RIP Franco Harris

[rooneytunes]

Yep. Answered my own question

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm ... story.html

[Deebo]

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

I remember reading this as a kid and it always stuck with me (I played Tight End). Do you know how many fumbles I recovered by running towards the ball based on this advice? Didn't matter how far away I was, I always felt like I needed to follow it.

Thanks Franco- from a kid who was born in '78

[shellwagnerblount]

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.

Yes, I watched a segment on Waters somewhere in the distant past where he talks about having the read on that play..knew it was coming and only the ref saved Franco etc.....I think the only thing Waters would have acquired was cleat marks on his face as FRANCO was a man possessed on that run...lol. Just rewatched it and he was a freight train coming THROUGH!

[shellwagnerblount]

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

Brown was a dick..I remember that stuff well. And I don't think it was a media game he was playing as I remember interviews at the time where he was clearly pissed and dismissive of Franco's talents. Look, Jim Brown is my pick for greatest RB of all time but he isn't even in FH's class as a person and an adult who can handle a little adversity with aplomb and some wisdom. I also remember JB saying that 1000 yds wasnt impressive , given the number of games they played. When D's were still keying on the run and how to stop it,combined with the increasing size and talent compared to when Brown played,,that argument doesn't hold water for me.

Of course, Franco handled it all VERY well. And yeah, he smoked JB in the competition but it was all a bit silly...

[langer]

[JackLambert58]

Terry needs to show up this weekend

Terry can do whatever the hell he wants without any judgment from you or anyone else. He has already given many platitudes to Franco today. Let's make this time about Franco and not worry about how anyone else honors him.

[JackLambert58]

https://youtu.be/Ss2JAyzlq4I

This is my favorite all-time Franco play, even more than the Immaculate Reception. They don't show it on this video, but just before the play Franco got in loudmouth Henderson's face telling him he didn't appreciate him roughing up Bradshaw the play before. Henderson must have said something stupid because he royally pissed off Franco. Franco gets back in the huddle and says, "GIVE ME THE BALL!" No one argues, Franco gets it and takes it up the gut to the house. FUCK YOU HENDERSON! FUCK YOU DALLAS!!! Franco with the touchdown!!!

[JackLambert58]

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

Brown was a dick..I remember that stuff well. And I don't think it was a media game he was playing as I remember interviews at the time where he was clearly pissed and dismissive of Franco's talents. Look, Jim Brown is my pick for greatest RB of all time but he isn't even in FH's class as a person and an adult who can handle a little adversity with aplomb and some wisdom. I also remember JB saying that 1000 yds wasnt impressive , given the number of games they played. When D's were still keying on the run and how to stop it,combined with the increasing size and talent compared to when Brown played,,that argument doesn't hold water for me.

Of course, Franco handled it all VERY well. And yeah, he smoked JB in the competition but it was all a bit silly...

Yeah, this. Brown is a complete douchebag personally. Said Franco ran out of bounds to avoid contact which is utter horseshit. You're right, JB may be the greatest RB ever (I say Sweetness but JB was great), but shite as human being. Don't believe me? Go look at his rap sheet and how he treated women.

[El Kabong]

So sad he couldn't make it to see Saturday. He always seemed like such a nice guy when I'd see him on tv. Just a good dude.

[Dan Smith--BYU]

Bradshaw can do whatever, but Frenchy Fuqua needs to be there wearing black except for the goldfish platforms.

[franco>madden]

B2B, Jack and all of yinz have posted wonderful thoughts today in light of this stunning and sad news.

I have no words .... but God bless Franco Harris

[JackLambert58]

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.

I second that @SteelerinKC. I hope you're with us another 52 years. A very blessed and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[R_S]

I listened to Franco's interview Tuesday with Chris Mad dog Russo this morning on my way to work. He sounded ok. He was fairly sharp. Not razor sharp. He did have a pretty good cough a couple times in the interview. It was very sad listening after the fact.

[MJG75]

https://youtu.be/Ss2JAyzlq4I

This is my favorite all-time Franco play, even more than the Immaculate Reception. They don't show it on this video, but just before the play Franco got in loudmouth Henderson's face telling him he didn't appreciate him roughing up Bradshaw the play before. Henderson must have said something stupid because he royally pissed off Franco. Franco gets back in the huddle and says, "GIVE ME THE BALL!" No one argues, Franco gets it and takes it up the gut to the house. FUCK YOU HENDERSON! FUCK YOU DALLAS!!! Franco with the touchdown!!!

