Topline
Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris has died, his family shared Wednesday, just two days before the 50th anniversary of his “Immaculate Reception” touchdown catch that’s among the most famous, and unlikely, plays in NFL history.
Franco Harris, pictured here in 2020, is considered among the greatest running backs in NFL history.
Key Facts
Harris was 72 years old, and no cause of death was immediately available.
A four-time Super Bowl champion and 1990 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Harris is still best known for his “immaculate” game-winning 1972 touchdown catch against the Oakland Raiders when Harris improbably caught a deflected pass and ran 60 yards to the end. zone, sealing Pittsburgh’s first-ever playoff win.
The Steelers were scheduled to retire Harris’ number during their primetime Saturday matchup against the Raiders.
Key Background
Harris’ 91 rushing touchdowns and 12,120 rushing yards each ranked in the top five in NFL history at the time of his retirement in 1984, and still rank among the top 15 ever today. The New Jersey native became a serial entrepreneur following his retirement, with the healthy donut company Super Bakery best-known among his ventures. A statue of Harris’ “Immaculate Reception” famously greets travelers at Pittsburgh International Airport.
Crucial Quote
Harris said Forbes in 2014: “When I played, everyone knew football wouldn’t take care of you forever. We didn’t make that much money, so it kept things in perspective.”
Further Reading
Franco Harris On Building A Business, From Baked Goods To Fitness Gear (Forbes)
How Steelers legend Franco Harris’ statue came to overshadow George Washington (Athletic)
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