Franco Harris, the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame running back who made one of the NFL’s most iconic plays in the 1972 AFC divisional playoff game against the Oakland Raiders, has died. He was 72.
His death comes days before the Steelers will retire his number 32 jersey and celebrate the 50th anniversary of his Immaculate Reception.
| Name | Franco Harris |
| Born | 7 March 1950 |
| Born Location | Fort Dix, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | 20 Dec 2022 |
| School | Rancocas Valley Regional (Mount Holly, New Jersey) |
| College | Penn State (1968–1971) |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 230 lb (104 kg) |
| CAREER RUSHING YARDS | 12,120 |
| TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS | 100 |
Table of Contents
Who was Franco Harris?
Franco Harris was a Hall of Fame running back who played in the NFL for 13 seasons. He rushed for more than 12,000 yards and scored 75 touchdowns during his career. He was also an excellent pass receiver, catching 286 passes for 2,700 yards and 19 touchdowns. Harris was born on March 7, 1950, in Fort Dix, New Jersey. He attended Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mount Holly, New Jersey, and then Penn State University. He was drafted in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
During his rookie season with the Steelers, Harris led the league in rushing yards and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year. He rushed for 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns, even though he started in only 10 of the team’s 14 games. He also became the first Black player to win this award.
He continued his success for 12 seasons with the team and was a fan favorite. He was known for his ability to break through defenders and carry the ball down the field. He also starred in several memorable playoff games for the Steelers, including their famous Immaculate Reception play.
Harris retired after the 1984 season and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. He spent the rest of his life in Pittsburgh, where he opened a restaurant and became involved in charitable causes.
He was a man who touched many lives and inspired people with his example of humility and generosity. All of us will miss him.
The news of Franco Harris’s death came as a shock to the entire Steelers community and beyond. He was a beloved figure for decades and gave so much to the city of Pittsburgh. His death is a great loss to his family, Penn State, the Steelers, and the fans of the team. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. He will be forever remembered for his incredible play and the way he carried himself throughout his life. Rest in peace, Franco.
Biographical Sketch of Franco Harris
Franco Harris was a legendary running back who had a profound impact on the NFL and its fans. He was a key member of the Pittsburgh Steelers for 12 seasons and helped to shape the running back position as it is known today. He was also part of one of the most famous plays in football history, the Immaculate Reception. Harris was an icon for the city of Pittsburgh and its fans, and he will be missed.
Franco was born in Fort Dix, New Jersey on March 7, 1950. He was the son of Cad Harris, an African American soldier who served in World War II, and Gina Parenti, a “war bride” from Italy. He attended Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey, and became a football All-American. He then went on to the University of Pennsylvania where he was a standout player on the Nittany Lions football team. Harris was a fullback and excelled as a blocking back for All-American running back Lydell Mitchell.
Harris was an immediate success after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 1972 NFL draft. He rushed for 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie and earned the league’s Rookie of the Year award. He also earned a place in the Pro Bowl that season. Harris quickly became a favorite of Pittsburgh’s Italian-American fans, who dubbed themselves “Franco’s Italian Army.”
In his thirteen years with the Steelers, Harris was a four-time Super Bowl champion and was voted to nine consecutive Pro Bowls. He also ranked 15th in NFL career rushing yards. Harris was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
Harris lived in the Pittsburgh area with his wife, Dana, and son, Franco Dokmanovich “Dok.” In retirement, he was active in community service, working for Children’s Hospital and other organizations. He was also a vocal advocate for LGBT rights and equality. He was a beloved figure in the city, and his passing was a shock to many fans. His memory will be cherished forever.
