RIP Franco Harris

[Steeldrama]

I hate to say this,........but the man upstairs could not have taken a prick like Jim Brown instead.

I had similar thoughts

... and yet Jim Brown is still with us.

The man upstairs wants nothing to do with Jim Brown
He’s going downstairs

[bradshaw2ben]

I have a heart issue and almost died a month ago at 52. The paddles brought me back. Franco seemed to me to never age, looked like he could still play. A terribly sad day. R.i.P. big guy. Thank you for countless wonderful memories. God bless your family during this excruciating time.

Whoa! Take care of your self, bud! We can't afford to lose any more Steelers brethren and cistern.

[bradshaw2ben]

https://youtu.be/Ss2JAyzlq4I

what a quick guy for 6'-2" and 230 lbs.

You should have seen him on a basketball court. Could play any position. I ran a lot of courts against and with him back in the 80's up at PSU. Very competitive and respectful of the others on the court.

This one really hurts like losing family.
Steeler nation has been diminished in a huge way with this sad news.

RIP Franco

Oh, man! Glad you have these kind of memories

[Orangesteel]

RIP to a legend. Thanks for everything Franco.

[bradshaw2ben]

Stosh awesome Penn state pics

Bradshaw said Franco was supposed to stay in and block so he asked Franco why he was running down field as the immaculate reception was unfolding
Franco said Paterno taught his running backs to always follow the ball

Interesting tidbit there I had never heard before

What Franco once said was that, at a Penn State practice when he was a freshman, he stopped running when the ball was on its way to another receiver. Paterno made a point of stopping practice to yell-- "Never stop running to the ball. Good things happen when you go to the ball."

The Immaculate Reception is a shining tribute to never giving up, to coaching, and to effort/hustle. One of the many reasons it's the greatest sports moment of all time.

[SteelerDayTrader]

Stosh awesome Penn state pics

Bradshaw said Franco was supposed to stay in and block so he asked Franco why he was running down field as the immaculate reception was unfolding
Franco said Paterno taught his running backs to always follow the ball

Interesting tidbit there I had never heard before

What Franco once said was that, at a Penn State practice when he was a freshman, he stopped running when the ball was on its way to another receiver. Paterno made a point of stopping practice to yell-- "Never stop running to the ball. Good things happen when you go to the ball."

The Immaculate Reception is a shining tribute to never giving up, to coaching, and to effort/hustle. One of the many reasons it's the greatest sports moment of all time.

[Stosh-67]

Stosh awesome Penn state pics

Bradshaw said Franco was supposed to stay in and block so he asked Franco why he was running down field as the immaculate reception was unfolding
Franco said Paterno taught his running backs to always follow the ball

Interesting tidbit there I had never heard before

Yes, was a big kid / man running the ball back then.

He an Lydell Mitchell were some tandom for three years at P.S.
Franco ran for 600+ yards three straight years. 643, 675 and 684.

But it was Mitchell who had the monster senior season.......... 1971- 1567 yards 6.2 avg and 29 TDs.

Steelers saw the size, agility and talent.
Steelers made the right call drafting Franco 1/13
Baltimore took Mitchell at 2/48

Franco is the only HOFer from that first round of the 1972 draft.
Cliff Branch 4/98 i believe is the only other HOFer from that draft.

[Stosh-67]

Stosh awesome Penn state pics

Bradshaw said Franco was supposed to stay in and block so he asked Franco why he was running down field as the immaculate reception was unfolding
Franco said Paterno taught his running backs to always follow the ball

Interesting tidbit there I had never heard before

What Franco once said was that, at a Penn State practice when he was a freshman, he stopped running when the ball was on its way to another receiver. Paterno made a point of stopping practice to yell-- "Never stop running to the ball. Good things happen when you go to the ball."

The Immaculate Reception is a shining tribute to never giving up, to coaching, and to effort/hustle. One of the many reasons it's the greatest sports moment of all time.

Nice tidbit gentlemen

[anpsteel]

I have a heart issue and almost died a month ago at 52. The paddles brought me back. Franco seemed to me to never age, looked like he could still play. A terribly sad day. R.i.P. big guy. Thank you for countless wonderful memories. God bless your family during this excruciating time.

KC, Glad you made it.

While I haven't experienced that exact scenario, I have had a couple run ins with death.

When people survive these type of events, I always take to mean, that there is more for us to do, here.

I don't claim to know what that is, but it is my thought. Who am I here to help? What am I here to learn?

I am a firm believer in, when it's your time, it's your time...


When I feel heart issues coming on, and feel the associated anxiety, I believe that is my "soul" indicating, it's not time yet.

I suspect that when it is time, I'll just accept it and let go.


I hope you are doing well in your recovery

Peace be with you and your family.

Let all the people that matter, know it

All my best

Craig

[beerbrother]

Damn Sad.

Dressed in black to attend a funeral today. Her husband is a Raiders fan but her brother is a Steelers fan. Watched a lot of football with them over the years.

When read about Franco thought it had to be a hoax, not days before the 50 anniversary game.

RIP

[Stallworth16]

RIP Franco Harris. Those of us who grew up watching him play know how great he was both on and off the field. He stayed active in Pittsburgh and would talk and share with everyone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjE7qcf87rg

[the-other-burg]

RIP to a legend. I was a bit too young to really appreciate him when he played, but he was my first favorite NFL player, and my first NFL jersey. A sad day for the Steeler family and for the NFL as a whole.

