RIP Franco Harris.

[PimTac]

One of the great running backs in NFL history.

Steelers Hall of Fame RB Franco Harris dies at 72

Franco Harris, the Hall of Fame running back whose heads-up thinking authored the "Immaculate Reception," considered the most iconic play in NFL history, has died. He was 72.

www.espn.com

 

[demarpaint]

RIP

 

[Sayjac]

Forever associated with the "Immaculate Reception"! RIP big fella.

 

[Slick3914]

A Legend for sure, grew up during the glory days of the Steelers. RIP Franco

 

[AZjeff]

NW Pa boy here, lifelong Penn State & Stiller fan. Franco made a lot of good memories, if only he had retired gracefully. Sad day, RIP Franco.

 

[Jackson_Slugger]

Forever associated with the "Immaculate Reception"! RIP big fella.

Of which he died two days short of the 50th anniversary...

Steelers to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception

Steelers Nation can enjoy all of the excitement as the team celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception

www.steelers.com

 

[Hillbilly Deluxe]

Back when men played pro sports.

 

[JeffKeryk]

As a Raider fan, #32 always hit us hard. One tough cookie, for sure.

 

[uc50ic4more]

The 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception is upcoming; and I cannot help but think that the Raiders-Steelers game being scheduled when it is was not accidental. Apparently the Steelers wanted to commemorate the play; and now it'll be at least as much as memorial for Franco Harris.

 

[Reggaemon]

When you land at Pittsburgh International Airport you are greeted by two statues, George Washington and Franco Harris.

 

[AZjeff]

Back when men played pro sports.

Right. And nobody cared what PEDs they took. Many have since paid a heavy price.

 

[Pablo]

A true great.

 

[reemoeMO]

Forever associated with the "Immaculate Reception"! RIP big fella.

I never knew this about the rules back then! RE: The Reception:

The line of scrimmage was the Pittsburgh 40-. Bradshaw’s pass caromed off either Fuqua or Raiders safety Jack Tatum, who, missile-like, arrived at Fuqua at nearly the same time as Bradshaw’s pass. The ball rocketed backward down the field and Harris either caught the ball inches from the artificial turf or trapped it. Harris sprinted down the left sideline for an apparent touchdown. The Raiders immediately claimed the ball ricocheted directly from Fuqua to Harris, which would have made it an illegal catch because, at the time, a pass could not be completed if it hit two offensive players without a defensive player making contact with it. Ref Fred Swearingen went to the baseball dugout to call NFL supervisor of officials Art McNally for counsel, but McNally told him he couldn’t help him; the officials on the field had to decide what to call. The officials huddled and ruled it a touchdown.