I never really followed football. But Franco, Joe, Lynn, Terry and Jack Lambert made me a fan. There has not been a sports team like this since. Good memories.
Grew up at Penn State, went to law school in Pittsburgh and Franco there the whole time. My favorite memory though was seeing him as a freshman in the Penn State student union as a freshman, hanging out by the juke box. Just a tee-shirt on. Just the way he was so chill, taking in the scene. Priceless.
I can't remember what year it was that some friends and I met Franco. We were kids, probably 12 years old. I'll never forget that day. The Steelers occasionally would practice at Carnegie Mellon football field. They actually would let us shag Yoy Gerelas field goal kicks from behind the goal post. One day we were riding our bicycles through the campus and out of the gym pops Franco. We run up to him and just start talking to him. He leans up against the metal handrail and in that quiet voice chatted with us for several minutes. We all remember it like it was yesterday. He was so cool. RIP 32, thanks for all you did for our city and its residents without even knowing it.
I had an ice cream thrown at me in the 4th quarter of that Oakland game. Of course I was in my Steelers gear. Just a kid. I just laughed because I knew the Steelers had the game won and that was all that mattered to me. Thanks Franco. Thanks for the effort, the memories, and the championships. Your'e one of the greats of all time.
Franco is so humble, great running back. Growing up in Pittsburgh during the super years our 7 kid, 2 parents and dogs surrounded the t.v. every Sunday win or lose. Great memories !
The Steelers has a special place in my heart. In 1979, my mom and I just arrived in Pittsburgh, PA from Vietnam. In those days, there wasn't an Asian community in Pittsburgh. I was picked on and felt alone.
Me too. I wanted to grow up to be a running back for the Steelers. I'd dream about it at night. And I'm very happy to know that the #32 is gonna be retired once and for all.
My son and I played basketball with Harris and his son at the Sewickley YMCA outside Pittsburgh one time. Franco and I were about the same age. Roughly the same height, but he's much bigger. So, we matched up. 4 on 4 half court. Make it take it. Clear to the 3 line on possession change. Franco was such a better athlete than everyone else it was silly. In hs I was all county wr/db. 6th man bb player. Went to state in the 100, 220 and 440 relay. Played 2 years in the Cardinals farm system before release. No brag, just setting up the contrast. I was around alot of great athletes in my youth. I'm no scrub, but I felt like a fcking idiot playing him. Truly, I laughed a couple times when he broke my ankles. lol That's why he's in the HOF and I'm anonymously typing out this anecdote on my KB.
Great story!! Classic! You certainly have the pedigree in multiple sports & to feel that way puts Franco in another stratosphere. Appreciate you sharing
I have known Franco since 1970 at Penn State. He was always the most kind and helpful man that I have ever known. I always knew Dana was such a lucky woman, as were Franco's sisters and brothers, and all of his friends. The 70s were wonderful years for all of us.
Mr. Harris is the reason I love football. I was but a child when he started playing with the Steelers, but his presence on the field was awe inspiring.
Got to see him play in college, he and Lydell Mitchell played for JoePa at Penn State. They ran thru any team they played and I had to watch my team get that one two punch. They were a devastating combination. RIP Franco and condolences to family and friends. Archie Griffin might have won the Heisman but Franco had an amazingly full career, wow.
What a wonderful thing to say. Frano did have an amazingly great career. When Fox said they were going to pick the best football play of 100 years a few years ago, I posted on social media for everyone to vote for Franco with the link to Fox. I even posted on "This Is Us" TV show Facebook groups for fans to vote for Franco's Immaculate Reception with the Fox link. He won that Fox title. I am glad "This Is Us" honored him by putting Franco in their scripts. Franco will be missed.
One of greatest ever do so much respect for this best story ever I cry heard this so much respect I proud be Steelers fan 😢 so much respect I thank you what did for Steelers again so much respect
The Steelers of the 70's will never be duplicated. The teams that have been winning the last 20 years would not have won as many Super Bowls if they had played under the 70's rules.
