Franco Harris, Hall of Fame Steelers running back dies at 72. Rest In Peace.

Although I was a Walter Payton guy as a Chicago kid, I rooted for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC.

Statement from Steelers President Art Rooney II on the passing of Franco Harris: pic.twitter.com/5Ojd5Uatvr

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 21, 2022

The College Football Hall of Fame is saddened to hear of the passing of Penn State Nittany Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers legend Franco Harris. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans everywhere. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3LmMwG9MP6

— College Football Hall of Fame (@cfbhall) December 21, 2022

Tomlin was very good at encapsulating what Franco Harris meant to Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/IOPcQKdL8C

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) December 21, 2022

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

Franco Harris and Frank Sinatra have wine and cheese at a Pittsburgh Steelers practice after Sinatra was made a one-star general in Franco's Italian Army in Palm Springs, Calif., on Dec. 14, 1972. #RIPFranco #ripfrancoharris pic.twitter.com/Zdf06eR5tq

— Classic Rock In Pics (@crockpics) December 21, 2022

Franco Harris was so popular with the Pittsburgh Steelers that his fans, dubbed "Franco's Italian Army" were led by Frank Sinatra, and they wore army helmets with his number on them. pic.twitter.com/bTu7TsgmAn

— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) December 21, 2022

BREAKING: Franco Harris, the Hall of Fame running back whose heads-up thinking authored “The Immaculate Reception,” considered the most iconic play in NFL history, has died at 72. Harris won four Super Bowl rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s. https://t.co/eGskrbXh2H

— The Associated Press (@AP) December 21, 2022

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception at the Heinz History Center

PTL's Celina Pompeani-Mathison was at the Heinz History Center to learn about the new exhibit honoring Franco Harris and the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception!