Franco Harris
Franco Harris was an American professional football player who played running back in the National Football League, mainly for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Franco Harris was an American professional football player who played as a running back in the National Football League, primarily for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is best known for the “Immaculate Reception” and for helping the Steelers win four Super Bowls. Harris was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990 and died in 2022.
Early life and college
Franco Harris was born on March 7, 1950, in Fort Dix, New Jersey. He played college football at Penn State before entering the 1972 NFL Draft.
NFL career
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Harris in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft, 13th overall. He played for the Steelers from 1972 to 1983 and finished his career with the Seattle Seahawks in 1984. Harris recorded 12,120 career rushing yards and 91 rushing touchdowns, and was selected to nine Pro Bowls. He was named Super Bowl IX MVP and won four Super Bowls with the Steelers.
Immaculate Reception
Harris is widely remembered for the 1972 playoff play known as the “Immaculate Reception,” which helped give the Steelers their first-ever playoff win. He scored the touchdown on that iconic play.
Honours and legacy
Harris was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990 and later into the Steelers Hall of Honor in 2017.
Later life and death
After his playing career, Harris remained active in Pittsburgh through business and charitable work. He died on December 20, 2022, at age 72.
Key facts
- Won four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Scored the touchdown on the “Immaculate Reception,” one of the most famous plays in NFL history.
- Was the Super Bowl IX MVP.
- Recorded 12,120 career rushing yards and 91 rushing touchdowns.
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
Franco Harris has no major direct Canada-specific connection, but his legacy is well known among Canadian NFL fans and in broader North American sports history.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Franco Harris?
What is Franco Harris best known for?
How many Super Bowls did Franco Harris win?
What teams did Franco Harris play for?
When was Franco Harris inducted into the Hall of Fame?
When did Franco Harris die?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Franco-HarrisSupports: Birth, death, position, Steelers career, Super Bowl wins, Immaculate Reception, Hall of Fame induction.
- Pro Football Hall of Fame — https://www.profootballhof.com/players/franco-harrisSupports: Draft details, career statistics, awards, Hall of Fame class, seasons, team history.
- Pro Football Reference — https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarrFr00.htmSupports: Birth date/place, height/weight, career totals, games played, Hall of Fame status, final season.
- Pittsburgh Steelers — https://www.pittsburghsteelers.com/history/bios/harris_francoSupports: Team years, Pro Bowls, Super Bowl titles, Super Bowl MVP, Hall of Honor, franchise records.
- ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35296389/steelers-hall-fame-running-back-franco-harris-dies-72Supports: Death, age, Penn State background, post-career Pittsburgh charitable and business involvement.