(OutKick) Pittsburgh Steelers legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris has died at the age of 72.
Harris’ son, Dok, confirmed with the Associated Press that his father had passed away overnight.
While Harris’ list of accolades including four Super Bowl titles speaks for themselves, he was most known for hauling in the Immaculate Reception against the Oakland Raiders during the AFC Division Playoffs.
STEELERS FAN COMPARES IMMACULATE RECEPTION TO 9/11, MOON LANDING
Harris’ passing comes just a few days before the 50th anniversary of the historic play that took place on December 23, 1972. The Steelers were set to retire his No. 32 jersey with the Las Vegas Raiders visiting Pittsburgh on Christmas Eve.
The timing is quite unbelievable.
Franco Harris didn’t need to celebrate the Immaculate Reception for a 50th straight year though because he lived it.
RIP. pic.twitter.com/TyzeGEUGNO
— Tyler Feldman (@TylerFeldmanTV) December 21, 2022
On Tuesday afternoon, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talked about Harris and the Immaculate Reception. Tomlin, less than a year old at the time, was actually in attendance for the game at Acrisure Stadium.
