Franco

[shellwagnerblount]

An offseason post that isn't all that important..but it bothered me.
I was watching some highlights of the 70's Steelers and marvelling at just how good Harris was. That halfback speed in a full back etc..the big plays..then there was a sideline shot of him with taht great Afro and it just hit me hard. He's gone. NO longer with us.

Another sign of getting old..you lose friends, family and cherished sports heroes. I had a chat (very briefly) once with Franco and he was such a gent and funny as hell. Guys like that shouldn't die..damnit.

[Thrillsseeker]

Here here.

Getting old sucks.

As my dad would say, “beats the alternative.”

He’s not wrong.

Losing people is part of life but very hard. Some way harder than others.

Hang in there man, chin up. May the highlight reels of Franco put a smile on your face remembering his greatness.

[shellwagnerblount]

Here here.

Getting old sucks.

As my dad would say, “beats the alternative.”

He’s not wrong.

Losing people is part of life but very hard. Some way harder than others.

Hang in there man, chin up. May the highlight reels of Franco put a smile on your face remembering his greatness.

thank you..Had a touch of the melancholy...So much of the Steelers of the 70`s (in particular) are tied in with events in my own life. Losing those guys is like losing family.

[Thrillsseeker]

.

[Thrillsseeker]

Here here.

Getting old sucks.

As my dad would say, “beats the alternative.”

He’s not wrong.

Losing people is part of life but very hard. Some way harder than others.

Hang in there man, chin up. May the highlight reels of Franco put a smile on your face remembering his greatness.

thank you..Had a touch of the melancholy...So much of the Steelers of the 70`s (in particular) are tied in with events in my own life. Losing those guys is like losing family.

Right on brother.

[PennyBacker]

Many lunch pail people are generally just as deserving of admiration or respect for their commitment as most personalities are for their talent. Frequently, the element of monetary value persuades the masses to elevate a single ability, brief or fleeting as it may be, too far above other virtues.

In other words, most professional athletes and other celebrities do not move my needle all that much, because it is difficult to be sure of who is sincere and who is just getting by on reputation.

But Franco was special, no doubt. That guy had a magic about him. He is someone I would have loved to have gotten to meet. His attitude, hustle and perseverance helped to launch a dynasty. Nobody can deny him that. Would have been an honor.

[R_S]

Many lunch pail people are generally just as deserving of admiration or respect for their commitment as most personalities are for their talent. Frequently, the element of monetary value persuades the masses to elevate a single ability, brief or fleeting as it may be, too far above other virtues.

In other words, most professional athletes and other celebrities do not move my needle all that much, because it is difficult to be sure of who is sincere and who is just getting by on reputation.

But Franco was special, no doubt. That guy had a magic about him. He is someone I would have loved to have gotten to meet. His attitude, hustle and perseverance helped to launch a dynasty. Nobody can deny him that. Would have been an honor.

What's interesting is it seems like everyone 60 or older from Pittsburgh has a story of meeting Franco, at restaurant, in the airport, etc. All universally positive meetings. He seemed to be a major fixture in the community.