[Gonzo]

well this is very Sad
He was one of my favorites of all time -- up there with Pops and Terry
He was a great Steeler and a very good Person

[steelmann58]

RIP to a Steelers legend that man who helped make the Super Bowl winners. He was one of my favorites. I am 58 and today I still remember where I was that day 50 years ago watching that game

[DP39]

So, so very sad. One of the greats on and off the field.

RIP Franco. My heart goes out to you and yours.

I still remember the day, when I was a kid, he threw me a Franco's Italian Army seat cushion during a SB win parade. I caught it, some big dude tried to wrestle it away from me, and my dad threatened to beat the ever-living shit out of him if he didn't let go.

Like all here, he brought so many great memories to me and my family over the years.

Oh, the countless moments "I was Franco" on football fields, backyards, streets, church lawns, parks, empty lots/fields and so many more places....

[anpsteel]

The all 22 footage of the immaculate reception

https://youtu.be/MjMsa5Yo6qQ

[BouldernBun]

Oh man..what terrible news. I never met you but you were a hero of mine. Bawling my eyes out here. Thank you Franco, thank you. Rest in peace and sincere condolences to family and friends.

[bradshaw2ben]

He was larger than life. I did a job for him once, back in the day. Best part was when he first called he talked with someone and they wrote me one of those pink slip messages ‘please call Franco at 412-xxx-xxxx.’ When I talked with him, I kind of had a moment of wondering... but none of us knew it was THE Franco until I met him outside his storefront.

Super regular guy who loved being nice to people who were excited to meet him. Apparently, just yesterday, he was spending time talking with a couple of teenage girls and their dad at the history museum... no pretention or annoyance, just telling them stories.

[LakecrestSteeler]

So much like Willie Stargell dying the morning of PNC Park's Opening Day when he was to throw out the 1st pitch--was a very somber atmosphere in the park that day..

Brings back immediate memories of where we all where when the Immaculate happened...for those of us old enough...

Just so sad....

Maybe not a coincidence….maybe it is the stress of the events coupled with the ailment that does it.

Going on vacation can be a blast, but it can also be stressful leading up to it…party planning, and celebrations of this magnitude I am sure cause stress, probably fairly enjoyable stress, but all those decisions and requests add up.

Wonder how the honoring will change now? Would be cool if they had everyone wear 32 for the opening offensive drive!

[COR-TEN]

Like all of you, I opened my device and was stunned at the news.

72 years old. And the cause isn't immediately known?

Thanks Franco for all the memories.

[shellwagnerblount]

"It all ran through Franco." -- Terry Bradshaw today talking today about the offense during the 70`s.
He was the focus and the emotional heart of that team. You only had to watch the games to understand that.

Much like a Canadian hero by the name of Jean Beliveau, you can read three pages of what a great person he was before you even GET to the football part. That is the measure of any man or athlete.

RIP to a true great whose greatness showed in thought and deed toward the fans who adored him.

[MJG75]

I have a heart issue and almost died a month ago at 52. The paddles brought me back. Franco seemed to me to never age, looked like he could still play. A terribly sad day. R.i.P. big guy. Thank you for countless wonderful memories. God bless your family during this excruciating time.

Very glad to hear you are still with us. Bless you and your family this holiday season and beyond. Take care of yourself.

[Dan Smith--BYU]

One permanent tribute other than retiring #32 is that the Steelers need to permanently go back to the industrial block number traditional 70s uniforms. Enough of the weakass rounded font.

[Dan Smith--BYU]

The play that TB12 was talking about this morning. Pinney's great blocking work plus a little help from the ref:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkKkpU-mtyw

[Stlcrtn1974]

He was here in Youngstown back in 2008 campaigning for Obama during early voting. He was a very nice man, even took a picture with me. I still get teary eyed watching the immaculate reception. I was still 2 years away from existence but seeing the replays of it on Alcoa presents, fantastic finishes during the 2 minute warning growing up always made me happy.

https://youtu.be/A3lN_UZpaJs

[jewelsongs]

"Before Franco, we hadn’t done very much. After Franco, we didn’t do much, either. But during Franco, we did a lot." Joe Greene

Quote thanks to Jim Wexell's site.

[blu]

I'm going to watch the 4 Franco Harris super bowl wins in his honor during the holidays. It was more than a few years ago Jeemie but thanks again for your kindness.

[Stillerz Bar]

So much like Willie Stargell dying the morning of PNC Park's Opening Day when he was to throw out the 1st pitch--was a very somber atmosphere in the park that day..

Brings back immediate memories of where we all where when the Immaculate happened...for those of us old enough...

Just so sad....

I thought of Stargell when I saw the Franco news too. So sad that they both left us just before being honored. Hopefully they knew how much ghe meant to the city.

I only met him once and he was truly the gentleman everyone said he was. Franco was as amazing off the field as he was on it.

RIP

[Stosh-67]

The play that TB12 was talking about this morning. Pinney's great blocking work plus a little help from the ref:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkKkpU-mtyw

Jeez, Ray Pinney almost kills Charlie Waters.
I know Waters always talked about the ref getting in his way....which he does collide with him.
But maybe the ref saved his career from getting blasted by both Pinney AND Franco.

What a pancake.

Webster also drives a delineman to the ground.

[rooneytunes]

Didn't Jim Brown and Franco have like a small fued or something? Brown didnt like that Franco would run out of bounds or something. Was jealous Franco may beat his all time rushing record I think.

Seem to remember as a kid some type of made for tv skills competition between the two and Franco won lol