Franco Harris

Franco Harris was a renowned American football player who played as a running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks in the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 7, 1950, in Fort Dix, New Jersey, Harris grew up in a family of Italian-American descent and was raised in Mount Holly, New Jersey, where he developed a passion for football and track and field at Rancocas Valley Regional High School. He was discovered by Joe Paterno, the legendary coach of Penn State University, who offered him a scholarship to play for the Penn State Nittany Lions football team. Harris's impressive performance at Penn State University earned him a spot in the 1972 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round.

● Early Life

Harris was born to Godfrey Harris and Giovanna Harris, and his family moved to New Jersey when he was a child. He attended Rancocas Valley Regional High School, where he excelled in football, track and field, and wrestling, earning him All-State honors in football and track and field. Harris's athletic prowess caught the attention of college football coaches, including Joe Paterno of Penn State University, who offered him a scholarship to play for the Penn State Nittany Lions football team. At Penn State University, Harris played alongside notable players like Lydell Mitchell and Charlie Pittman, and was coached by Joe Paterno and his assistants, including Jim Caldwell and Tom Bradley. Harris's time at Penn State University was marked by significant victories, including wins over Ohio State University, University of Michigan, and University of Notre Dame.

● Career

Harris's professional football career spanned 13 seasons, during which he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks. He was a key player in the Pittsburgh Steelers' Super Bowl wins, including Super Bowl IX, Super Bowl X, Super Bowl XIII, and Super Bowl XIV. Harris's impressive performance on the field earned him numerous accolades, including nine Pro Bowl selections, four First-team All-Pro nominations, and two Second-team All-Pro nominations. He was also named the Super Bowl IX MVP and was a member of the 1970s All-Decade Team. Harris played alongside notable teammates like Terry Bradshaw, Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, and Jack Ham, and was coached by Chuck Noll and his assistants, including Bud Carson and George Perles. Harris's career was also marked by notable games, including the Immaculate Reception game against the Oakland Raiders and the AFC Championship Game against the Houston Oilers.

● Personal Life

Harris was married to Dana Dokmanovich and had one son, Dok Harris. He was a devoted Catholic and was involved in various charity work, including the United Way and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Harris was also a successful businessman and owned several restaurants and car dealerships in the Pittsburgh area. He was a close friend of Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene, and was known for his humble and kind personality. Harris was also an avid supporter of Penn State University and the Pittsburgh Steelers, and often attended games and events to show his support. He was also involved in various community initiatives, including the Pittsburgh Steelers' youth football program and the United Way's charity events.

● Legacy

Harris's legacy extends far beyond his impressive football career. He was a true legend of the Pittsburgh Steelers and a beloved figure in the Pittsburgh community. Harris was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990 and had his jersey number retired by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1979. He was also named to the Pittsburgh Steelers' 75th Anniversary All-Time Team and the Penn State University Athletics Hall of Fame. Harris's impact on the game of football was significant, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He was also a pioneer for Italian-American players in the NFL, paving the way for future generations of players like Dan Marino and Vinny Testaverde. Harris's legacy continues to inspire football players and fans around the world, and his memory will be cherished by the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State University communities for generations to come.

● Death and Tributes

Harris passed away on December 20, 2022, at the age of 72, in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes from the football community, including statements from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penn State University, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Harris's funeral was attended by numerous football legends, including Terry Bradshaw, Joe Greene, and Jack Ham. The Pittsburgh Steelers held a memorial service for Harris at Acrisure Stadium, which was attended by thousands of fans and featured eulogies from football greats like Jim Brown and Walter Payton. Harris's legacy will continue to be celebrated by the football community, and his memory will be honored through various tributes and initiatives, including the Franco Harris Scholarship Fund at Penn State University and the Franco Harris Memorial at Acrisure Stadium.