Franco Harris, a football legend and former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, died at 72. Unfortunately, his death occurred only days before the Steelers were slated to retire his No. 32 jersey to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his “immaculate receiving” play at Acrisure Stadium. The NFL Hall of Famer is most known for an incredible grab in the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoffs. Franco Harris, the Steelers’ famous running back, died at 72. In this post, we’ll learn more about his death, what happened to him, and Franco Harris’s cause of death. Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris died at 72, just days before the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception,” the play that earned the Steelers their first playoff victory. Harris’ son, Dok Harris, confirmed his father’s death to The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Who is Franco Harris?
Franco Harris, a football player who played fullback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks, died on December 20, 2022. He was a player in one of professional football’s most famous plays, Pittsburgh sportscaster Myron Cope dubbed “The Immaculate Reception.” After playing college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions, he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft. His first 12 NFL seasons were with the Steelers, and his final and final season was with the Seahawks.
Early Life of Franco Harris:
Harris was born in New Jersey. Cad Harris, his father, served in the military and was stationed in Italy during WWII. When the war was finished, his mother, Gina Parenti Harris, an Italian native who subsequently became a “war bride,” emigrated to the United States with her husband. Harris enrolled at Penn State University after graduating from Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey, in 1968. Although Harris rushed for 2,002 yards with 24 touchdowns and averaged nearly 5 yards per carry for the Penn State Nittany Lions, he primarily served as a blocker. He also had 28 receptions for 352 yards and another touchdown.
What is Franco Harris Cause of Death?
Franco Harris, a running back who may have scored the most incredible touchdown in NFL history, died at 72. Dok Harris, Harris’s son, told the Associated Press that his father died overnight. Harris died two days before the anniversary, widely regarded as one of the most memorable moments in NFL history and the game-winning touchdown that gave the 1970s Steelers their first postseason victory. His family confirmed Harris’s death. There was no specific cause of death stated.
Professional Career of Franco Harris:
According to The Sporting News and United Press International, Harris was named the league’s Rookie of the Year in his first year with the Steelers (1972). During that season, he carried the ball 188 times for 1,055 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry.
He scored ten touchdowns on the run and four in the air. His fans, which included “Brigadier General” Frank Sinatra, dubbed themselves “Franco’s Italian War” and wore army helmets with his number. He was popular among Pittsburgh’s large Italian-American community. Harris was crucial in the Steelers’ first four Super Bowl victories.
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