Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris, who played just one season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has just died at the age of 72. His jersey will be retired at halftime of the Week 16 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Harris is one of the best running backs ever. The eventual Hall of Famer from Fort Dix, New Jersey, spent four years at Penn State.
Unlike many of today’s NFL stars, Harris actually graduated with his degree. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Service and Management.
After graduation, he was selected by the Steelers with the 13th overall pick in the first round. He’d be the icon of a franchise full of icons. He is best known for perhaps one of the most incredible games in NFL history, the perfect reception.
After Harris retired, NFLThe third-ranked rusher behind Walter Payton and Jim Brown.
In his 1990 Hall of Fame speech, he emphasized that every player on the Steelers matters. According to ESPN, despite being one of the best players in the league, it reflects his humble nature:
“You see, in that era, every player brought his own little pieces and made that wonderful decade. Every player had his strengths and weaknesses, everyone had his own ideas, everyone had Own way, just everybody, everybody has their own way.” But that was amazing, everything came together and came together to make the greatest team ever. “
It’s this unassuming personality that has made him a fan favorite and helped him become a steelers legend.
Franco Harris’ career stats: How did the Steelers running back get into the Hall of Fame?
In 13 seasons, Franco Harris racked up an impressive 12,120 total yards, although his 13th season lasted just eight games and totaled 170 yards. That’s still 15th all-time.
During that span, he added 91 touchdowns. Although running backs were barely a part of the passing game at the time (ironically, considering Harris’ role in the perfect catch that kicked off the Steelers dynasty), he recorded 2,287 career yards and nine carries touchdown.
