Today, the entire NFL world is mourning the death of Franco Harris, one of the greatest running backs in the history of the sport. The four-time Super Bowl Champion, for 12 seasons of his 13-year career, played with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, at the age of 72, the Pro Football Hall of Famers passed away, and the MLB community, including New York Mets World Championship Lenny Dykstra, mourns the demise of the sporting great.
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Information about the running back’s death arrived only two days before the 50th anniversary of ‘Immaculate Reception’ – a play led by Franco Harris and Terry Bradshaw, which carried the Steelers to their first postseason in multiple years. Although Harris’ family confirmed his death, no official reason behind the death has been revealed yet.
MLB World joins the rest of the country in mourning the death of Franco Harris
1986 New York Mets World Champion outfielder Lenny Dykstra, who is recently becoming popular for his Twitter antics, uploaded a tweet after the Super Bowl Legend’s death. The tweet said, “Franco Harris R.I.P.”
Franco Harris R.I.P.
— Lenny Dykstra (@LennyDykstra) December 21, 2022
Ex-President Barack Obama, President Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, and an extremely long list of NFL Champions mourned the death of the Pittsburgh Steelers running back.
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“Franco Harris, RIP. 72. Immaculate reception was almost exactly 50 years ago to the day,” said MLB Insider Jon Heyman while responding to the shocking news.
Franco Harris, RIP. 72. Immaculate reception was almost exactly 50 years ago to the day.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 21, 2022
ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith reached for his Twitter handle, and said, “This is the first football player I ever saw, and that’s why I became a Steelers fan! RIP Franco Harris”
This is the first football player I ever saw, and that's why I became a Steelers fan!
RIP Franco Harris pic.twitter.com/5uc71JqEcy
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) December 21, 2022
This is how the rest of the world responded to the legend’s death:
I landed in Pittsburgh this evening to this: the legendary Franco Harris statue at the Pittsburgh airport – and a special tribute to a special man. #RIPFranco @Zigmanfreud pic.twitter.com/7cHmNXCGgj
— Liz Habib (@LizHabib) December 22, 2022
Here at the exact location where Franco Harris made the Immaculate Reception almost 50 year ago, a monument has turned into a memorial.
Fans have left flowers and Terrible Towels to honor a Steelers icon and beloved figure in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/5JTC3coMbh
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) December 21, 2022
Today we lost a legend and an incredible human being in Franco Harris. He epitomized what it meant to be a Steeler and a leader in the Pittsburgh community. Franco brought joy to everyone he was around and he will be missed. pic.twitter.com/YmMgwHqzno
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) December 21, 2022
Franco Harris is known for the glory he brought to football. But I knew him for his character and compassion – someone who spent time with my boys after we lost my first wife and infant daughter.
May God bless Franco Harris, a dear friend of 50 years and a great American. pic.twitter.com/YhOYr3a4IM
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 21, 2022
I’m sad to hear that Steelers Hall of Famer Franco Harris passed away. Rest in peace my friend! Sending prayers to his entire family. 🙏🏾
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 21, 2022
During his Hall of Fame acceptance speech, Franco Harris said he often thought: “How can I help my team? Can they count on me when it was needed?”
They could, and the example he set reached far beyond the football field. Thinking of his family and everyone mourning his passing.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) December 21, 2022
I grew up watching Franco Harris, and had the honor of getting to know him years later. He was an extraordinary man on and off the field, and will be missed. Our thoughts go out to his family and all of Steeler Nation.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 21, 2022
Notably, Franco Harris was a massive Barack Obama and democratic ambassador, who regularly participated in rallies for the former president. And ex-President Obama acknowledged his contributions with a heartfelt message, remembering him.
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Harris left behind an undying legacy
Franco Harris made it to the Steelers after being selected in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft. Instantly, Harris’ arrival created tremors, after the star RB won NFL Rookie of the Year and led the Steelers to their first playoff appearance in over a decade.
Watch this story: Tom Brady Went to The Same High School As This Controversial MLB Hall of Famer Who Was Also A 14x All-Star
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In addition to his four Super Bowl rings, Harris also won the Super Bowl MVP in 1978 after rushing for 158 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Dallas Cowboys. Finally, after retiring from the NFL in 1984, Harris made it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. Moreover, the Steelers retired his jersey no. 32 after his retirement.
Which was your favorite moment of the legend Steelers’ NFL career? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
