Just two days before the 50th anniversary of his “Immaculate Reception” touchdown catch, which is one of the most well-known and unexpected moments in NFL history, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris passed away, his family said on Wednesday.
When he retired from the NFL in 1984, Harris had 12,120 running yards and 91 rushing touchdowns, both of which still rank among the top 15 all-time.
Following his retirement, the New Jersey native turned became a serial entrepreneur, well recognized for his work with the healthy doughnut brand Super Bakery.
At Pittsburgh International Airport, a statue of Harris’ renowned “Immaculate Reception” welcomes visitors.
Was Franco Harris NFL Hall of Famer?
Harris was 72 years old, and there was no known cause of death at the time.
Harris, a four-time Super Bowl champion and 1990 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, is still best known for his “immaculate” game-winning touchdown catch against the Oakland Raiders in 1972.
Harris uncharacteristically caught a deflected pass and ran 60 yards to the end zone to secure Pittsburgh’s first-ever playoff victory.
During the Steelers’ Saturday night game against the Raiders in prime time, Harris’ jersey number was supposed to be retired.
