Family, friends, former teammates and a community remember legendary Steelers running back Franco Harris

Fans traveling into Pittsburgh took pictures and left notes, flowers, and more at Franco Harris' statue.

"Just unbelievable," said Betty Webb from Wilkins Township. "We couldn't believe it actually happened."

Disbelief and grief, that's how Steelers fans and Pittsburghers are feeling after Franco Harris died Wednesday.

Click here to read more.

J.T. Thomas is still in shock. 

The four-time Super Bowl champion said he got a phone call at 2 a.m. on Wednesday telling him that his friend, Franco Harris, died. 

"It was so surreal, that trying to embrace that reality, even now I haven't," the former Steelers defensive back said. "I do understand he's gone to a better place." 

The two recently had dinner, and Thomas said he had no inkling anything was wrong. He said Harris was excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception and the Steelers' retirement of his No. 32 jersey. 

"It was a high point," Thomas said. "He cherished it. He loved. It."

Thomas and Harris played during the dynasty years. Not only were they Super Bowl teammates, but they were also roommates on the road.

"He was the icon," Thomas said. "He was Pittsburgh then. Rooming with him was a great experience because everyone was always on the door wanting to be around Franco Harris."

Thomas knew Harris as well as anyone.

"He's marinated in humility," he said. "A person who is constantly depositing goodwill into people."

Most people are aware of how generous Harris was with his time for charity, but there were a lot of things he did that people did not know about. 

"He asked people two questions," Thomas said. "What can I do and what do you need?"

"When you want to know who your friends are, look who is there when you are in that place called nowhere," Thomas said. "That's your friend, and that's Franco."

It is now time for Pittsburgh and the Steelers to honor Harris

"I know he's a superstar, an icon, iconic," Thomas said. "To me, he's just Franco."

Thomas is trying to process losing his best friend who never left Pittsburgh.

"He put something in all of us, just how he carried himself," he said.

Thomas said he will be at the Steelers game on Saturday. 

Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he enjoyed all the time he spent with Franco Harris over the years. 

He added that Saturday's jersey retirement ceremony should be a celebration of a life lived well.

You can watch his interview with KDKA-TV's Bob Pompeani below. 

Franco Harris made his mark all over the world, but he got his start as a Pittsburgh Steeler in Latrobe at St. Vincent College during training camp.

It was the summer of 1972 when the big man from Penn State University made his way to the Laural Valley to begin his career.

"Those training camps back in the day were six weeks long," said Albert Novak, the chief philanthropy officer at St. Vincent College.

Novak had an eyewitness view of those super Steeler summer camps where Harris honed his skills and No. 32 ruled Latrobe.

"I remember Franco with all the crowds and all of those behind us mobbed by kids signing autographs, picking kids up, having conversations with people," Novak said.

"He was a Pittsburgh Steeler, but he was also a part of the St. Vincent community," he added.

At Dino's Sports Lounge in Latrobe, the news of Harris' death was like a punch to the gut for Dino DiCario. Harris was no stranger to his business.

"He was just here a couple of years ago with Jerome Bettis and coach (Mike) Tomlin sitting humbly as can be," he said.

Harris' spirit will never leave this small community where he will always be one of them.

"He made them feel special even though he was a special person," Novak said.

Members of Franco's Italian Army reflected on Franco Harris' life and career on Wednesday after learning about his death.

Hear from them below in a story from KDKA-TV's Daisy Jade. 

The death of Franco Harris hit home with Steeler fans everywhere, not just in Pittsburgh.

Harris was always approachable, always cordial to people he met, and he valued every relationship

Not many had a stronger one than Mt. Lebanon native and award-winning actor Joe Manganiello. When he got married to Sofía Vergara, Harris and his wife Dana were at that wedding

KDKA-TV's Bob Pompeani spoke with Manganiello earlier on Wednesday from his home in L.A. 