"That was just Franco." As great of an athlete as Franco Harris was on the field, and we all know he was one of the best, he was an even better human being off the field. That was just Franco. Whether it was at training camp or at a gas station, he was always so kind, always so humble, always gracious and generous, and always doing his best to do the right thing for people, for total and complete strangers, no matter what it was. That was just Franco. The man couldn't go anywhere without being recognized, and yet he always, always, always made time for people who would stop him on the sidewalk for an autograph, picture, or to just shake his hand. He was never NOT like that. And when people were done taking his time, they'd thank him, and he'd immediately stop them to say something like 'Don't thank me. Thank YOU for everything since I first arrived in Pittsburgh'. That was just Franco. Growing up 20 minutes from Pittsburgh throughout the 70s, I have so many memories of just running into him at random places with my family. Each time he was always smiling, always so gracious. Franco was the epitome of a good man, and while losing him hurts so deeply, we should all be thankful not just because we see him play, etc, but because we each have the right to live each day like he did by being kind, humble, helping strangers every chance we get, while always being thankful for what we have. That was just Franco. While it's wholly appropriate that the Steelers have finally retired his number 32, it still bites that it wasn't done years ago. He passed away two days before the long-scheduled ceremony, but at least he knew they were retiring it last night. Fly high with the angels, Franco, and thank you again for everything. We'll always love and respect you, we'll always appreciate you, and God knows we're always gonna miss you. 🖤 💛 🖤
I have said many times before, and I still say that Frenchie is still feeling that hit from Tatum. I don't care who you are. That hit rattled some bones.
Franco Harris was one of my heroes growing up. Back then every potent offense had a great rushing attack. Franco coming to the team in 1972 started the era where the Steelers were contenders every year for the rest of the decade. Franco was the first RB to be within striking distance of Jim Brown’s career rushing record.
I'm learning from Franco he was blessed to have a long career. I look to do the same in my sport Boxing. I'm starting late but my goal is the 2025 Olympics.
He had a long career cause he avoided getting hit. He never met a sideline he didn't love. Watch any Franco highlight film and try to find one instance of him giving/taking a hit! Most over-rated rb in the HOF. Check out Earl Campbell, Walter Payton, etc. YOU on the other hand will take and give many many hits(watch Earl Campbell highlights).Good Luck to you young man!
Franco was more of a Fullback but he played well. It's debatable but Walter Payton was faster and so was Gale Sayers. Franco is my favorite RB of all time.
Phone number of reasons I love Franco Harris none of these reasons are tantamized to the humility of the man if you listen to anything he says he bleeds humility he doesn't want to talk about himself whatsoever it's not immaculate to him it happened and nor should it history nor should history judge that Franco Harris number 32 of the black and gold should be remembered by the immaculate reception because he did so much more that was immaculate on the field before and after that
Reminds me of the fullbacks glory days. Good times. Also why is it the FULLback. It's Quarterback (a little behind center), and then there should be HALFback then fullback.
I didn't want to get drafted by the Steelers lol lol lol hilarious lol Why? I couldn't ever see Franco playing for another team lol he was made to be a Steeler
Let me be clear when I say this please Franco Harris was the Jerome bettis of the '70s without a f****** dog a lot of people might say well he you know rather than take the hit he would run out of bounds that's b******* that was my father and I disagree with my father I watch Franco Harris play Franco Harris was one of the greatest running backs in the history of the NFL and the stats prove it
Franco would run out of bounds and only resort to blasting an opponent when necessary. He was far more agile than Bettis and could cut back just as easily as stiff arm someone. This is why he may not have any CTE symptoms (We have no idea if he was impacted by career or not but there have been no reports of such). Bettis was an out and out truck, and had the physique suited for it
Oh Franco so you want to be in top 5 of the greatest? Well I’m going to give it to you. 1)Franco Harris 2)Tony Dorsett 3)Earl Campbell 4)Walter Payton 5)Gale Sayers How’s that? For the record, I am not an Steeler fan!
On another note. Way too many put this play as the start of the Steelers Dynasty. But, they failed in the Championship game that season. The real begining started the next season. And then 4 superbowls in six years. Yes, I get it, that play may have been something that led the fans to hope. But again, the Steelers failed the rest of the play offs that season. So that play really was, cool, but meh, didn't change any thing. JMHO.
Football 🏈 means nothing to FRANCO HARRIS now . What he did for JESUS CHRIST will be the only thing that matters in Eternity 🔥. I pray to GOD he was SAVED.....
