Here’s Why Fans of Steelers Legend Franco Harris Called Themselves the ‘Italian Army’

The Steelers are mourning the loss of franchise legend Franco Harris. He made perhaps the most classic plays in franchise history. Because he was a popular figure in the football community, the loss of such a legend extends beyond Pittsburgh. The RB’s fanbase remains one of the best and has an undying love for Harris. Interestingly, his patronage has a name that has parental roots.

Franco Harris emerged as a Steelers athlete. He was the star of an iconic moment, the Immaculate Reception. Following the play, the running back became the pinnacle and a legend. Moreover, his fanbase, the Italian Army, was unique due to its name since it had a motherly connection. 

According to The New York Times, the RB’s supporters formed a group known as Franco’s Italian Army. It refers to his mother’s Italian heritage. A native of Fort Dix, New Jersey, Franco Harris was born on March 7, 1950. His father, Cad Harris, met Gina Parenti, RB’s mother, in Pisa, Italy. During that time, Cad was a medic in the Army. The NFL legend was the third of nine children.

Moreover, fans of the star running back wore World War II-inspired helmets with text written on them to show their support. Franco Harris’ Italian ancestors inspired his fans to form Franco’s Italian Army.

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Franco Harris died on Tuesday night at his residence in Sewickley, Pa. He was 72. His son, Franco, also known as Dok, confirmed his demise. But the Immaculate Reception remains legendary, and it stole Terry Bradshaw’s thunder.

Franco Harris stole the thunder from Terry Bradshaw

The Immaculate Reception by Franco Harris is a booming moment in the NFL. Additionally, Terry Bradshaw made the pass, and he was also involved in it. The quarterback discussed the moment on “Good Morning Football,” and how he was thinking about the endorsements Bradshaw would receive after the touchdown. But Harris took the spotlight during the 1972 playoff clash.

Terry Bradshaw mentioned, “So Tatum had to have touched the ball last had Frenchy touched it last. It’s been complete. And then, Franco got it off the ground and runs for the touchdown. I’m sitting there going, ‘Really. Really! There goes my commercials, My endorsements.’”

But Bradshaw has all the love for his teammate, who would go down in history as one of the best running backs.

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