The legendary star of the Pittsburgh Steelers is, unfortunately, no more. Franco Harris, the tall and strong running back who scored the iconic touchdown in the history of the NFL, passed away at 72. It is a gloomy day for the fans of Harris who played for the Steelers for 12 years out of his 13 NFL seasons.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer’s death comes just two days before the 50th anniversary of the ‘Immaculate Reception.’ His game-winning touchdown, widely recognized as one of the most iconic touchdowns in National Football League history, pushed the 1970s Steelers to the first of their postseason victories.

Harris’ family confirmed his death. But no cause of death was revealed. 

The undying legacy of Franco Harris

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Harris in the first round of the 1972 NFL draft. He played college football at Penn State. The legend was named the Rookie of the Year in the regular season. His prowess only rose in the playoffs when he became an elite in the league. 

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Pittsburgh could advance to the playoffs for the first time in a quarter-century. However, it looked like their hopes of winning the game would die because they chased the Las Vegas Raiders 7-6 in the fourth quarter from their own 40-yard line. Only 22 seconds remained on the clock when QB Terry Bradshaw threw a deep pass to RB French Fuqua.

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The running back slammed into the Raiders’ defensive back. This sent the ball hurling back toward the middle and towards Harris’ way. Although everyone on the field stopped, Franco Harris scurried and grabbed the ball just inches above the turf. Then he ran past the astonished defenders. That day, the Steelers saw their first playoff win in forty years. 

Pittsburgh to honor the legend

On Christmas Eve, as part of the anniversary festivities, the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Las Vegas Raiders in a rematch of their divisional playoff matchup from 1972. The Steelers will retire Harris’ No. 32 jersey during the halftime show.

Fans will always remember Harris as a legend. The iconic play is forever immortalized as a statue that is placed on display at the Pittsburgh airport. Harris won four Super Bowl rings with his team, a Super Bowl MVP award, and the honor of becoming the NFL Man of the Year. He always featured in nine Pro Bowls and is a HOF-er. 

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