Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris died suddenly yesterday. No cause of death has been released. Harris had no apparent health issues as he made regular public appearances in the Pittsburgh area. Only hours before his passing Harris conducted a radio interview with Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo. Harris was 72.
What makes Harris' passing all the more sadder is that the Steelers were going to retire his number this Saturday. In what should have been a jubilant celebration will now turn into an enormous memorial service.
Born to African-American father and an Italian mother, Harris earned four Super Bowl rings with the Steelers during the 1970's and was among the greatest running backs to ever play the game. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, Harris is best remembered for the "Immaculate Reception" which occurred in a playoff game against the Oakland Raiders on December 23, 1972 - 50 years ago Friday.
Down 7-6 to the Raiders with only a minute in the game, Terry Bradshaw threw a desperation pass to Frenchy Faqua. But the pass deflected off Raiders safety Jack Tatum and into the hands of Harris at his shoestrings before taking off for a 60-yard touchdown to win the game.
In a city which has produced sports legends like Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Terry Bradshaw and Mario Lemieux, Franco Harris might have been the most beloved of them all. How many people get their own Italian Army? Much less an African-American, Irish and Israeli brigade. R.I.P.
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