black Hole (~Dog Pound in Cleveland).

All in black but still rocking the “JoePa” hat!

 

[psuro]

There is a nice interview with Mike Poorman on the Penn State Paydirt podcast on YouTube. Talks about Franco and a few other guys.

 

[bbrown]

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.

Great story. I am amazed out the out pouring of love for Franco. I mean I know he was special to us Alums, PSU fans and Steeler nation but I had no idea he was so well like by everyone. I live in Bmore and even on the Ravens radio station they were talking about what a great guy he was.
Both ESPN and NFL Network had major segments devoted to him. NFL Network is doing a special on him Friday at 9:00.
He will be missed.

 

[ODShowtime]

Great story. I am amazed out the out pouring of love for Franco. I mean I know he was special to us Alums, PSU fans and Steeler nation but I had no idea he was so well like by everyone. I live in Bmore and even on the Ravens radio station they were talking about what a great guy he was.
Both ESPN and NFL Network had major segments devoted to him. NFL Network is doing a special on him Friday at 9:00.
He will be missed.

You know, I met him about 40 years ago as a young pup and I still remember the warmth. He had to do something with my mom, some fundraiser event at Hershey Medical Center, and I was the most obnoxious kid in the world. But he was warm and nice. I still remember that from 40 years ago. And I didn't even know who he was at the time. My mom sure as hell did.

 

[LionJim]

Great story. I am amazed out the out pouring of love for Franco. I mean I know he was special to us Alums, PSU fans and Steeler nation but I had no idea he was so well like by everyone. I live in Bmore and even on the Ravens radio station they were talking about what a great guy he was.
Both ESPN and NFL Network had major segments devoted to him. NFL Network is doing a special on him Friday at 9:00.
He will be missed.

Yeah, I had no idea he was pretty much an universally beloved figure.

 

[psuro]

Chip Minemyer: Franco's loyalty to Paterno unwavering

Dec. 22—Franco Harris spent the last days of his life celebrating the "The Immaculate Reception," the play from 50 years ago this weekend that made him a Pittsburgh Steelers legend. But he spent the last 11-plus years of his life standing up for his former college coach, Joe Paterno, who was...

www.yahoo.com

I did not read the comments section....

 

[olelion]

To hell with the Immaculate Reception. I remember Franco saving the undefeated season of 1969. First at Syracuse, a bad team. Bob Parsons the punter would often outkick his coverage. Franco was the safety valve of the punting team and several times he made the saving tackle on a little guy named Eric Allen. The good side of special teams were block FGs during the game. Nevertheless, PSU trailing 14-0 to this horrible team. Then came Franco on sweep after sweep and he was unstoppable. He eventually scored the winning two point conversion to allow that 15-14 win. The streak was protected.

Now we come to the Orange Bowl. Parsons booming his punts and Franco making saving tackles on Jon Staggers, an eventual Steeler. The defense held all day leading to a 10-3 victory.

Others may argue, but I'm telling you he saved the perfect season that year. RIP forever you great Nittany Lion

 

[BobPSU92]

I don’t recall where I heard it, but I recall Franco attributing his Immaculate Reception to JoePa always telling him to run towards the ball. Per Franco, Joe would say something to the effect of, “Something good will happen if you run towards the ball.”

 

[AvgUser]

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.

I’m going to use the is message as the impetus for this comment.
This is about the 50th such story I’ve read about Franco in the past 24 hours. I never knew what a warm and genuine person he truly was. My awe and respect for him has grown immensely.

 

[psu31trap]

God Bless you Franco! May you Rest In Peace.

 

[Roar More]

I hope Coach Franklin sees this. It is a great idea.

Yesterday, I emailed this suggestion to Pat Kraft since only his email address is in the directory. [email protected]

 

[step.eng69]

Met Franco at the first "Rally for Resignations", along with Elain Morgan, Mallory, Labrano, and our sibling who wreaks fishing boat in the woods

Franco was also a wedding planner.
“Happy bride” Chelsea Graham says: “On our special night, Franco made removing my garter smooth and easy. It was truly a night to remember.” Nice!

“Glowing bride” Rachel Jacobs gushes: “Having Franco be there for every aspect of my wedding was really special. Everyone loved when he jumped out of the wedding cake. Go Steelers!” Hell yeah!

“Confused groom” Adam Jones states: “Franco’s a great guy, but I’m not sure how I felt about him going on my honeymoon. Got a little awkward.” Um, OK!

 

[Connorpozlee]

My only Franco story. When I was in 5th grade I was still wearing a Steelers #32 long sleeve T-shirt that I was probably a couple years removed for having fit properly. It was particularly tight around my arms. As such, I kept rolling up the skews and bending my elbows to loosen up the sleeves while we were in the uncomfortableness of health class with the PE teacher. At some point he got pissed at me and kicked me out of the room, making me stand in the hall for the rest of class. It wasn’t until years later that I figured out he thought I was giving him the left old hand in the crux of the elbow, right arm raised up “F-U!” salute.

 

[OptionBob]

To hell with the Immaculate Reception. I remember Franco saving the undefeated season of 1969. First at Syracuse, a bad team. Bob Parsons the punter would often outkick his coverage. Franco was the safety valve of the punting team and several times he made the saving tackle on a little guy named Eric Allen. The good side of special teams were block FGs during the game. Nevertheless, PSU trailing 14-0 to this horrible team. Then came Franco on sweep after sweep and he was unstoppable. He eventually scored the winning two point conversion to allow that 15-14 win. The streak was protected.