"It's a sad day, Bob, it really -- it was hard this morning," he said. "I knew Franco really well, I got to know him very well over the years, and he was like an uncle to me. Anytime I had something going on in Pittsburgh, whether it was a charity event or book signing, anything, Franco was there to support." 

You can watch their interview below. 

Steeler Nation is still in shock after the death of legendary Steelers running back Franco Harris. 

Fans created a touching memorial Wednesday at the site of the Immaculate Reception. It includes flowers, messages, Iron City Beer cans and numerous Terrible Towels.  

Once the news broke, fans began to pay their respects to the man simply known as "Franco."

"It's shocking. It's a great loss for the city," said Dog Macphail of Pittsburgh.

"He was just a good guy, and I know this is a shock to the world," William Lee of the North Side said.  

The loss of Harris so close to his jersey retirement ceremony left Steeler fans in shock. So many fans were excited to see the honor Harris was set to receive.  

"My son calls me and says, 'Dad, did you hear the news?' I said no. He goes, 'Franco Harris passed' That was a hard one," Albert Martinez said.  

Martinez and his family are in town for the game on Saturday against the Raiders. Once they heard about the ceremony planned for the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, the family got their tickets.  

"It's going to be sad, but Steeler Nation is going to run wild in there," Martinez said.  

As the day went on, people made it a priority to stop by the site that changed a franchise and a city. Whether it was to place flowers, say a prayer or simply take a minute, fans all had a reason for why Harris meant so much.  

"Just a like a ray of light whenever it comes to actions and football," Brian Tain said.  

Just about everyone made note of his off-the-field work with organizations and charities. He leaves a hole in many hearts.  

"A legend definitely died today," Tain said.  

Just days ago, leading up to the Immaculate Reception celebrations, Franco Harris was honored at a Hall of Fame event in Monroeville.  

KDKA talked with a man who was at the event and said he was a childhood friend of Harris'.  

"My heart is just broken. When I woke up this morning and my brother called me, he told me and I'm sitting there, just staring at the ceiling. It's just like, 'you gotta be kidding me.' You know, I just held this man Sunday and hugged this man on Sunday," said Victor Scott.  

Scott said he met Harris when he was 11 or 12 years old outside of Harris' Pittsburgh home.  

"We just had a ball. We played ping pong in his living room and we just had a fantastic time," Scott said. "From that point on, we just became like two peas in a pod and everywhere he went, he pretty much took me with him."  

On Saturday, Scott and his brothers were inducted into the Pittsburgh City League High School All-Sports Hall of Fame at the DoubleTree in Monroeville. Scott said they invited Harris to come to the event.  

Harris was also awarded there, one week before the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.  

"He had a nice little trophy presented to him for the retirement of his jersey," Scott said.  

On Sunday, Scott said he and his brothers met Harris at a local diner where he appeared to be in good health.  

"We sat there and talked about how we eat healthy now," Scott said. "He looked just great and in good health. We were talking about going to play golf this spring."  

He said he was shocked when he heard the news Wednesday morning.  

"He will be well missed. We all  -- we're just grieving. It hurts a lot," Scott said. "He took us in like family."  

Scott told KDKA that Harris was like a big brother to him and will remember him for not only his legacy in Pittsburgh but his friendship and kindness to everyone around him.  

The Heinz History Center said "out of respect for his family," Thursday's "Franco Harris and the Immaculate Reception: 50 Years Later" program has been canceled.

The center said ticket holders will receive more information via email, according to Brady Smith, the center's director of marketing and communications. 

"Since we know that many ticket holders have traveled from out of town to attend this event, the Heinz History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum will remain open from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22, free of charge for all visitors thanks to event sponsor Jones Day and other anonymous donors," Smith said in a statement.

Read more here.

Franco Harris lived a Hall of Fame life on and off the field, according to Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward.

The two were good friends and even talked on Tuesday. Heyward practiced on Wednesday with a heavy heart. 

"I can't say enough about the people he represented and the people who got a chance to meet him. I don't think they are putting just anyone up in the airport. Franco was the guy. And for as many accolades as he got, he always deflected to so many other people."