I agree, it ranks with one of my favorites as well. Same reasons as you stated, Jack. Would be best if they could clip it to show the play before when Hollyweird sacked Brad and kept pushing him down, talking a bunch of smack in his face. Brad mostly ignored that stuff on the field (but he heard it alright), but Franco, uncharacteristically, came up to Hollyweird and got in his face about it. Rocky tells the story that Franco's thighs were pulsing and he spoke more than usual in the huddle about wanting the ball. Brad complied! Waters and Cliff Harris say that Brad had the play misread all the way and if it hadn't been for the official, they would have stuffed it. No f-ing way! Franco was a freight train on that run, no one, and I do mean NO ONE was going to stop his determination to get to that end zone on that play. Franco was the type of player who did thrive on motivation, and that was one instance where it was clearly demonstrated. GREAT f-ing play! RIP, Franco. Wish you were still with us this weekend and beyond.

[Quixotic]

Zanesville Ohio was 125 miles from Pittsburgh, which made it the first I-70 exit outside the NFL broadcast blackout zone. Because of the rise of the Steelers, their games began to be carried on our stations (historically Browns and Bengals country).

The Travel Lodge across the alley from Market Street Baptist Church would sell out the Saturday night before a home game and all day Sunday, and for a few hours, Zanesville would become an extension of the Burgh, and carloads, bus loads, and caravans of Yinzers made the trek so they could watch the Steelers on hotel televisions. We would come out of church to meet virtual tailgates of ebullient Steeler fans—still wide-eyed and surprised by the nascent dynasty. Some of the banners they hung from the balconies identified them as “Franco’s Italian Army.”

When I moved to Pittsburgh, I would occasionally run into Franco, at an event, in a restaurant, or just walking down Wood or Smithfield. He was always gracious. He knew he was royalty in Steeler Nation. But he seemed a little amused by all the fuss. After all, at Penn State he was just the blocking back in front of Lydell Mitchell. That’s a name you haven’t heard for a few decades. But everybody knows Franco.

He’s gonna be missed arahn tahn.

[shellwagnerblount]

Zanesville Ohio was 125 miles from Pittsburgh, which made it the first I-70 exit outside the NFL broadcast blackout zone. Because of the rise of the Steelers, their games began to be carried on our stations (historically Browns and Bengals country).

The Travel Lodge across the alley from Market Street Baptist Church would sell out the Saturday night before a home game and all day Sunday, and for a few hours, Zanesville would become an extension of the Burgh, and carloads, bus loads, and caravans of Yinzers made the trek so they could watch the Steelers on hotel televisions. We would come out of church to meet virtual tailgates of ebullient Steeler fans—still wide-eyed and surprised by the nascent dynasty. Some of the banners they hung from the balconies identified them as “Franco’s Italian Army.”

When I moved to Pittsburgh, I would occasionally run into Franco, at an event, in a restaurant, or just walking down Wood or Smithfield. He was always gracious. He knew he was royalty in Steeler Nation. But he seemed a little amused by all the fuss. After all, at Penn State he was just the blocking back in front of Lydell Mitchell. That’s a name you haven’t heard for a few decades. But everybody knows Franco.

He’s gonna be missed arahn tahn.

Great story...I became a Steelers fan in Canada because I was amazed at the crowds, who were featured on most STeeler games, first and NOT the team. I knew very little about football. Every player had their own banner and following seemingly! LOL...I think Franco understood he was the leader of a congregation in quite a different church than you described. But a church nontheless.

[Sir Lambert]

I got a 32 jersey during the final 2 years of the dynasty. I was 12 or 13 years old, and it was a Small, I think. I outgrew it a couple of years later but still kept squeezing into it until I just couldn't anymore. I didn't give it away until I was in my late 20s. It just hung there in my closet all those years.

It's sad that he graduated just a few days before this big milestone, but he had plenty of glorious days throughout the years.

I think this year's team, although they weren't born yet when Franco hung it up, will have a strong game and win this Saturday. It would be fitting if our current Harris 22 has a miracle play to win it at the end.

[jeemie]

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

The official made a fantastic block on White, I believe.

[JackLambert58]

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

The official made a fantastic block on White, I believe.

