Everyone woke up to the sad news that Pittsburgh Steelers legend, Franco Harris passed away Wednesday morning at 72 years old. We were just days away until the 50-year anniversary of his "Immaculate Reception" was going to be celebrated at Acrisure Stadium. Furthermore, the game is against none other than the Las Vegas Raiders.
Steelers Hall of Fame running back, Franco Harris sprints towards the end zone against the Raiders in what would become known as the Immaculate Reception. | Credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
As the day has progressed, it's obvious the impact Harris had on the city of Pittsburgh and the National Football League as a whole. Tributes have come flooding in, ranging from former Steelers stars to well-known people around the league. Ben Roethlisberger, who just retired this past off-season, posted a lengthy tribute of arguably the greatest running back in Pittsburgh history:
"Woke up this morning with the sad news of the passing of Franco. So many times, people say, 'Franco was a legend.' ...No, Franco is a legend and always will be. More than just on the football field too. Such an unbelievable man, friend, [and] I'm so proud to be able to call him that. I'll never forget a time, I think it was at Charlie Batch's fundraiser event a long time ago, he [Franco] and I got into a heated ping pong battle, both of us kind of going at it. One of those matches that people kind of stop and are watching. I'll never forget, every single time we saw each other, he would bring it up. 'Man remember that ping pong game we played. We need to do it again sometime.' Franco always had a hug for people, always had a handshake, always had a smile," Roethlisberger said in his meaningful YouTube video."I think for the legend that he is on the football field, I think his legend off the field is even bigger. Such a humanitarian, such a big heart, such a loving, kind man. He will be forever missed, but he will always be in our hearts and always be on our minds. Whenever you think of Steeler football, and not just the Immaculate Reception, which in itself is crazy, but just the way he played the game. The love of the game, the love of his teammates. Never heard one bad word about that man. He will be missed. Franco, we will never forget you. We love you. We know you're up above now, and in heaven looking down on all of us, probably playing football today. You will be missed, my friend. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your love, for your support. Means so much."
Well said, Big Ben. Although Roethlisberger played some 20 years after Harris, the former running back still had such an immense impact on the future Hall of Famer. That speaks volumes to the kind of person that Harris was. He was, and always will be, a pillar in the Pittsburgh community. Rest in peace to a great football player and more importantly, a tremendous human-being.
If you were around, what were your favorite memories of Harris' playing days? Will the team pull out a victory in honor of him this upcoming weekend? Share your thoughts on this sad day in our comment section and/or our social media sites!
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