Remembering Franco: A Steeler for the Ages

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Roger l McNamara

The Man.  Sports fans everywhere --- most especially those in Western Pennsylvania --- were saddened by news of the passing into Eternity at Age 72 of Franco Doc Harris.   Originally out of Fort Dix., NJ in 1950 as the Son of a WWII combat veteran Cad Harris and his Italian born “war bride” Gina Parenti, Franco was graduated by Roncocas Valley Regional High School, where his athletic prowess and overall strength of character earned an enrollment at Penn State University.   

Penn State Record.  Enrolling at State College in 1969, his three football seasons for the Nittany Lions under Joe Paterno were roundly thought of as serving as a blocking back for Lydell Mitchell.  While doubtless paving many a gain for him and other teammates Franco did manage over his three year collegiate play 380 rushing attempts good for 2,002 yards ---5.3 yards per carry --- bringing 24 touchdowns.  While at it he snagged 28 pass receptions totaling another 352 yards of real estate, 12.6 per catch.  His year two skills led the unbeaten and second ranked Lions to the 1970 Orange Bowl, where a perfect season was cemented with a 13-3 victory over the 8th ranked Missouri Tigers.  Then in his 4th Season as Head Coach of the rebuilding and rapidly improving NFL Steelers, Chuck Noll and team management liked what they saw.  Franco Harris was enthusiastically selected in the first round of the draft, the 13th overall pick.  Additional honors and post season exploits lay in wait.

A Steeler For the Ages.    The transfer from inter collegiate to professional football challenges was negotiated smoothly by Harris, who in his 1972 rookie season compiled 1,055 yards rushing from scrimmage, 5.6 per carry and propelling him to Rookie of The Year honors.  His entire dozen year tenure as Steeler featured running back would include:  91 regular season TDs courtesy of 12,000 rushing yards blended with 2,227 on the receiving end; 7 Pro Bowl appearances; several All-Pro selections; 4 Super Bowl Championships; a Steeler retirement of uniform #32; and a richly entitled 1990 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Enough commentary has been devoted to a recapitulation of the “Immaculate Reception” that none be added here.  But readers may find it noteworthy that in 1972 NFL rules did now allow a pass reception if the ball bounced or was otherwise touched by two or more members of the receiving team unless contacted enroute by a member of the defense.  When the pass reached John Fuqua near the Oakland 30 yard line Safety Jack Tatum applied a characteristic vicious (but legal) hit.  He never touched the ball, which Harris recovered in mid air to take it home for a game winning score.  Whereupon officials retreated to a phone call with Three Rivers Stadium security.  At issue was if the partisan crowd could be peacefully contained if the ruling went in Oakland’s favor.  Assured that it could not, the head referee returned to the field bringing with him a Touchdown signal.

Beyond Football.  Franco’s retirement years were largely spent as a true reflection of his lifelong character --- in service to the Community which had given him so much.   While on the advisory board of Penn State’s Center For Food Innovation he partnered with Nittany Lions teammate Lydell Mitchell in the 1990 founding of Super Bakery, an enterprise delivering nutritious lunchtime servings to school age children.  They teamed again in 1996 in the rescue of Parks Sausage Company in Baltimore, the first African American business to go public in the history of U.S. commerce.  Both on and off the gridiron, Franco Harris etched a life and left a legacy altogether worthy of emulation.

May he now Rest  in Eternal Peace.