Now we come to the Orange Bowl. Parsons booming his punts and Franco making saving tackles on Jon Staggers, an eventual Steeler. The defense held all day leading to a 10-3 victory.

Others may argue, but I'm telling you he saved the perfect season that year. RIP forever you great Nittany Lion

Great post, Olelion. I'm guilty of not paying as much attention to those punt coverages you mention as I should have. I didn't even remember that Franco was on those units. Thanks for bringing that out.

Re that darn Syracuse game in 1969. Franco scored the 2-point conversion after a penalty on the initial failed try (just as in the Orange Bowl in 1968). Then, trailing 14-8, Harris went 30-something yards for the tying TD. The PAT won it 15-14. As you said, Franco Harris saved the season, even though his 2 RB mates Pitman and Mitchell were the All American picks (in '69 and '71 respectively).

Ironically it was that identical score and similar scoring pattern that enabled overrated Texas to rally to beat Arkansas 15-14 in the Nixon fiasco.

To this day 15-14 brings both a smile and frown to my old face.

 

[olelion]

Great post, Olelion. I'm guilty of not paying as much attention to those punt coverages you mention as I should have. I didn't even remember that Franco was on those units. Thanks for bringing that out.

Re that darn Syracuse game in 1969. Franco scored the 2-point conversion after a penalty on the initial failed try (just as in the Orange Bowl in 1968). Then, trailing 14-8, Harris went 30-something yards for the tying TD. The PAT won it 15-14. As you said, Franco Harris saved the season, even though his 2 RB mates Pitman and Mitchell were the All American picks (in '69 and '71 respectively).

Ironically it was that identical score and similar scoring pattern that enabled overrated Texas to rally to beat Arkansas 15-14 in the Nixon fiasco.

To this day 15-14 brings both a smile and frown to my old face.

Oh, the similarities to the 1969 Orange Bowl played on my mind as I sat in the student section at old Archbold stadium watching that game. Yes, Franco was probably on special teams as a reward for occupying that suite in Joe Paterno's famous doghouse. He spent a lot of time there but revered the old man till the day he died. I guess I can consider myself fortunate to have witnessed those Orange bowls and that game at Syracuse live

 

[PSUJam]

 

[bbrown]

Interesting. I hadn't started following The Steelers just yet. I started the next year but my Dad and Sister were fans. I asked her if she remembered watching the game (somerset, pa) and she thought she remembered listening to it on the radio. So that makes sense.

 

[Nits74]

Yesterday, I emailed this suggestion to Pat Kraft since only his email address is in the directory. [email protected]

Good work, Roar More. Hope you get a reply.

 

[Roar More]

Good work, Roar More. Hope you get a reply.

I hope others send the same suggestion. A large 34 on the helmets.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

I've refrained from posting personal thoughts in this thread, and will continue to do so. I spent many enjoyable times with Franco over the past decade, and his sudden, and unexpected, death, really hit me hard.

As many of you know, I'm a history nut, and history books and biographies of historical figures are pretty much the only books I read. In that context, I periodically check to see what books are in the pipeline in these genres. Earlier today, I discovered that in the summer of 2023 (at least that's the currently planned released date; the publishing world is having serious supply chain issues) a book is coming out on the missing history of the early days of pro football. This is not the early days of the NFL -- it's about the period between 1892 and 1906 when pro football started, and how it basically ceased from 1906 until 1920. And the forward to the book is written by none other than Franco Harris. I look forward to reading the book, and Franco's forward.

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

My memories, for the rest of my life, will be of Franco Harris the person, not the football player. That in itself speaks volumes. The world is a lesser place because of who he really was, not who he played for. Godspeed my friend, may you RIP. I am sure Pete was there waiting for you.

 

[psuro]

I have seen a number of accolades online and on TV for Franco. All well deserved.
But a part of me is wistful with the recurring thought that this is the kind of adulation Joe should have received at his passing.

 

[Pocono Lion]

Chip Minemyer: Franco's loyalty to Paterno unwavering

Dec. 22—Franco Harris spent the last days of his life celebrating the "The Immaculate Reception," the play from 50 years ago this weekend that made him a Pittsburgh Steelers legend. But he spent the last 11-plus years of his life standing up for his former college coach, Joe Paterno, who was...

www.yahoo.com

I did not read the comments section....

Actually, the comments were surprisingly positive, all good things about Joe and Franco and anti-BOT.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

NFL Network last night had a Football Life-Franco Harris. it was excellent. Best part was listening to Jack Ham, who was wearing a Penn State shirt throughout...RIP Franco.

 

[Lubrano]

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/d8/08/DF192DB3-EF60-4D21-98BF-6E6BDA24BBB8/MOV_1687.mov

 

[Lionville]

Franco’s final words…….

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[hohmadw1978]

I remember being at that game as a 16-year-old. My dad has season tickets sixteen rows from the field (Section 63, Row O, Seats 1 and 2). The play happened right in front of us and I ran down to the railing of the field box cheering on Franco to score.

I was privileged to meet Franco a half a dozen times over the years in various settings. He did an autograph for our youngest son which hangs in our Penn State memorabilia room.

May he rest in peace. @Tom McAndrew