"The way he went about respecting people after him I thought was incredible," he added. 

Franco Harris appeared on Pittsburgh Today Live on Tuesday. It was one of his last television interviews, if not the last. 

Celina Pompeani-Mathison interviewed Harris at the Heinz History Center in the Franco Harris Exhibit. He also did a second segment with Pompeani-Mathison at the center, where they imitated the stance he took during that Immaculate Reception.

On Wednesday, she walked through the exhibit again, but this time with the head of the history center to talk about the unexpected loss.

The Bishop of Pittsburgh, David Zubik, reacted to the death of Franco Harris on Wednesday. 

"Franco Harris brought more than football championships to the Pittsburgh region," he said in a statement. "While winning games, he brought our city together across all ethnic and racial lines, as people of every heritage waved green, white and red flags for "Franco's Italian Army." His name is synonymous with the greatest play of all time, one hallowed with the name "Immaculate Reception." But even greater than his franchise- changing work on the field was the spirit of public service that he brought to our region. He used his celebrity to care for others. May he rest in peace and may he inspire others to emulate his community spirit."

Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, paid tribute to Franco Harris on social media on Wednesday. Obama said he grew up watching the Steelers running back and got to know him later in life.

"He was an extraordinary man on and off the field, and will be missed," Obama tweeted. "Our thoughts go out to his family and all of Steeler Nation."

Steelers star T.J. Watt and Najee Harris took to Twitter on Wednesday to offer condolences after the death of Franco Harris.

"The ultimate Steeler. His actions on and off the field are truly inspirational. Rest easy Franco," Watt tweeted.

"Rest In Peace to a great man who showed so much support for me. He was way more than just a athlete he was a icon and a role model to so many people," Najee Harris tweeted.

President Joe Biden shared a touching story about the time Franco Harris visited his two young sons after his first wife and infant daughter were killed in a car crash.

This week has been 50 years since the Immaculate Reception, but it's also been 50 years since a car crash took the lives of Biden's first wife and their baby daughter and injured Beau and Hunter, who were 4 and 3 at the time.

Biden said he barely left his boys' bedside until they got better, but had to leave one day to go shopping for them.

"When I returned, they were smiling for the first time since the accident. Art Rooney, the generous and honorable owner of the Steelers, had flown out with a couple of players, including Franco, and the tough as nails Rocky Bleier," Biden said in a statement from the White House. "Busy with their own lives, they took the time to be with my boys, sign footballs, and then left with no publicity. A small act of kindness that meant the world to us."

Biden said the last time he saw Harris was on the campaign trail in Latrobe and Pittsburgh, and while people always talk about the Immaculate Reception and his Super Bowls, the president remembers Harris for his character and compassion. 

"Sports have a powerful way of bringing people together. As families gather for Christmas this weekend, there will be countless Pittsburgh Steeler and Penn State fans sharing stories of Franco with their children and grandchildren who will discover his greatness on the field. But I know there will also be countless families like mine that will remember him for all that he did to lift our spirits when we needed it – in the most quiet, personal, and American of ways," Biden said.

He called Harris "a dear friend, a good man, and a great American."

"May God bless the love of his life Dana, their family, and all of Steeler Nation," Biden said.

Travelers are leaving notes at the Franco Harris monument in the Pittsburgh International Airport.

"Just unbelievable," said Betty Webb from Wilkins Township. "We couldn't believe it actually happened."

Steelers fans and Pittsburghers are feeling disbelief and grief after Franco Harris passed away unexpectedly.

"I was very upset when I heard that because it's like we were family because we were with him all those years he played," said Webb.

Webb said she was actually in the stands at the Immaculate Reception game in 1972 and watched Harris make the greatest play in NFL history. 

"Everybody was very sad because we were losing the game and there were just seconds left, and everyone was leaving and we actually stood up to go and then it happened," said Webb.

