Franco Harris

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Harris was selected 13th overall in the first round of the 1972 NFL draft by the Steelers despite assistant personnel director Bill Nunn and head coach Chuck Noll preferring Robert Newhouse. In his rookie season, Harris was named NFL Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press. That season he gained 1,055 yards on 188 carries, a 5.6 yards per carry average, rushed for 10 touchdowns, and caught one touchdown pass. He was popular with Pittsburgh's Italian-American population; his fans, including Frank Sinatra, dubbed themselves "Franco's Italian Army" and wore army helmets with his number. Harris was chosen for nine consecutive Pro Bowls (1972–1980) and was All-Pro in 1977. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in eight seasons, breaking a record set by Jim Brown. The running back tandem of Harris and Rocky Bleier combined with a strong defense to win four Super Bowls following the 1974, 1975, 1978, and 1979 seasons.

In Their Own Story

In the first round of the playoffs during his rookie season, the Oakland Raiders were leading the Steelers 7–6 with 22 seconds to play. A Terry Bradshaw pass was deflected away from intended receiver John "Frenchy" Fuqua as defender Jack Tatum arrived to tackle him. Harris snatched the ball just before it hit the ground and ran it into the endzone, resulting in the Steelers' first-ever playoff win. The play was dubbed the "Immaculate Reception" by Pittsburgh sportscaster Myron Cope. On January 12, 1975, Harris was the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl IX, rushing for 158 yards and a touchdown on 34 carries in a 16–6 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Harris was the first African American as well as the first Italian-American to be named Super Bowl MVP. His Super Bowl career totals of 101 carries for 354 yards are records, and his four career rushing touchdowns are tied for the second-most in Super Bowl history.

Reader's Guide

Franco Harris played 13 professional seasons, gaining 12,120 yards (then 3rd all-time) on 2,949 carries, a 4.1 yards per carry average, and scored 91 rushing touchdowns (then also 3rd). He caught 307 passes for 2,287 yards, a 7.4 yards per reception average, and nine receiving touchdowns. Harris claimed he extended his career and contribution to the team's objectives by avoiding unnecessary contact. Following the 1983 season, Harris asked the Rooney family for a pay raise; they refused, and the Steelers released him during training camp in 1984. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks during the 1984 season, playing just eight games and gaining 170 yards before retiring 192 yards short of Jim Brown's record. Harris was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.

Did You Know?

• Harris was the first African American as well as the first Italian-American to be named Super Bowl MVP.
• Harris's fans, including Frank Sinatra, called themselves 'Franco's Italian Army' and wore army helmets with his number.
• Harris rushed for more than 1,000 yards in eight seasons, breaking a record set by Jim Brown.
• Harris was the MVP of Super Bowl IX, rushing for 158 yards and a touchdown on 34 carries.
• Harris died in his sleep on December 20, 2022, three days before the 50th anniversary of the 'Immaculate Reception.'