Steelers Hall of Fame RB Franco Harris dies at 72
Franco Harris, the Hall of Fame running back whose heads-up thinking authored the "Immaculate Reception," considered the most iconic play in NFL history, has died. He was 72.
PITTSBURGH -- Franco Harris, the Hall of Fame running back whose heads-up thinking authored the "Immaculate Reception," considered the most iconic play in NFL history, has died. He was 72.
Harris' son, Dok, told The Associated Press his father died overnight. No cause of death was given.
His death comes two days before the 50th anniversary of the play that provided the jolt that helped transform the Pittsburgh Steelers from also-rans into NFL elite and three days before the team is scheduled to retire his No. 32 during a ceremony at halftime of its game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Not only did Franco Harris snag the Immaculate Reception, he also was a part of four Super Bowls and was the Super Bowl IX MVP. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
