Franco Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame running back, dies at 72

Pittsburgh Steelers legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris died, according to the Associated Press. The former running back was 72 years old. There was no cause of death given.

Harris’ death came just two days before the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception,” one of the most famous plays in the history of the NFL. The Steelers were scheduled to retire his No. 32 jersey at halftime of their game versus the Las Vegas Raiders.

Harris finished his career with 12,120 yards and won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s. 

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.”

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.