Franco Harris, Hall of Fame Steelers running back dies at 72
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Legendary Steelers running back and Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris has died.
Harris' death has been confirmed to KDKA-TV by his family.
The four-time Super Bowl champion and 9-time Pro Bowler was drafted by the Steelers with the 13th overall pick in 1972 after playing for Joe Paterno at Penn State.
Statement from Steelers President Art Rooney II on the passing of Franco Harris: pic.twitter.com/5Ojd5Uatvr
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 21, 2022
During his illustrious NFL career, Harris rushed for over 11,000 yards with the Steelers, the leading rusher in team history, also having been named the MVP of Super Bowl IX.
Harris became part of history forever with his 'Immaculate Reception' at Three Rivers Stadium in the Divisional Round of the 1972 playoffs.
Looking back on the sights, sounds, and statistics of the Immaculate Reception. #Immaculate50
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 20, 2022
📺 #LVvsPIT Saturday at 8:15 PM ET on NFL Network pic.twitter.com/KLDIjNg8K6
Harris does have a tie to the Baltimore area - back in 1997, he bought Baltimore-based Parks Sausage, the first African American owned company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange
The Parks Sausage plant is now the Dietz and Watson plant in northwest Baltimore.
A member of the Steelers Hall of Honor, Harris was set to have his #32 jersey retired by the team on Saturday, joining Ernie Stautner and Joe Greene as the only two other players in franchise history to have their numbers retired.
Harris was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
Franco Harris was 72 years old.