Franco Harris dies at 72: NFL world mourns the loss of Steelers legend, 'Immaculate Reception' architect

Jacob Camenker

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Franco Harris dies at 72: NFL world mourns the loss of Steelers legend, 'Immaculate Reception' architect image

Franco Harris, a Hall of Fame running back who played 13 seasons in the NFL, has died at 72.

The Steelers legend logged 12,120 rushing yards — 15th most in NFL history — and 75 touchdowns during his time in the NFL. He spent all but one season in Pittsburgh and authored one of the league's most iconic plays, the Immaculate Reception.

The play saw Harris catch a late-game desperation heave from Terry Bradshaw in the 1972 AFC Divisional playoff matchup between the Steelers and Raiders. The ball was deflected by either Steeler running back John Fuqua or Raiders safety Jack Tatum but Harris managed to grab it and take it the distance for what turned out to be a game-winning touchdown.

Harris' death comes just days before the Steelers were set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, which occurred on Dec. 23, 1972, during their game against the Raiders on Christmas Eve.

TSN ARCHIVES: 'The Immaculate Reception' as The Sporting News covered it (Jan. 6, 1973, issue)

Pittsburgh planned to retire Harris' No. 32 jersey, marking just the third player in team history to have that honor bestowed upon him. The previous two are the No. 70 jersey of Hall of Fame defensive lineman Ernie Stautner and the No. 75 jersey that belongs to Hall of Famer "Mean" Joe Greene.

Harris' cause of death has yet to be announced.

News of Harris' passing garnered tributes from across the NFL. That included a statement from Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter.

"The entire team at the Pro Football Hall of Fame is immensely saddened today," Porter said. "We have lost an incredible football player, an incredible ambassador to the Hall and, most importantly, we have lost one of the finest gentlemen anyone will ever meet. Franco not only impacted the game of football, but he also affected the lives of many, many people in profoundly positive ways.

"The Hall of Fame and historians everywhere will tell Franco's football story forever. His life story can never be told fully, however, without including his greatness off the field.

"My heart and prayers go out to his wife, Dana, an equally incredible person, a special friend to the Hall and someone who cares so deeply for Franco's Hall of Fame teammates."

DECOURCY: Timing of Franco Harris' arrival in Pittsburgh was 'Immaculate', but he's left us too soon

And Steelers president Art Rooney II also provided a statement about what Harris meant to the Steelers.

It is difficult to find the appropriate words to describe Franco Harris' impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers, his teammates, the City of Pittsburgh and Steelers Nation. From his rookie season, which included the Immaculate Reception, through the next 50 years, Franco brought joy to people on and off the field. He never stopped giving back in so many ways. He touched so many, and he was loved by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Dana, his son Dok, and his extended family at this difficult time.

Already, a tribute to Harris has appeared at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.

Many others, which highlighted his excellent career and impactful life off the field, came in from NFL fans, media personalities and current and former players on social media after news of his death broke.

Jacob Camenker

Jacob Camenker Photo

Jacob Camenker first joined The Sporting News as a fantasy football intern in 2018 after his graduation from UMass. He became a full-time employee with TSN in 2021 and now serves as a senior content producer with a particular focus on the NFL. Jacob worked at NBC Sports Boston as a content producer from 2019 to 2021. He is an avid fan of the NFL Draft and ranked 10th in FantasyPros’ Mock Draft Accuracy metric in both 2021 and 2022.