"I remember the play, the Immaculate Reception," said Michael DeVault from Fairmont, West Virginia. "Back in that era, that was so amazing that they won. The whole team — just a great bunch. They just go down in history."

These fans and the rest of the country were preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception on Friday.

Now they're paying tribute to the Steel City icon.

Many travelers, some sporting their Steelers gear, took pictures with his statue at the Pittsburgh International Airport and left yellow and white flowers and a Terrible Towel.

They said he was a phenomenal player, but an even better Pittsburgher.

"He was an amazing guy," said Andrea Robinson from Mt. Washington. "He gave selflessly to many people, including myself when I was starting out, when I was being a young entrepreneur. He gave to me selflessly. He didn't want recognition. He didn't want a return. He just wanted me to be successful. I've seen him touch many people and he's done that for me time and time again."

"He was always kind to people and wanted to help, and we just loved him," said Webb. "He was one of the great ones for us."

The airport also allowed passengers to leave messages in a notebook to share their memories and condolences.

"God bless him," said Elissa Gamrod from Avella. "This time of year, it's hard, and to lose somebody now is really difficult. You think people like that live forever."

And Harris will, living on in people's minds and in their hearts. 

Pittsburgh Penguins great Mario Lemieux remembered Franco Harris for his grace, humility and kindness in a statement posted on the team's page. 

"We are all stunned and saddened by the passing of the great Franco Harris -- a Pittsburgh icon and a true champion on and off the field," the statement read. 

"Franco will be remembered for his grace, his humility, his kindness, and his tremendous contributions to our community. Rest in peace." 

This morning, one of Franco's teammates and friend Dwayne Woodruff joined KDKA Morning News to talk about his memory, his time with the Steelers, and much more. 

Watch the full interview below. 

Steelers President Art Rooney II issued a statement on the death of Franco Harris. 

"It is difficult to find the appropriate words to describe Franco Harris' impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers, his teammates, the City of Pittsburgh, and Steeler 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."

The Immaculate Reception is known as one of the greatest plays not just in Steelers' history but NFL history. 

As Franco Harris caught a ball that deflected off of John "Frenchy" Fuqua's helmet, he ran his way into the history books. 

However, the man behind the throw, Terry Bradshaw, a Hall of Famer in his own right, reflected on his teammate's life and legacy on Good Morning Football on NFL Network. 

"We were always laughing," Bradshaw said. "He was just a good man. He just came in from Penn State. He wasn't even the running back Chuck Noll wanted. His success never changed him."

As the 1970s Steelers grew from young talents into champions, they grew together and grew closer. 

"I had so much fun messing with him on his blocking and catching, he was a great teammate," Bradshaw recalled. "He was a vocal guy on the sidelines. He was such a good man. Always smiling. A humble giant."

Franco Harris loved being a Steeler and loved being a member of the Pittsburgh community and would tell anyone who listen how much he loved it, so having his 32 retired will be a big moment. 

"This was to be the greatest moment in Franco's retirement life," Bradshaw said. 

Just like the play itself, Franco will never be forgotten. 

"He'll be talked of forever." 

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald honored the legacy of Franco Harris on Wednesday morning. 

He joined KDKA Morning News to talk about Franco's life and legacy. 

WATCH: Rich Fitzgerald Talks Franco Harris on CBS News Pittsburgh

You can read his full statement below. 

"All of Pittsburgh and Steeler nation is saddened at the passing of a civic icon, Franco Harris. We adopted him a half a century ago, as he led the Steelers to greatness. 

"He became a Pittsburgher, staying long after his Hall of Fame career ended. His contributions, along with his wife Dana, continued for decades.

"We loved him, and he returned that love many times over. As we remember his many contributions to this community, on and off the field, I hope his family is comforted in the fact that his imprint on this town and his work will never be forgotten.

"Our deepest condolences to Dana and Dok. Thanks for sharing him with us."

The Pittsburgh Steelers organization may have been known for the Steel Curtain and other legendary defenses, but it also has been home to several legendary running backs, as well. 

