Pained NFL Fans Remember Steelers Superstar on His Most Memorable Day: “Rest in Peace”

2022 didn’t end on the highest note in the Pittsburgh area, as they lost one of their biggest sporting icons. 4x Super Bowl champion Franco Harris would have been 73 today as the NFL world mourns the loss of an all-time impact player.

Harris passed away in December last year from natural causes. The Pittsburgh Steelers running back changed the fortunes of the franchise with what is now regarded as one of the greatest game-winning plays in NFL history; the Immaculate Reception.

Fans commemorate the legacy of Franco Harris

During the 1970s, the Pittsburgh Steelers enjoyed their golden era of NFL success, winning four Super Bowl championships, pulling off two back-to-backs in 1974 and 1975, and then again in 1978 and 1979. And a large part of that success is attributed to their late Hall of Famer running back Franco Harris.

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Franco was the breath of fresh air that the Steelers Nation needed. Winning the Rookie of the Year in 1972 with a then-rookie-record 1055 rushing yards, Franco was instrumental in leading Pittsburgh to only its second-ever playoff appearance the same year. And the success followed soon after for the black and gold.

“Best play in NFL history; started the Steelers dynasty,” one fan commented.

“I am a Pats fan but the great Franco was something else,” one said.

Another wrote, “RIP #32 🖤💛”

“Happy heavenly Bday legend 🏈🏈🏈🏈🎊🎂” another wished.

How the Immaculate Reception paved the way for everything else

Probably the most unfortunate aspect of Franco’s passing away is that he missed the 50th anniversary of his ‘Immaculate Reception’ catch by three days. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders faced off to honor 50 years since Harris snagged the ball inches from the turf and ran for the controversial yet immaculate touchdown against the Oakland Raiders.

Terry Bradshaw’s pass to Frenchy Fuqua bounced off the helmet of Raiders’ safety, Jack Tatum. And Franco was right there to write the rest of history. With eight 1000-yard plus rushing seasons, the Super Bowl IX MVP still owns the all-time Super Bowl rushing yards record (354) and is only behind the legendary Emmitt Smith in all-time postseason rushing yards (1586) and touchdowns (21).

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People going out of or coming into Pittsburgh always have a chance to pay homage to one of the most iconic figures in NFL lore, as the city built an ‘Immaculate Reception’ Franco Harris statue at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Also, it was recently relocated to a more central position. And it looks as though Franco still lives on in the hearts of the Steelers Nation.