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By Beth Stibal |

Franco Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers Hall-of-Famer, dead at 72

(PITTSBURG, PA) — Timing is everything. Franco Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers Hall-of-Famer, died overnight, his son told the Associated Press. He was 72.

Obit Harris Football
FILE – Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris is shown in 1973. Franco Harris, the Hall of Fame running back whose heads-up thinking authored “The Immaculate Reception,” considered the most iconic play in NFL history, died Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. He was 72. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck, File)

Ironically, Harris’ passing comes on the week of the 50th anniversary of Franco’s Immaculate Reception, professional football’s greatest play in league history.
His cause of his death was not immediately known.
Drafted by the Steelers as the 13th overall pick in 1972, Harris would go on to become the franchise’s all-time leading rusher with over 11-thousand yards and claim MVP of Super Bowl Nine. He is forever remembered by football fans for the iconic ‘Immaculate Reception’ in the 1972 playoffs. Harris was set to have his number 32 jersey retired by the team on Saturday, joining Ernie Stautner and Joe Greene as the only two other players in Steelers history to have their numbers retired.
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced several events are planned Friday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.