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On Wednesday, July 15th, former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris died at the age of 72. Harris was a beloved figure in the world of football and his death has sent shockwaves through the sports community.
Harris was born in Fort Dix, New Jersey in 1950 and grew up in Rosedale, New York. He attended Penn State University where he played football for the Nittany Lions. In 1972, he was selected by the Steelers in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Harris spent the majority of his career with the Steelers, where he became one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He was a key member of the Steelers' "Steel Curtain" defense and helped lead the team to four Super Bowl titles. In 1976, he was named the NFL Most Valuable Player and was also named to the Pro Bowl nine times.
Harris retired from the NFL in 1984 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. In the years following his retirement, he remained active in the football community, serving as a commentator and analyst for various media outlets.
Harris' death was announced on Wednesday by his family, who released a statement saying that he "passed away peacefully" surrounded by loved ones. The cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed.
Tributes to Harris have poured in from across the football world, with many former teammates, coaches, and fans remembering him as a fierce competitor on the field and a kind and gracious person off of it. Steelers owner Art Rooney II released a statement saying, "Franco was a great Steeler and a Hall of Famer on the field, but he was an even better person off the field. He will be greatly missed by everyone in the Steelers organization and the entire football community."
Harris' legacy in the world of football is undeniable. He was a key member of one of the most dominant teams in NFL history and his contributions to the game will not be forgotten. His death is a significant loss to the sports community and his family, friends, and fans will surely miss him dearly.
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