American · Fort Dix, USA · Born 7 March 1950 · Died 2022-12-20The Immaculate Reception — the most famous play in NFL history, and four Super Bowl rings as the workhorse back of the Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty.
Born March 7, 1950, at Fort Dix, New Jersey, Franco Harris grew up in Mount Holly before starring at Penn State University under coach Joe Paterno. The son of an Italian-American father and African-American mother, Harris developed into a powerful fullback who helped the Nittany Lions achieve national prominence in the early 1970s. His college performance caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 13th overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft. Harris immediately transformed the Steelers' ground game, rushing for over 1,000 yards in his rookie season and earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. His powerful running style and reliable hands out of the backfield became cornerstones of Pittsburgh's dynasty throughout the 1970s. During his 12 seasons with the Steelers, Harris anchored an offense that captured four Super Bowl championships between 1974 and 1979, earning Super Bowl IX MVP honors for his 158-yard rushing performance against Minnesota. The defining moment of Harris's career came on December 23, 1972, when his miraculous catch of a deflected pass with seconds remaining defeated the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Divisional playoff. Dubbed the "Immaculate Reception," this play launched Pittsburgh's championship era and became the most iconic moment in NFL playoff history. Harris finished his career with 12,120 rushing yards and 91 touchdowns, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. Harris's impact extended beyond statistics, as he helped establish the modern template for versatile running backs who could excel both rushing and receiving. His professionalism and leadership made him the face of the Steelers franchise during their most successful period. The team retired his number 32, cementing his status as one of Pittsburgh's greatest athletes. Harris died in December 2022, just days before the 50th anniversary of his most famous play.
The Immaculate Reception catch in 1972 AFC Divisional playoff
The Immaculate Reception — still the most debated and discussed play in NFL history — was so extraordinary that its legality was immediately challenged and has been argued ever since.
Did You Know?How They Played
Powerful runner with excellent vision and hands, known for breaking tackles and clutch performances in big games
Lasting Impact
Hall of Fame running back who helped establish the Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty of the 1970s and made one of the most famous plays in NFL history
Career Honours
- Super Bowl IX X XIII XIV Champion
- Super Bowl IX MVP
- 9x Pro Bowl
- Immaculate Reception
- 4x Super Bowl Champion
- NFL Man of the Year (1976)
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 1972–1983 | 173 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 1984–1984 | 8 |
American Athletes