The legendary running back of the Pittsburgh Steelers passed away at 72. Anybody who was born at the time when Franco Harris made his debut as a rookie player in 1972 knows how iconic and successful he quickly became. Although an athlete who stood 6ft 2 inches, he was a gentle soul and a kind-hearted man. ‘Magic Mike’ actor and a Pittsburgh native could vouch for that since the two shared a lifelong friendship with each other. 

Joe Manganiello has fond memories of the man who caught the ‘Immaculate Reception.’ The 45-year-old actor appeared on The Rich Eisen Show to talk about the elite legacy of the fallen star player. 

How did Manganiello meet Harris?

When the ‘Magic Mike’ actor gained popularity in his career, the NFL star approached him to work with him. The legend was working on his new business venture called Silversport. Manganiello explained the company aimed at making anti-fungal and microbial towels that had silver in them. Since silver prevents the growth of bacteria, it is a safe way to fight fungal diseases. The towels would help people to be cleaner than usual.

From then on, the two formed a special friendship, as they would meet each other for dinners. Harris would share funny stories with him. “Franco was a great storyteller and, uh oh man, all the stories he told me over the years.” Also, the Hollywood star respected what Harris had done for the people and for the team.

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Franco Harris – the man who brought happiness to Pittsburgh 

Pittsburgh was a “depressed” town back in the 1970s. People were losing jobs because several mills had shut down. Along with that, the Pittsburgh Steelers were not always the hot-shot team. Therefore, the population needed something that could bring joy and cheerfulness to their bleak lives. The Steelers drafted a player from Penn State University as their 13th overall pick in the first round. Little did they know, he was about to change the trajectory for the team’s way to the Super Bowl. 

Read more: Hundreds of NFL Fans Come Together to Mourn the Loss of 4X Super Bowl Champion Legend

Pittsburgh had never advanced to the playoffs in forty decades. But in 1972, they got the chance to play against the Oakland Raiders. While in the game, their chances of losing it were increasing, however, QB Terry Bradshaw threw a deep pass to Fuqua who then clashed with a Raiders safety. Magically Harris caught the ball just when it was going to hit the turn and ran like a beast to secure a touchdown! The day marked him as a true legend. Although the team could not win a Super Bowl that year, it won four in six years. 

People could therefore find enjoyment as a result of the victories. The wins offered a way for the populace to focus on something other than their personal issues. The death of Harris brought pain to many people. But his legacy will live on forever in various ways. 

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