By Arise Rejoice News Service
Franco Harris, who led the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl victories, has died at the age of 72. His death was announced by his son, also named Franco.
Harris, who played college football at Penn State University, was an all-star for nine of the 13 years that he played professional football.
Beloved by teammates and fans, Harris was the heart of the Steelers team that won Super Bowls in 1974, 1975, 1978 and 1979. Some of his teammates included broadcaster Terry Bradshaw, former North Texas University standout Joe Greene, Jack Ham, L.C. Greenwood and Lynn Swann.
Harris was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. When he retired in 1984 he was the third leading rusher in the history of the league behind only Jim Brown and Walter Payton.
Harris was drafted in the first round by the Steelers in 1972. He had an immediate impact on the team, and was named ‘Rookie of the Year’ in the NFL.
When asked to describe Harris as a football player, Bradshaw said that he was a “Rolls Royce.”
The mayor of Pittsburgh, Ed Gainey, said that Harris was always ready to assist people and causes in the city.
A statute of Harris is located at the entrance of the Pittsburg airport. It depicts one of his most famous football plays, known as the “Immaculate Reception.”
In addition to his son, Harris, a native of New Jersey, is survived by his wife, Dana. He used hiscollege degree in Food Service and Administration from Penn State and started multiple companies including Super Bakery and Eco Product Group LLC.
The Steelers were planning to honor Harris at halftime during their game on Saturday.
“We have lost an incredible football player who was one of the finest gentlemen anyone will ever meet,” said Jim Porter, the president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
