Franco Harris honored by Steelers with jersey retirement

Fans crowded into the FedEx Great Hall Saturday at Acrisure Stadium to honor the late, great Franco Harris. Saturday is the first home game for the Steelers, although it was a preseason contest.

But Pittsburgh decided it was the best time to unveil Harris’ retired number exhibit. Franco’s widow, Dana, and son, Dok, also were part of the ceremony.

Dana looked out at the crowd and told them “Franco would be grinning ear to ear.” And she said it would be the best time because that what her husband would say.

Franco Harris died unexpectedly, Dec. 20, four days before the Steelers were going to celebrate the “Immaculate Reception” and officially retire Harris’ number. A number of Harris’ former teammates gathered for the ceremony, including Rocky Bleier. Pittsburgh has retired the number of only three Steelers — Harris, and defensive linemen “Mean” Joe Greene and and Ernie Stautner.

#32Forever 🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/oF340V0qMv

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 19, 2023

Franco Harris’ wife and son will serve as game captains

The Steelers also live-streamed the Franco Harris event to the thousands who couldn’t be there in person to support possibly the greatest player in franchise history.

Dana and Dok Harris will serve as honorary game captains for Pittsburgh’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Kickoff for the game is 6:30 p.m. local time.

You can rewatch it below:

Watch live as Franco Harris’ retired jersey display is unveiled at the FedEx Great Hall at Acrisure Stadium.

📺 #BUFvsPIT on KDKA
📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/T87FSng3KS https://t.co/lvdLMVhi1q

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 19, 2023

Harris played 12 of his 13 NFL seasons in Pittsburgh. He represented the perfect player for Pittsburgh to select in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft. He starred at Penn State and grew up in a military family in Jersey. Harris was a tough, blue-collar football player long before coaches started using the concept in motivational speeches.

Harris also is one of the best backs ever to play in the NFL, not just for the Steelers. He helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls, taking home MVP honors in Super Bowl IX. He also was an easy selection for the Pro Football Hall of Fame with his induction in 1990. The Steelers made him a part of the inaugural class of its Hall of Honor in 2017.

But he’ll always be known to all NFL fans for his part in the most memorable play in league history. It unfolded in the final seconds of the Steelers playoff game against the Raiders, Dec. 23, 1972.

The Raiders rushed Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw, who fought to keep the play alive long enough to throw downfield. He lofted a pass towards John Fuqua. The ball probably bounced off the helmet of Raiders DB Jack Tatum. Fuqua could’ve tipped it.

There weren’t a ton of cameras at the game. Somehow, Franco Harris caught the bounce before the ball hit the ground. He scored the touchdown as the stunned Raiders watched a win turn into a loss.