NFL Legend and Football Hall of Fame, Franco Harris, Dead at 72
Franco Harris, known for the Immaculate Reception, and quoted as one of the greatest Italian football players, died on December 21st at the age of 72.
His son, Dok told the Associated Press that his father had died in his sleep. No cause of death was given.
Steelers president Art Rooney II said, "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."
Harris was popular amongst the Pittsburgh Italian American population, with fans like "Brigadier General" Frank Sinatra, calling themselves "Franco's Italian Army," carrying banners and wearing army helmets with his number 32 on it.
Pittsburgh Steelers fans in the stands display a banner for their fan club for Steelers Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris known as "Franco's Italian Army" during the Steelers 13-7 victory over the Oakland Raiders in the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff Game on December 23, 1972 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This game will always be remembered for Franco Harris' game winning touchdown play known as the "Immaculate Reception." (Photo by Ross Lewis/Getty Images)
Harris died just two days before the 50th anniversary of his historic play that sent the Pittsburgh Steelers to become an NFL elite team and three days before the Steelers would retire number 32 during halftime against the Los Vegas Raiders.
Over the course of his career, he had 12,210 rushing yards (15th of all-time), made 9 pro bowls in 13 NFL seasons, was a 4-time Super Bowl Champion, and was enshrined in the Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
Source: ESPN