That obviously includes the late Franco Harris and it also includes Jerome Bettis. 

Number 36 took to Twitter to remember number 32. 

As Senator-elect John Fetterman was running for the U.S. Senate this year, he frequently had Franco Harris supporting his campaign. 

Steelers' Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher reacted to the death of Steelers' Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris. 

Flowers and a Terrible Towel were laid at the monument in honor of Franco Harris.

With the news of Franco Harris' passing, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has released a statement, you can read the full statement below.

"The entire team at the Pro Football Hall of Fame is immensely saddened today. 

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."

Harris was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. 

The Hall of Fame also said that the flags at the Pro Football Hall of Fame will be flown at half-staff today in memory of Franco. 

Franco Harris was a proud and happy man and to KDKA-TV Sports' reporter and anchor Josh Taylor, that's what defined him. 

"He loved talking about playing at Penn State, he was proud to be a Penn State alumnus, but he loved to tell you
anything, anything, involving being a Pittsburgh Steeler and being in Pittsburgh," Josh recalled. "That was the thing he loved discussing the most, it could be any topic, it could be any story, but if you asked him about the Immaculate Reception, his eyes would just light up." 

WATCH: Josh Taylor Remembers Franco Harris

For Pittsburghers of a certain age, Franco Harris was, is, and always will be the Steelers and to Josh, that's the legacy Franco leaves behind. 

"When you grew up in the generation I grew up in, I'm in my early-40s, so you were alive for latter the part of Franco Harris' career, but you weren't alive for the Immaculate Reception, you weren't alive for the lion's share of his career, but you were told by older siblings, you were told by your parents, you were told by your grandparents, those stories were always passed down," Josh recalled. 

The iconic statue at the Pittsburgh International Airport right next to the first President of the United States, George Washington, for Pittsburghers, was a sign you were home. 

"If you were a Pittsburgh ex-pat, and you even came back to visit, once you got to Pittsburgh International Airport and you were coming down that escalator, one of the first things you saw that reminded you were home - was that Franco Harris statue," Josh said. "That was your confirmation you were back on black and gold soil." 

NBC's Peter King summed up Franco Harris' death well, saying "No last name necessary."

Pittsburgh woke up to shocking and saddening news on Wednesday morning, learning that legendary Steelers running back Franco Harris had died at age 72. 

The news comes just days before the team was set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception as well as retire Harris' number 32 jersey number. 

WATCH: Rich Walsh Remembers Franco Harris

"He was just one of the nicest guys...he's the kind of guy that would talk to anyone, you could go up to him and shake his hand and you could talk to him about anything and he would sit there and listen to you," KDKA-TV Sports' Rich Walsh said. "He's one of the most recognizable Steelers of all time. Just a great human being." 

Franco Harris' number 32 has not been issued since 1982, which was his last season, and 32 is set to become just the third number to be retired in Steelers' history, joining Ernie Stautner's 70, and "Mean" Joe Greene's 75. 

"The timing is kind of incredible, which makes this even more sad and devastating news," Rich said. "Not too many people get their number retired by the Steelers and that was going to happen for him. They had a big halftime presentation planned, and I'm sure they're still going to go through with it in some way, I don't know." 

Even though Harris' catch in 1972 against the Raiders has been considered the greatest play in NFL history, he leaves behind a legacy that touches so much more than just football. 

But the Immaculate Reception is bigger than just the man, the team, and the play. 

"He's going to be remembered for so many things," Rich said. "He was a legendary football player, with four Super Bowl rings, he was an MVP, leads the Steelers in rushing over 11,000 yards, but that one play, everyone in the country and even the world, know Franco Harris." 

Even with all of that, Franco the person was just as valuable as Franco the football player. 

"If there was a charity, he was there, he was helping out, he was just a great person." 

Legendary Steelers running back Franco Harris has died.

KDKA has confirmed the news with Harris' family early Wednesday morning. 

An immediate cause of death was not made available.