WATCH: Penn State shows up to the Rose Bowl wearing Franco Harris jerseys

When Franco Harris died, Penn State lost one of its most famous football alumni. Now, the Nittany Lions have chosen to honor him at the Rose Bowl Game, where Penn State is taking on Utah.

As the team got off the bus for the Rose Bowl, the entire Penn State team got off wearing Harris jerseys. The white Penn State jerseys are straight out of Harris’ era and even head coach James Franklin got into the action, wearing one.

You can watch Penn State honor Franco Harris, here:

Penn State arrives to the Rose Bowl in No. 34 Franco Harris jerseys. pic.twitter.com/9Z99nvqel8

— Seth Engle (@bigsengtweets) January 2, 2023

Before Franco Harris played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he played for Penn State during the early years of the Joe Paterno era. He was primarily used as a blocking back at the time, playing with greats like Jack Ham and John Cappelletti.

During his time with Penn State, the Nittany Lions won an Orange and Cotton Bowl. Now, Penn State will look to add a Rose Bowl in his honor.

Franco Harris is an NFL Hall of Famer best known for the Immaculate Reception, which recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary. During his time with Pittsburgh, Harris won four Super Bowls. Despite often being used as a blocker at Penn State, Harris still amassed 2,002 yards and 24 touchdowns in his college career.

Harris was 72 years old.

James Franklin’s statement on Franco Harris

In the immediate aftermath of his death, James Franklin released a statement on Franco Harris.

“Our thoughts are with Franco Harris’ wife, Dana, and we send our deepest condolences to his entire family, friends, the Steelers organization and all whose lives were impacted by Franco,” Franklin wrote in part.

“But it was his toughness and team-first approach as a Nittany Lion that will be remembered by Penn Stater. Franco was a true steward of the Blue & White and he will be sorely missed.”