WATCH: Steelers hold emotional jersey retirement ceremony for Franco Harris
Pittsburgh Steelers legend Franco Harris passed away earlier this week at the age of 72. The Pro Football Hall of Famer was scheduled to have his No. 32 retired at halftime of the Steelers’ game against the Las Vegas Raiders. It went on as scheduled, but turned into an emotional tribute to the Pittsburgh icon.
It was also the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception,” perhaps the most famous play in NFL history. Harris caught a tipped ball by Terry Bradshaw, ironically, against the Raiders in the playoffs in 1972 during Harris’ rookie year.
The emotional tribute can be seen below as Harris’ No. 32 became just the third number retired in franchise history.
Harris finished his career with 12,120 yards and won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s.
Top 10
- 1
Bodycam footage released
OSU-Michigan brawl police video
- 2New
Investigating CFP leak
CFP director 'furious'
- 3Hot
AJ Dybantsa
No. 1 recruit commits to BYU
- 4
Joel Klatt calls out CFP
Accusation of manipulation
- 5
Nitro Tuggle
Georgia WR has abrupt change in plans
Harris played his college football at Penn State and turned a great college career into first-round pick status, where Pittsburgh selected him with the No. 13 overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft.
While at Penn State for three seasons from 1969-71, Harris ran for 2,002 yards and 24 touchdowns.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame released a statement on his passing.
“The entire team at the Pro Football Hall of Fame is immensely saddened today,” Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said in a statement. “We have lost an incredible football player, an incredible ambassador to the Hall and, most importantly, we have lost one of the most finest gentlemen anyone will ever meet. Franco not only impacted the game of football, but he also affected the lives of many, many people in profoundly positive ways. The Hall of Fame and historians everywhere will tell Franco’s football story forever. His life story can never be told fully, however, without including his greatness on the field.
“My heart and prayers go out to his wife, Dana, an equally incredible person, a special friend to the Hall and someone who cares so deeply for Franco’s Hall of Fame teammates.”