Thousands of Pittsburghers awoke today, December 21, to the news that legendary Steeler Franco Harris died at the age of 72. The city is shell shocked at the sad news of his passing. For many years, Franco Harris has been a recognized and renowned figure in Western Pennsylvania, after the greatest football play of all time, "The Immaculate Reception." At an AFC divisional playoff game at Three Rivers Stadium against the Oakland Raiders on December 23, 1972, a ball not intended for Harris was deflected by Oakland Raider Jack Tatum -and Franco scooped it up and ran it in for the touchdown, changing the course and fate of the Pittsburgh Steelers forever. It was his rookie year, coming to the Steelers from Joe Paterno and Penn State, as the 13th overall pick. What an auspicious pick that was! Known for decades as "loveable losers", that one play by Franco Harris catapulted the Steelers into the playoffs, the national spotlight, and into numerous Super Bowl appearances. The Pittsburgh Steelers had arrived, finally, thanks to that one play. Franco taught Pittsburgh an important lesson that day - that you should never give up. In 1972, with the steel industry and other heavy industries failing, an economy in recession, and the number of jobless continuing to climb, that was a lesson Pittsburgh needed to hear. Franco gave our city HOPE when there was none.
I first knew Franco Harris in 1974, when I used to stop at my (then) husband's office in the Frick Building downtown. Franco's lawyer or agent or both were in the building, and we shared an elevator several times a month for about five years. (Until I got divorced and no longer went to the Frick Building.) Years later, I would see Franco at various golf charity outings, performing arts venues, sporting events, and we also belonged to the same golf club for many years. It was just in October that he was playing golf in front of me on a Sunday and left his pitching wedge on number 6 green at Diamond Run, so I drove up to catch him on hole 7 and return the wedge. "I think you might need your wedge on this hole!" I said. He thanked me profusely and made a little joke about not hitting the ball as far as he used to, and I agreed that the same problem - age- was happening to me. We made a little small talk, and he thanked me again and again. After that final brief encounter, two things continue to stand out about Franco for me - his kindness, and his good manners, whether in an elevator, a Pittsburgh event, or on the golf course. I felt that Franco always had a welcoming smile and was always very soft spoken. Franco was revered as a hero in Pittsburgh, and after his career ended, he chose make Pittsburgh his home. Franco lived in Pittsburgh throughout his lifetime, where he to give back to the city that he embraced and loved.
A four-time Super Bowl champion and 9-time Pro Bowl player, Franco stayed humble throughout his entire life. He seemed to always have time for a picture or an autograph. Maybe that humility is one mare characteristic that made him so beloved. Pittsburgh liked the man we saw for so many years, as a legend became one of us.
So many plans were made for this weekend to celebrate the 50 years since The Immaculate Reception, including a ceremony to retire Franco's jersey, number 32. Numerous dinners and interviews with Franco were supposed to happen, and I am heartbroken that he will not be here to receive his well-deserved accolades.
Thank you, Franco, for the way you lived your life, caring about and giving to others. Thank you for your positive attitude, which you shared with others. Thank you for the lesson of The Immaculate Reception - that no matter what, a person should NEVER give up. It is a lesson that I repeated many times to my players when I was coaching golf for 33 years, and it is a silent mantra that I carry with me when I play in competitive golf events. Thank you for giving hope to the city of Pittsburgh, not just in 1972, but for your entire lifetime. You will be mourned and missed by so many. Gone too soon. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Some links to Franco's storied career and tributes to the man:
https://www.wpxi.com/sports/photos-franco-harris/WDH6O2EKENAW5CWPY2DKUP6OX4/
https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/12/21/franco-harris-death-football-world-remembers
https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-community-pays-tribute-to-hall-of-fame-rb-steelers-legend-franco-harris
https://wkzo.com/2022/12/21/hall-of-fame-rb-franco-harris-dies-at-72/
Here is the original broadcast of The Immaculate Reception:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHIXFKrrUhA
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