Saturday marked an important day in the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ legacy. However, the lack of Franco Harris was there. The legendary RB passed away on Tuesday, just days before his jersey retirement ceremony. The franchise honored the 50th anniversary of the ‘Immaculate Reception’ most finely. However, the fans were upset over the NFL Network for a shameful act.
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The incident occurred during Franco Harris’ jersey retirement ceremony during the Steelers vs. Raiders halftime show. The NFL Network showed the moments of the humble ceremony featuring Harris’ family and the 1972 team. They directed fans in attendance to the jumbotron, which would display a video commemorating the RB’s career with the Steelers.
Football Fans at home were sour over the NFL Network
However, the NFL Network went into a commercial when the video was about to begin. They came back to the game after the video ended. The fans watching at home missed out on the Steelers’ tribute package for the legendary Franco Harris.
Viewers saw the Franco Harris jersey retirement ceremony. But when a video tribute was played at Acrisure Stadium, NFL Network went to commerical. pic.twitter.com/lqHGwRteLm
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 25, 2022
Football fans around the country were bitter about the act. They blasted the NFL network for unceremoniously cutting into commercials at such a crucial moment.
Read More: Magic Mike Hunk Joe Manganiello Melts NFL World With Heartfelt Words for Franco Harris
Bonnie Bernstein was bitter over the NFL Network cutting into commercials.
WAAAIITTT… no no no no no no
Why is NFL Network cutting to break during the Franco Harris tribute in-stadium?? 😞
— Bonnie Bernstein (@BonnieBernstein) December 25, 2022
Another user deemed the NFL Network as trash for doing so.
You’re a trash network for cutting to commercial.
— John (@JimmyJohnn91) December 25, 2022
Emily Giangreco claimed the NFL Network needs to issue an apology for its actions.
I think @nflnetwork should issue an apology to everyone watching the Steelers game.
To go to commercial and not show the video montage of Franco Harris’ jersey retirement is insanely disrespectful. Even if it was a mistake, you should have immediately dumped out of the break.
— Emily Giangreco (@EmilyGiangreco) December 25, 2022
Madison Williams hopes to see the tribute video someplace else after the Network went to the commercials.
Really upset that NFL Network cut away from the Franco Harris tribute video tonight during the Steelers-Raiders game… hoping to see it somewhere
— Madison Williams (@madisonwsports) December 25, 2022
Another user had sarcasm over the situation.
"Please turn to the videoboard as we honor Franco Harris…"
[Cut to Intel Commercial]Great job, NFL Network! 🤦
— Benstonium (@Benstonium) December 25, 2022
Moreover, this user claimed they dropped the ball when it counted the most.
They dropped the ball when it counted
— Carl Vulcan (@chvulcan) December 25, 2022
Another user claimed the video was meant for the ones in attendance.
It wasn’t for the TV it was for the live crowd
— Patrick (@kobe24brady12) December 25, 2022
This user simply called it classless.
Classless
— Kiki 🐈🇺🇦 🌻🇺🇲 (@cat532653) December 25, 2022
However, for those who wish to watch the video, the Steelers released it on Twitter for everyone. The tribute package begins at the 6:50-minute mark.
Steelers Athletes paid tribute to Franco Harris in their way
Franco Harris passed away just days before the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. But the current Steelers athlete did not miss out on paying tribute to the legendary running back.
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Honoring 3️⃣2️⃣#32Forever pic.twitter.com/Ts9utI8nJa
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 25, 2022
According to ESPN, Pat Freiermuth suggested to Mike Tomlin that the entire squad rock up on Saturday night wearing recreations of Harris’ jersey. Cam Heyward stormed onto the field, waving a massive flag bearing the number 32. Furthermore, Kenny Pickett dedicated the Steelers’ win to Franco Harris after the game.
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The Steelers had the perfect tribute for the franchise legend.
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