As fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers come to grips with the shocking passing of legendary running back Franco Harris, 24-hours after the news broke, I think back like many on what his legacy meant.
As a kid growing up in the 1970's, having watched the back half of his career, my mind is of course taken back to the last two Super Bowl wins. I was 9 and 10 when those took place and can recall many of those moments in the games still very well.
Sadly, I also recall the lean years on the back-end of his playing time. And the ugly divorce Harris and the Steelers would go through in 1984.
Harris Departure To Seattle Shocked Football Fans
Photo Credit - Corky Trewin/Seattle Seahawks
The 1983 season for the Steelers was a mixed bag of results, much like their star running back. The team finished 10-6 and won the AFC North for the first time since 1979. Harris managed to reach the 1,000-yard plateau for the 8th and final time in his career, but only averaged 3.6 yards per carry.
Another issue that plagued Harris through his entire career was holding onto the football. During his time in Pittsburgh, Harris would cough up the ball 90 times, of which only 15 were recovered. In middle school, we would call him 'fumble fingers Franco' after tough losses. Kids will be kids I suppose.
But you could tell things were changing in the city. The 'Steel Curtain' era had come to an end. Joe Greene and L.C. Greenwood were gone after the 1981 season. Jack Ham retired in 1982. Jack Lambert hung on into the 1984 campaign, but only managed to suit up in 8 games before turf toe did him in. Mel Blount ended his career after the 1983 season. Only Donnie Shell played past them, finally hanging it up in 1987.
The offense was going through a metamorphosis also. Terry Bradshaw hung it up after the '83 campaign. His elbow did him in. Lynn Swann was done after 1982. Only Mike Webster, who left for Kansas City in 1989 and John Stallworth, who played until he retired in 1987 with the black-n-gold, remained.
After the Los Angeles Raiders battered the Steelers in a 38-10 AFC Divisional game in January of 1984, the writing was on the wall once the off-season began. Harris was done in Pittsburgh. He wanted a new deal and the club was ready to move on.
Money Moves Before The Era Of Big Dollar Free Agency
Photo Credit - Harry Cabluck/AP
Harris was not just motivated to cash in on one last big contract. He was chasing history at that point of his career. After the 1983 season began, Harris was at that time, the 2nd leading rusher in NFL history behind Jim Brown. With the 1984 season looming, Harris and the Steelers were locked in a battle to try and get a deal done.
Just before camp ended in Latrobe, the Steelers released Harris who sat just 363 yards shy of Brown's NFL mark. With nowhere to play prior to the beginning of the year, Harris sat. But he didn't have to wait long as Curt Warner suffered a season ending injury in Week 1.
It didn't take long for the Seattle Seahawks and agents for Harris to strike a deal worth $300,000. It was a story that shocked football fans across the NFL. None bigger than those in western PA and the Pacific Northwest.
Harris' Time In Seattle Nothing More Than Broken Dreams
Photo Credit - Corky Trewin/Seattle Seahawks
It's hard to talk about this, given the context of what is about to take place on Saturday at the stadium not to be named and the arrival of the Raiders in town, but a small piece of Franco Harris belongs to Seattle.
The franchise at that time was just 9-years old. They had come off a shocking run to the AFC Title game the year prior, losing to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Raiders. With the loss of All-Pro running back, Curt Warner, the signing of Harris took the fans of the new franchise by storm.
Unfortunately for Harris, his best days were well behind him. His first game action provided 46 yards and a come from behind win over the San Diego Chargers. It was all downhill from there as father time had caught up to Harris. He finished with 170 yards rushing on 68 carries, falling 192 yards shy of breaking the rushing record.
As we head into the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception game, we will think fondly of Harris and what he meant to this franchise. It's also important to remember his entire career. And that includes an 8-game run in Seattle.
Steelers fans, do you remember this moment in time? What are your memories of the late-great Franco Harris? Sound off below!
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