The black players made the organization and teams great, but theses black players have never been given the credit they deserve. I will make many fans & media wouldn't like the truth about the organization and the Rooney family & Chuck Noll. Franco is being modest, he knows there were things going on in Pittsburgh that was not right. My opening statement basically says is that the black although this team started winning the black players were envyed through out the state of Pennsylvania And the city of Pittsburgh was some racial Injustices the black players had to deal with, that the media will not talk about. For instance joe Gilliam had his problems with drugs , but he also had his problems of being black. And here's the evil getting death threats from area KKK was the death of his career for being black. I can write a book and make some money about the true nature of the black players in Pittsburgh Steelers uniforms. There's more to this story that why there's has never been a movie about the greatest football team ever & the story of joe Gilliam. The shock and horrors of the Pittsburgh Steelers would be the name of the making of my book. To be continued ! I'm not finished either !
I didn't know any of this that is crazy. I'm 22 my dad is 60 and he grew up watching the 70's teams and has only said great things about the players from that time like Swann, stallworth, blount, shell and them all.
Everyone knows Joe Greene is the greatest steeler, how many of the black players from that team in the 70s is in the hall of fame? Tons.. YOU are a racist, grow up and stop being a victim
The biggest chicken crap running back to play in the N.F.L. Ever noticed when he ran with the ball he always made that angle toward the sidelines. He might have been the most talented running back in his day but not the toughest by a long shot
Joe Gilliam should have been allowed to QB in the superbowl but he was Black so Bradshaw started. The Steelers won so that was it for Gilliam. He died of an OD.
Every time that I see Franco , I just smile. Such great memories.
I never really followed football. But Franco, Joe, Lynn, Terry and Jack Lambert made me a fan. There has not been a sports team like this since.
Good memories.
I love Franco! He is the finest person, as well one of the greatest players ever.
Grew up at Penn State, went to law school in Pittsburgh and Franco there the whole time. My favorite memory though was seeing him as a freshman in the Penn State student union as a freshman, hanging out by the juke box. Just a tee-shirt on. Just the way he was so chill, taking in the scene. Priceless.
I can't remember what year it was that some friends and I met Franco. We were kids, probably 12 years old. I'll never forget that day. The Steelers occasionally would practice at Carnegie Mellon football field. They actually would let us shag Yoy Gerelas field goal kicks from behind the goal post. One day we were riding our bicycles through the campus and out of the gym pops Franco. We run up to him and just start talking to him. He leans up against the metal handrail and in that quiet voice chatted with us for several minutes. We all remember it like it was yesterday. He was so cool. RIP 32, thanks for all you did for our city and its residents without even knowing it.
I had an ice cream thrown at me in the 4th quarter of that Oakland game. Of course I was in my Steelers gear. Just a kid. I just laughed because I knew the Steelers had the game won and that was all that mattered to me.
Thanks Franco. Thanks for the effort, the memories, and the championships. Your'e one of the greats of all time.
RIP Franco, we are all gonna miss you💔
Franco is so humble, great running back. Growing up in Pittsburgh during the super years our 7 kid, 2 parents and dogs surrounded the t.v. every Sunday win or lose. Great memories !
How lucky you are!
ha ha...way more winning than losing though. Thanks to Franco & the boys.
The Steelers has a special place in my heart. In 1979, my mom and I just arrived in Pittsburgh, PA from Vietnam. In those days, there wasn't an Asian community in Pittsburgh. I was picked on and felt alone.
Continuation. However, every weekend watching the Steelers played, made my world of sorrow disappeared. They were my childhood heroes!!!
You will be missed and forever in the hearts of Steeler Nation! Rest in peace....
Franco Harris Always a class act
I remember Franco as a great running back. My childhood idol. Thank you Franco.
I remember getting grounded when he picked a ball out of the air to beat my Raiders. (Mom so didn't like that I knew language like that.)
Me too. I wanted to grow up to be a running back for the Steelers. I'd dream about it at night. And I'm very happy to know that the #32 is gonna be retired once and for all.
A truly GREAT man.
My son and I played basketball with Harris and his son at the Sewickley YMCA outside Pittsburgh one time. Franco and I were about the same age. Roughly the same height, but he's much bigger. So, we matched up. 4 on 4 half court. Make it take it. Clear to the 3 line on possession change.