Biography of Franco Harris
Franco Harris, the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall-of-Famer whose heads-up thinking authored the Immaculate Reception, one of the most iconic plays in NFL history, has died. He was 72. Harris was a beloved player who helped transform the Steelers from also-rans to a powerhouse in the 1970s. He played 12 seasons in the NFL, logging 12,120 rushing yards and 75 touchdowns. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
He was drafted by the Steelers 13th overall in the first round of the 1972 NFL draft and made an immediate impact. His 1,055 rushing yards and 10 TDs in his rookie season earned him both NFL Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, and he helped the team qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 1968. He would go on to lead the team in rushing in eight of his 12 years with the Steelers and was named Super Bowl MVP after racking up 158 rushing yards and a touchdown in the 1976 game against the Minnesota Vikings. He was well-loved by the Steelers’ Italian-American fans, who referred to themselves as “Franco’s Italian Army.”
However, his tenure with the team ended in acrimony when he refused to show up for training camp in 1984, which irked then-head coach Chuck Noll and forced the team to sign veteran running back Lee Roy Matthews. Harris would later retire from the NFL after a one-season stint with the Seattle Seahawks.
Harris remained in Pittsburgh following his retirement, opening a bakery and becoming involved in philanthropy, including serving as chairman of Pittsburgh Promise, which provides college scholarship opportunities to students from the city’s public schools. He was a beloved figure in the Steelers’ fanbase, and he will be missed by many.
Harris is survived by his wife Dana and son Dok. A statue of him making the Immaculate Reception is located at Pittsburgh International Airport. He was a beloved member of the Steelers family, and his legacy will live on for decades to come. He will be remembered for his work on and off the field, and he left behind a lasting impression on many people.
What is Franco Harris Cause Of Death?
The reason for Franco Harris’s death is natural. The Steelers legend and Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris has died at the age of 72. The Pittsburgh native was best known for the iconic Immaculate Reception that launched the team’s dynasty in 1972. The play is widely considered one of the greatest moments in NFL history. Harris played for the Steelers for 13 seasons, winning four Super Bowls. The legendary player was also an active presence in the community and gave back to those in need.
Harris’s death came as a shock to many, especially given his recent appearances and events leading up to the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. It is not yet clear what led to his death, though Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin indicated on Friday’s broadcast of 93.7 The Fan that he spoke to the family and was not expecting this news.
The Steelers released a statement that read: “Franco Harris brought joy to people both on and off the field. He changed how people thought of the Steelers, of Pittsburgh, and the NFL. He will be missed by so many, and his loss deeply saddens us.”
During his time with the Steelers, Harris rushed for 12,120 yards and scored 75 touchdowns. He was drafted by the Steelers 13th overall in the first round of the 1972 NFL draft and immediately became a star. He helped the team to three Super Bowls and earned offensive rookie of the year honors from The Associated Press in his first season with the franchise.
After retiring from the NFL, Harris stayed in Pittsburgh and became active in charitable endeavors. He worked with the Children’s Miracle Network, helping to raise money for sick kids across the country. He also donated his time to a variety of other local causes.
He is survived by his wife, Dana, and his son Dok. Harris was a beloved member of the Steelers’ organization and will be remembered by fans and his peers for his contributions to the league. Rest in peace, Franco.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)- Franco Harris
Who Was Franco Harris?
Franco Harris was an NFL Champion, a Super Bowl MVP, and a Steelers icon, Franco Harris left his mark on the game of football.
What Was Franco Harris Salary?
Franco Harris’s salary fluctuated throughout his career, but his impact on the Steelers was priceless.
What Year Did Franco Harris Retire From The NFL?
Franco Harris hung up his cleats in 1984, leaving behind a legacy of grit and grace.
Was Franco Harris married at the time of his death?
Franco Harris passed away in 2022 cause of death was Natural, leaving a wife to mourn the loss of her beloved husband.
Was Franco Harris in the military?
Franco proudly served in the US Army Reserves, showcasing his dedication beyond the gridiron.
What was the cause of death for Franco?
The official cause of death remains private, But though the officially ruled natural causes, his infectious spirit lives on in every Steeler fan’s heart.
How old was Franco Harris when he died?
Franco Harris died in his sleep at his home in Sewickley, on December 20, 2022, at age 72, 3 days before the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception.
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