

The American Sports fraternity was shocked to hear about the untimely demise of the football Legend Franco Harris on Tuesday. He was 72 and departed from this world in sleep. Just a few hours before his death, the veteran attended several interviews, including the last one from Cam Heyward where they discussed the “Immaculate Reception” and their silent celebrations after the victory.
The Pittsburgh legend Franco Harris helped the franchise win four Super Bowl titles, but he is mostly known for one iconic moment that happened in December of 1972. Fifty years have passed, but the “immaculate reception” remains a bone-chilling moment for NFL fans Worldwide.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Steelers tour of 1972 had much significance, especially for the franchise that found themselves in the playoffs after eight straight losing seasons. Moreover, they had never won a playoff game and were desperately waiting for touchdowns in such crucial games.
That’s when Harris bulldozed with an unrealistic reception, progressing toward the end zone, and bang! The first ever playoff touchdown for the Steelers in the most iconic way possible. Only five seconds were left on the clock, and Harris nailed the game-winning drive.
Franco Harris interview from the locker room immediately following the Immaculate Reception. pic.twitter.com/ZI9Jtf7FVL
— Ryan Recker (@RyanRecker) December 21, 2022
Although the play continues to remain an unsolved controversy, the timing at which Harris collected the ball and scored a six made the fans remember it for a longer time.
Recently, the NFL world has been busy preparing for the 50th anniversary to commemorate this play. To spice it up, Harris sat with the Steelers’ defensive tackle Cam Heyward for a fun session recalling those days of glory.
When asked about the reception, Harris claimed that he remembers nothing of it. “50 years. C’mon, that’s a long time, but I’m still around to enjoy it, so that’s good,” 72-year-old Harris said with a big smile, per TMZ.
Also Read: Here’s Why Fans of Steelers Legend Franco Harris Called Themselves the ‘Italian Army’
Moreover, he also remembered the celebrations they had following the game, spending some time alone with the Raiders team in a restaurant. Just two days were left for all these memories to hit the banners again; however, fate had something else planned.
The Celebrity world mourns the loss of Franco Harris
Harris happened to be the living legend of American Football since the league was incorporated as a fully-fledged tournament. As a result, the relationships he fostered during this tenure included former President Barack Obama and the current US President Joe Biden. They couldn’t get off the grief that transpired through this news.
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 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
#Penguins with a very nice pre game tribute to the late Franco Harris 🙏🏻🙏🏻 #Immaculate pic.twitter.com/fVSBFTDQ40
— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) December 23, 2022
Just landed in Pittsburgh. The famed statue of Franco Harris commemorating The Immaculate Reception at the airport has turned into a makeshift memorial shrine with folks leaving flowers, Terrible Towels and notes in his loving memory. pic.twitter.com/yGn8KhhPxJ
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) December 22, 2022
We have lost an Icon in Franco Harris. He embodied Pgh in his Grace, Humility, & Sense of Pride. He was a Champion on the Field & Ambassador off it. Thank you Franco for setting the standard that we all strive to achieve as a Professional & as a Person. RIP & condolences to Dana. pic.twitter.com/3GtCgOpeOW
— Bill Cowher (@CowherCBS) December 21, 2022
So sorry to hear of the passing of Franco Harris. A great man and friend 🕊️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/UCzDy5ShAo
— Eric Dickerson (@EricDickerson) December 21, 2022
As great of a player Franco Harris was and making the greatest play in NFL History, he was a better human–and that is what I will miss.
He is the centerpiece of a city and a franchise that will never forget him. Love you Franco, RIP! pic.twitter.com/3b43nwEOSy
— Merril Hoge (@merrilhoge) December 21, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Woke up this morning to the devastating news that my friend Franco Harris passed away during the night. One of the kindest, gentlest men I have ever known. He was a great person & great teammate. Hall of Fame player but so much more than that. A tremendous role model for me! pic.twitter.com/OswJ82x7I1
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) December 21, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As they say, legends never die. Similarly, Harris shall forever remain the true ambassador of the game, and his legacy will be cherished, through the generations to come. May the noble soul rest in peace.
Watch This Story: Patrick Mahomes Reveals Why His Daughter Sterling May Never Attend A Chiefs Game Again
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT