Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger gave another moving tribute on his podcast, Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger, about the incredible human that was Franco Harris.
Franco Harris rumbling his way to the game winning score. Photo credit: Steelers.com
On Episode 18, Roethlisberger and his co-host, Spencer T’eo, discuss the tragic death of Harris. Harris was the Steelers running back from 1972-1983 and is best known for making the Immaculate Reception. That amazing catch occurred during his rookie season against the then-Oakland Raiders and gave the Steelers their first playoff win in franchise history.
Harris, and all of Pittsburgh, were just days away from a 50th anniversary celebration of the Immaculate Reception and the planned jersey retirement for Harris. Harris is only the third Steelers player to have his number retired in the franchise’s history.
Steelers' Roethlisberger Said Harris Was Family
T’eo asked Roethlisberger to reflect on his relationship with Harris and to give some input on how his death impacted Steeler Nation. Roethlisberger responded how the timing was so terrible and the news was such a shock:
“It was tough to hear about his passing just a few days before they're honoring him, retiring his number, the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, with the Raiders coming to town. I just saw him a couple of weeks before.”
He echoed the sentiments that have been mentioned by everyone since Harris passed, remarks about his kindness and his ability to make everyone feel important. Roethlisberger also referred to a video he posted immediately after Harris’ death was announced, paying tribute to the fallen Steeler and telling some stories about their friendship:
“Just so much life, always smiling, always happy to give you a handshake and a hug. I know I mentioned in that video that we posted about our ping-pong battle. Just so full of life and energy and just such a good person.”
In his video tribute, Roethlisberger told the story of how he and Harris had an epic ping-pong battle:
“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.’”
Roethlisberger also spoke about how Harris personified what it means to be a Steeler and how he deserved to be honored:
“The honor that was being bestowed on him that weekend was so well deserved. Not just for that play he made, but for everything he did, showing what it is to be a Steeler. He is a teammate, a loyal brother, and bleeds black and gold.”
He wrapped up by telling how excited Harris was about the planned events and how grateful he was to be honored:
“It was too bad that he couldn't be there to get that honor. I know he was there in spirit, his family was there - his wife and his son. You know, Steeler Nation that's a big blow.”
Roethlisberger sums up the feelings of everyone who is mourning the loss of Harris, even if you didn’t know him in real life - seeing him around Pittsburgh, watching him play, the way he connected with the community; it felt like you did.
Credit: Steelers Now
“He's family, not just to the guys that he played with that were his teammates, but to all of us. Once you wear that jersey, you're always family. The relationship that I had with him, he is truly a friend. It's tough man, it's really tough. I'm glad the Steelers pulled it out and they won it the way they did. You know Kenny [Pickett] throwing the late touchdown, down the seam, and in some weather.”
What is your favorite Harris memory? Do you remember the Immaculate Reception? Have you ever been fortunate enough to meet Harris? Click to comment below.
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