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Pittsburgh Steelers legend Franco Harris has passed away at age 72.
On Wednesday morning, it was announced that the man best known for the Immaculate Reception had passed away. The news comes just days before the Steelers are set to honor Harris and the play for its 50th anniversary.
Harris’ son Dok told The Associated Press his father passed away overnight.
No cause of death was given.
The team will be celebrating the 50-year anniversary of the play Sunday night.
What a powerful, emotional ceremony that is going to be in the wake of this awful news https://t.co/GJe2WYl375
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) December 21, 2022
During his career, the Pro Football Hall of Famer was a four-time Super Bowl champion — including Super Bowl IX where he was the MVP — and 9-time Pro Bowler. Harris, a former first-round pick out of Penn State, rushed for over 12,120 yards with the Steelers and is the leading rusher in team history.
The Steelers had previously announced his plans to retire Harris’s No. 32 on Saturday, December 24, joining Ernie Stautner and Joe Greene as the only players in team history to have their jersey numbers retired.
Our deepest condolences go out to Harris’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.
