American football running back Franco Harris spent 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), mostly with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected him to play collegiate football at Penn State University.
Harris played for Pittsburgh for his first 12 seasons, when he was selected for nine Pro Bowls, then the Seattle Seahawks for his final season. On December 20, 2022, he suddenly passed away at the age of 72.
Legendary Steelers RB Franco Harris, author of the “Immaculate Reception” – one of the greatest plays in NFL history – has passed away at the age of 72.
A 4-time Super Bowl champion, Hall of Fame player and revered individual by so many.
RIP.pic.twitter.com/hUERPwHVwo
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 21, 2022
Is Franco Harris Autopsy Report Revealed?
At the age of 72, Harris passed away in his sleep at his Sewickley, Pennsylvania, home on December 20, 2022. His wife claimed that he told her he was fatigued when he arrived home late one night.
He was unconscious when she returned after using the restroom. He had never displayed any prior symptoms of a cardiac condition or another illness. His official autopsy report is not revealed yet but it is expected that he died due to natural causes.
He died just days before the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception as confirmed by the tweet provided below.
Just days before the Pittsburgh Steelers plan to retire Franco Harris’ #32 jersey, @WTAE sources confirm the stunning and tragic news that Franco has died. His death comes two days before the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.
Franco Harris was 72 years old. pic.twitter.com/qorEV8gxXa— Janelle Hall (@JanelleHallWTAE) December 21, 2022
If you want to know about Franco Harris’ family, you can check out our below posts:
- Who is Franco Harris Wife Dana Dokmanovich & When did They Get Married?
- Who is Franco Harris Son & What are his Qualifications?
How did Stars Pay Tribute to Franco Harris After His Death?
Many social media stars and fans paid tribute to him after his death. Chris Berman reflects on the legacy of Franco Harris.
Chris Berman reflects on the legacy of Franco Harris following his death:
“Franco, for all the superstars … was about the most humble, decent, kind, giving, he was much more than this brute of a running back.” pic.twitter.com/A5D2kSAdL6
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 21, 2022
A Twitter user wrote, “Incredibly saddened about the death of Franco Harris.”
Incredibly saddened about the death of Franco Harris. An Icon, a legend, and a great human. Here’s Jon Kolb telling the immaculate reception story pic.twitter.com/elmf3Oz05K pic.twitter.com/mqwmyxPN9I
— Out of Pocket Sports (@OutofPoSports) December 22, 2022
In a tweet shared below you will read the statements of James Franklin and Pat Kraft after Franco Harris’ death.
Statements from James Franklin and Pat Kraft of Franco Harris’ death pic.twitter.com/YbP0rDOAzH
— Max Ralph (@maxralph_) December 21, 2022
Adam Schefter tweeted, “Franco Harris’ tragic death comes two days before the 50th anniversary of The Immaculate Reception.”
Franco Harris’ tragic death comes two days before the 50th anniversary of The Immaculate Reception and just days before the Steelers retire his No. 32 jersey on Saturday. https://t.co/u8gQhIIU5S
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 21, 2022
In New Jersey’s Fort Dix, Harris was born. His father, Black soldier Cad Harris was in World War II and was based in Italy at the time. Italian-born Gina Parenti Harris, his mother was a “war bride” who immigrated to the United States with her husband when the war was over.
In 1968, Harris completed his high school education at Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey. He then enrolled at Penn State University, where he participated in football with the Nittany Lions.
Despite spending most of his first season at Penn State as a running back’s blocker, he racked up 2,002 yards of career rushing with 24 touchdowns and an average of nearly five yards per carry. He also caught 28 passes for 352 yards and another touchdown. In 1970, he was the team’s top scorer.
Our condolences are with his family and friends. You can also share your condolences towards his family in the comments section below.
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