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Steelers legend Franco Harris died at 72

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Steelers and NFL legend Franco Harris has died at 72, according to multiple reports.

Harris, who played fullback for Pittsburgh for over a decade in the 1970s and early ’80s, was a four-time Super Bowl champion and a Pro Football Hall of Famer. He made the Pro Bowl nine times and was the NFL’s rushing touchdown leader in 1976.

Harris was perhaps most famous for being the recipient of the “Immaculate Reception” in 1972, one of the most famous plays in NFL history, catching a ball thrown by Terry Bradshaw that appeared to bounce off a Raiders defender and running it for a game- winning touchdown. His death comes just two days before the 50th anniversary of the game, which will be commemorated on Saturday as the Steelers and Raiders play each other.

Franco Harris runs after catching the
Franco Harris runs after catching the “Immaculate Reception”
AP
Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris stands next to a statute of himself on Sept.  12, 2019, at Pittsburgh International Airport
Franco Harris stands next to a statute of himself on Sept. 12, 2019.
AP

On Saturday, Harris was set to be just the third player in Steelers history to have his number retired, after Joe Greene and Ernie Stautner.

A cause of death was not immediately known.

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