Franco was such a better athlete than everyone else it was silly. In hs I was all county wr/db. 6th man bb player. Went to state in the 100, 220 and 440 relay. Played 2 years in the Cardinals farm system before release. No brag, just setting up the contrast. I was around alot of great athletes in my youth. I'm no scrub, but I felt like a fcking idiot playing him. Truly, I laughed a couple times when he broke my ankles. lol That's why he's in the HOF and I'm anonymously typing out this anecdote on my KB.
Great story!! Classic! You certainly have the pedigree in multiple sports & to feel that way puts Franco in another stratosphere. Appreciate you sharing
It is like listening to a prophet talk. I hang on every word. And I am a NYG fan. Thank you for the greatness, sir.
Class Act all the way...RIP Franco
I have known Franco since 1970 at Penn State. He was always the most kind and helpful man that I have ever known. I always knew Dana was such a lucky woman, as were Franco's sisters and brothers, and all of his friends. The 70s were wonderful years for all of us.
met Franco at a hotel where I was a bellmen. .carried his golf clubs, he tipped me.. he was super generous and nice...great guy!
Fly free, Mr. Harris. What a player.
Mr. Harris is the reason I love football. I was but a child when he started playing with the Steelers, but his presence on the field was awe inspiring.
What a great man.
Got to see him play in college, he and Lydell Mitchell played for JoePa at Penn State. They ran thru any team they played and I had to watch my team get that one two punch. They were a devastating combination. RIP Franco and condolences to family and friends. Archie Griffin might have won the Heisman but Franco had an amazingly full career, wow.
What a wonderful thing to say. Frano did have an amazingly great career. When Fox said they were going to pick the best football play of 100 years a few years ago, I posted on social media for everyone to vote for Franco with the link to Fox. I even posted on "This Is Us" TV show Facebook groups for fans to vote for Franco's Immaculate Reception with the Fox link. He won that Fox title. I am glad "This Is Us" honored him by putting Franco in their scripts. Franco will be missed.
One of greatest ever do so much respect for this best story ever I cry heard this so much respect I proud be Steelers fan 😢 so much respect I thank you what did for Steelers again so much respect
I have so much respect for the fact that you have so much respect, for which I have a lot of respect!
Great interview just great
A great interview and glimpse into the soul of a remarkable man.
Heaven gained a good one. 32 forever 🙏 my dad's favorite offensive player to create a winning dynasty.
Rest in peace, Franco Harris. I love you.
RIP Mr. Harris!
He didn't want to be drafted by the Steelers, but he helped build a legacy to which any player would be crazy to not want to be a part of to this day.
RIP FRANCO Steelers Nation will always remember your impact on Pittsburgh and our Lives. 🙏
RIP my hero.
Awesome! His goal was the Super Bowl and not all the other accolades or goals--that's special!!
RIP franco 🏈
R.I.P. # #FrancoHarris 🕊️ #Legend
Ahh, those were the days 🖤💛🖤💛😍😎
The Steelers of the 70's will never be duplicated. The teams that have been winning the last 20 years would not have won as many Super Bowls if they had played under the 70's rules.
@Intellectual One 🤣🤣🤣
@Intellectual One care to explain? Also many pro sports teams have been caught cheating and dont lose titles it's not the NCAA mr intellectual
"That was just Franco."
As great of an athlete as Franco Harris was on the field, and we all know he was one of the best, he was an even better human being off the field. That was just Franco.
Whether it was at training camp or at a gas station, he was always so kind, always so humble, always gracious and generous, and always doing his best to do the right thing for people, for total and complete strangers, no matter what it was. That was just Franco.
The man couldn't go anywhere without being recognized, and yet he always, always, always made time for people who would stop him on the sidewalk for an autograph, picture, or to just shake his hand. He was never NOT like that. And when people were done taking his time, they'd thank him, and he'd immediately stop them to say something like 'Don't thank me. Thank YOU for everything since I first arrived in Pittsburgh'. That was just Franco.
