The Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris, whose quick thinking gave rise to “The Immaculate Reception,” which is regarded as the most famous play in NFL history, has passed away. He was 72.
Dok, Harris’ son, confirmed his father’s death to The Associated Press last night. The reason for death was not stated.
His passing occurs three days before Pittsburgh is set to retire his No. 32 at a ceremony at halftime of its game against the Las Vegas Raiders and two days before the 50th anniversary of the play that gave the Steelers the spark that helped them go from being an NFL afterthought to a top team.
“We are very disturbed and grieved by his untimely death,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement. “He was much more to Steelers fans than just the Hall of Fame running back who was a key player in the team’s 1970s era. He was a kind guy who had a profound impact on a lot of people in Pittsburgh and beyond the NFL. Franco altered public perceptions of Pittsburgh, the NFL, and the Steelers.