Charlie Waters

[StillerDownSouth]

According to Rich Eisen, who was at the Steelers facility today, Franco was on Cam Hayward’s podcast the day he passed. Cam hasn’t released the podcast yet and was asking Rich if he should. Rich told him of course, the world should get to hear it, one tidbit from the podcast was Franco said the coolest part about the celebration this weekend was getting to be there, my heart sunk when I heard that. Franco is the reason I became a Steelers fan when I was 5 years old. My dad and most of my family loved the Cowboys, but in kindergarten, my friend had a Franco Harris jersey and I’ve been hooked since then. RIP Franco, you were a living legend and you were a champion on and off the field. I know he will not be able to be there this weekend in person, but his spirit will definitely be there and be felt.

[benstunner]

Franco's obituary

https://www.tatalovichfuneralhome.com/o ... rationWall


On Tuesday, December 27, 2022, the public is welcome to pay their final respects to Franco at ACRISURE Stadium PNC Champions Club at Gate A from 1:00PM until 5:00PM.

Stadium parking lots will open at 11:00Am.

[SteelerDayTrader]

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

The official made a fantastic block on White, I believe.

That gets brought up a lot but it’s mostly bullshit

Firstly Pinney likely crushes Waters either way. The ref ALSO limited Pinney from just completely pancaking Waters

Secondly Franco had the 1st down and a head of steam shoulders lowered and was in the secondary

Harris and Waters were both under 190

Franco was 230 +

MAYBE he gets dragged down short of the end zone but I doubt it

Either way at that point the Steelers were going in sooner or later

[franco32]

I really enjoyed Franco's "A Football Life" last night. Great to see a lot of those old memories. I'm not sure how I missed it, but I never knew his Italian mom played Ave Maria during the Immaculate Reception game. That's awesome!

[Havoc]

Franco Harris was one of my childhood heroes. It bothers me that he's gone.

By all accounts a great man. On the football field, he was an important cog in our offensive machine.

[PennyBacker]

I'm too young to have watched him play, but with all the positive things expressed about him recently, and of course the build up to this weekend's game, it's clear that a lot of people have a Franco sized hole in their heart right now. Particularly his family, those in his immediate community, and historical fans.

Last night's win was important for so many reasons. May Franco RIP (Rest In Power) for all time for those who loved him.

[Dan Smith--BYU]

Pinney had the second most important block in Steelers history on that play, next to Faneca freeing FWP:

https://www.si.com/college/washington/l ... -bowl-xiii

[El Kabong]

I just got done watching the Immaculate Reception episode of A Football Life. What a bunch of liars and whiners those Raiders are. Oh, we know definitively that the ball only touched Frenchy, oh we know definitively that the ball touched the grass. No, we do not know those things. I agree with the Carnegie-Mellon professor. If the ball had only hit Frenchy, it wouldn't have been travelling so fast. It had to have hit Tatum. Waaaa waaa waaa waaa waaaa. Friggin' Raiders.

[JackLambert58]

Pinney had the second most important block in Steelers history on that play, next to Faneca freeing FWP:

https://www.si.com/college/washington/l ... -bowl-xiii

Gerry Mullins block on the Vikings' Wally Hilgenberg freeing up Franco for the first TD in SB IX was outstanding. Check it out here at 12:10:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj8rTJ4NAAY

[JackLambert58]

I just got done watching the Immaculate Reception episode of A Football Life. What a bunch of liars and whiners those Raiders are. Oh, we know definitively that the ball only touched Frenchy, oh we know definitively that the ball touched the grass. No, we do not know those things. I agree with the Carnegie-Mellon professor. If the ball had only hit Frenchy, it wouldn't have been travelling so fast. It had to have hit Tatum. Waaaa waaa waaa waaa waaaa. Friggin' Raiders.

Absolutely true. George Atkinson is the worst of them, and what a surprise since he, along with Jack Tatum, were two of the biggest cheap shot artists in the history of the game. John Madden bitched about it incessantly, too. You still see Raider fans cry about this on social media. Yep, those 50-year old tears are still delicious to this day!

[jeemie]

I just got done watching the Immaculate Reception episode of A Football Life. What a bunch of liars and whiners those Raiders are. Oh, we know definitively that the ball only touched Frenchy, oh we know definitively that the ball touched the grass. No, we do not know those things. I agree with the Carnegie-Mellon professor. If the ball had only hit Frenchy, it wouldn't have been travelling so fast. It had to have hit Tatum. Waaaa waaa waaa waaa waaaa. Friggin' Raiders.

I won’t claim definitively, but there are angles of the play I have seen that show the ball striking Tatum’s shoulder pad. And I think McMillen and Wife have a freeze frame view where you can see the ball is already behind Fuqua’s hand.

I just love it that 50 years later, this play still burns up Raiders’ fans.