Growing up 20 minutes from Pittsburgh throughout the 70s, I have so many memories of just running into him at random places with my family. Each time he was always smiling, always so gracious. Franco was the epitome of a good man, and while losing him hurts so deeply, we should all be thankful not just because we see him play, etc, but because we each have the right to live each day like he did by being kind, humble, helping strangers every chance we get, while always being thankful for what we have. That was just Franco.
While it's wholly appropriate that the Steelers have finally retired his number 32, it still bites that it wasn't done years ago. He passed away two days before the long-scheduled ceremony, but at least he knew they were retiring it last night.
Fly high with the angels, Franco, and thank you again for everything. We'll always love and respect you, we'll always appreciate you, and God knows we're always gonna miss you. 🖤 💛 🖤
RIP LEGEND
RIP Sir.
His mind was completely blank but his athletic instincts and muscle memory kicked in and he was in the flow. It was and is an amazing play.
Rip 🐐 be there Saturday for you Christmas Eve
The best... 💛 🖤💛🖤
Such a cool, modest man. Great player. He is missed. RIP Mr. Franco Harris. 🙏🙏
I wasn't born during that time period when they were winning super bowls. But him and Ricky Bleir were a great tandem when u see the highlights.
Even if you don't see any of the highlights, them was always a great tandem, him and Rocky!
To hear that the Steelers hadn’t won a playoff game in there 1st 40 years is absolutely unbelievable
They had been in a playoff game once - 1947
Detroit Lions hold my beer?
When u look at Football it's obviously a team sport he played a large part in the Steelers championships. Him and Rocky Bleir was great
Yes, him was great, and Rocky Bleier were, too!
LEGEND !
I have said many times before, and I still say that Frenchie is still feeling that hit from Tatum. I don't care who you are. That hit rattled some bones.
Jack Tatum was so blessed with the gift of bone crushing hits. gave some of his blessings to the other team, unknowingly!
I just loved Franco
Franco Harris was one of my heroes growing up. Back then every potent offense had a great rushing attack. Franco coming to the team in 1972 started the era where the Steelers were contenders every year for the rest of the decade. Franco was the first RB to be within striking distance of Jim Brown’s career rushing record.
Two class acts!
10:22, Franco talks about his experiences of the Immaculate Reception.
I'm learning from Franco he was blessed to have a long career. I look to do the same in my sport Boxing. I'm starting late but my goal is the 2025 Olympics.
He had a long career cause he avoided getting hit. He never met a sideline he didn't love. Watch any Franco highlight film and try to find one instance of him giving/taking a hit! Most over-rated rb in the HOF. Check out Earl Campbell, Walter Payton, etc. YOU on the other hand will take and give many many hits(watch Earl Campbell highlights).Good Luck to you young man!
What a sad loss for humanity he was an even better human being than player and he was an all time GREAT PLAYER!
R.I.P. Franco
Immaculate Reception was weird but this guy is a legend. Great Human Being and he was a smart running back
Franco Harris ⭐️ I’m almost 58 and a Minnesota Vikes fan since 1969 , mad respect for this man 💎
RIP Sir.
We are losing our good guys.
It was meant to be that Franko became a Steeler!!!!!!
Hes the most youngest 70 man I ever seen
thank goodness Franco didn't get drafted by a team like the Cowboys or Raiders which he was probably looking forward to being drafted by
Memento Morí, Rest In Peace #33
Franco was more of a Fullback but he played well. It's debatable but Walter Payton was faster and so was Gale Sayers. Franco is my favorite RB of all time.
Franco was AWESOME!! New Donnie shell was good but he is Truly a HOF-er!!
Rest In Peace Franco
Rest in peace Franco Harris 🙏 😭
✨️🖤💛
Phone number of reasons I love Franco Harris none of these reasons are tantamized to the humility of the man if you listen to anything he says he bleeds humility he doesn't want to talk about himself whatsoever it's not immaculate to him it happened and nor should it history nor should history judge that Franco Harris number 32 of the black and gold should be remembered by the immaculate reception because he did so much more that was immaculate on the field before and after that
Can he play QB for this team????
12:18 "And we all know Jack Tatum, man..."
he was a better person then fb player
Reminds me of the fullbacks glory days. Good times.
Also why is it the FULLback. It's Quarterback (a little behind center), and then there should be HALFback then fullback.
