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Steelers Legend, Hall Of Fame Running Back Franco Harris Dies At 72

Franco Harris, who caught the legendary “Immaculate Reception” pass for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1972 AFC Divisional playoffs against the Oakland Raiders, has died.

Harris’ death comes just two days before the 50th anniversary of the catch, which happened with the Steelers trailing the Raiders 7-6 with 22 seconds left in the game. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw the ball deep, two Raiders collided and sent the ball toward Harris who somehow caught it before the ball hit the turf. The running back outran every Oakland defender and gave the Steelers their first playoff victory in franchise history.

https://nesn.com/2022/12/steelers-legen ... ies-at-72/

Vandal wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 21, 2022 7:52 am

Harris’ death comes just two days before the 50th anniversary of the catch, which happened with the Steelers trailing the Raiders 7-6 with 22 seconds left in the game. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw the ball deep, two Raiders collided and sent the ball toward Harris who somehow caught it before the ball hit the turf. The running back outran every Oakland defender and gave the Steelers their first playoff victory in franchise history.

It's ironic that the Raiders just won a game on a bizarre play that's going to make highlight reels for as long as Harris's catch.

I was listening to Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo, who was on ESPN this morning. He actually had Harris as a guest on his radio show yesterday for about 30 minutes talking about the game and the Immaculate Reception. He said Harris sounded fine and the clip they played today Harris certainly didn't seem like he was ailing.

The Steelers were supposed to retire Harris's jersey at their game Christmas Eve night against the Raiders. (Mean Joe Greene is the only Steeler whose jersey has been retired.) I assume they will turn this into a memorial tribute for Harris now.

silverscreenselect wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 21, 2022 8:13 am

Vandal wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 21, 2022 7:52 am

Harris’ death comes just two days before the 50th anniversary of the catch, which happened with the Steelers trailing the Raiders 7-6 with 22 seconds left in the game. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw the ball deep, two Raiders collided and sent the ball toward Harris who somehow caught it before the ball hit the turf. The running back outran every Oakland defender and gave the Steelers their first playoff victory in franchise history.

It's ironic that the Raiders just won a game on a bizarre play that's going to make highlight reels for as long as Harris's catch.

The Sun City Miracle was, pound for pound, the dumbest play I’ve ever seen. It joins Butt Fumble, Miracle at the Meadowlands and whatever crazy formation the Colts were doing against the Patriots a few years back. Mac Jones getting steamrolled just added to the effect.

When I first started out as a sportswriter, I worked for the Courier-Post, which covered South Jersey from Burlington County down to Cape May.

Harris was a couple of years out of Penn State then. Walt, the prep writer who covered him, had written some stories and saw the greatness early. He also covered Lydell MItchell.

I was so looking forward to seeing everything on Saturday. My heart just hurts for all my Yinzer pals who love their Steelers.

mellytu74 wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 21, 2022 11:24 pm

When I first started out as a sportswriter, I worked for the Courier-Post, which covered South Jersey from Burlington County down to Cape May.

Harris was a couple of years out of Penn State then. Walt, the prep writer who covered him, had written some stories and saw the greatness early. He also covered Lydell MItchell.

I was so looking forward to seeing everything on Saturday. My heart just hurts for all my Yinzer pals who love their Steelers.

I noticed this amazing play but had no idea of its importance until I met SteelersFan nine years later. I was used to Broncos and Cowboys wear on the Friday before game day, but after meeting SteelersFan, I began to notice how many Steelers jerseys there were around town. Back then, it was probably (1) Broncos (2) Cowboys (3) Cheeseheads (4) Steelers. Yesterday on our walk, it was (1) Broncos (2) Cheeseheads (3) Steelers. If a lot of kids are out, you'll see Raiders stuff on the ones who think of themselves as being part of a criminal element. Strangely enough, I have a much clearer memory of Atkinson decking Swann than SteelersFan does, probably because of the Raiders criminal element legacy.

I'm sorry Harris didn't make it to the 50th Anniversary, but I wouldn't wish even one more day of misery on him.