Franco Corleone lol the Godfather cursed me with Italian Americans. I'm not sure if he's Sicilian or Italian on his mom's side
I didn't want to get drafted by the Steelers lol lol lol hilarious lol Why? I couldn't ever see Franco playing for another team lol he was made to be a Steeler
he wanted warm weather
The Steelers were not a good team prior that. Had never won a playoff game in 40 years before the immaculate reception.
Why? Would YOU want to play for a perennial loser?
Let me be clear when I say this please Franco Harris was the Jerome bettis of the '70s without a f****** dog a lot of people might say well he you know rather than take the hit he would run out of bounds that's b******* that was my father and I disagree with my father I watch Franco Harris play Franco Harris was one of the greatest running backs in the history of the NFL and the stats prove it
Franco would run out of bounds and only resort to blasting an opponent when necessary. He was far more agile than Bettis and could cut back just as easily as stiff arm someone. This is why he may not have any CTE symptoms (We have no idea if he was impacted by career or not but there have been no reports of such). Bettis was an out and out truck, and had the physique suited for it
Both of them gone now, wow.
We lost Ben and our center Al pro . Getting healthy for next year. And lost others. We got a defs I am a Steelers in the 70s
Oh Franco so you want to be in top 5 of the greatest? Well I’m going to give it to you.
1)Franco Harris
2)Tony Dorsett
3)Earl Campbell
4)Walter Payton
5)Gale Sayers
How’s that?
For the record, I am not an Steeler fan!
Hi
Savran wearing white sole shoes with a suit...looks silly!!!
I pray Franco accepted Jesus and will be in Heaven
On another note. Way too many put this play as the start of the Steelers Dynasty. But, they failed in the Championship game that season. The real begining started the next season. And then 4 superbowls in six years. Yes, I get it, that play may have been something that led the fans to hope. But again, the Steelers failed the rest of the play offs that season. So that play really was, cool, but meh, didn't change any thing. JMHO.
It was still the first playoff game they ever won, and it set them on the road tothe dynasty, even despite the setback of the next year 73
Rip big man. Luckiest play ever immaculate reception on his head stone.
Football 🏈 means nothing to FRANCO HARRIS now . What he did for JESUS CHRIST will be the only thing that matters in Eternity 🔥. I pray to GOD he was SAVED.....
The immaculate reception was still illegal catch.
Nope. Watch closely at .25 speed and you'll see.
If you watch the video from behind the offense it was a catch, and there was a official looking directly at it with a unobstructed view
The black players made the organization and teams great, but theses black players have never been given the credit they deserve. I will make many fans & media wouldn't like the truth about the organization and the Rooney family & Chuck Noll. Franco is being modest, he knows there were things going on in Pittsburgh that was not right. My opening statement basically says is that the black although this team started winning the black players were envyed through out the state of Pennsylvania And the city of Pittsburgh was some racial Injustices the black players had to deal with, that the media will not talk about. For instance joe Gilliam had his problems with drugs , but he also had his problems of being black. And here's the evil getting death threats from area KKK was the death of his career for being black. I can write a book and make some money about the true nature of the black players in Pittsburgh Steelers uniforms. There's more to this story that why there's has never been a movie about the greatest football team ever & the story of joe Gilliam. The shock and horrors of the Pittsburgh Steelers would be the name of the making of my book. To be continued ! I'm not finished either !
I didn't know any of this that is crazy. I'm 22 my dad is 60 and he grew up watching the 70's teams and has only said great things about the players from that time like Swann, stallworth, blount, shell and them all.
Read the book, Their Life's Work. it was the first really integrated team, they were a model of racial harmony and cooperation.
Everyone knows Joe Greene is the greatest steeler, how many of the black players from that team in the 70s is in the hall of fame? Tons.. YOU are a racist, grow up and stop being a victim
The biggest chicken crap running back to play in the N.F.L. Ever noticed when he ran with the ball he always made that angle toward the sidelines. He might have been the most talented running back in his day but not the toughest by a long shot
Joe Gilliam should have been allowed to QB in the superbowl but he was Black so Bradshaw started. The Steelers won so that was it for Gilliam. He died of an OD.
Franco Harris is one of my favorite Seahawks.
The Jab claims another life
It's just sad