NFL HOF Spotlight: Franco Harris

This NFL Hall of Fame spotlight focuses on a legendary smooth-styled running back—Franco Harris. Harris established himself as a superstar right from his very first pro season. He is known for many incredible things, but his “Immaculate Reception” is perhaps the most iconic. Playing 12 seasons in Pittsburgh Steelers colors, he became the driving force that powered their run-heavy offense.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into what made Harris an unforgettable football icon.

Italian-American by Descent, All-American by Talent

Harris was born in Fort Dix, New Jersey to Cad Harris, a World War II veteran, and Gina, his Italian bride. Harris attended Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mount Holly, New Jersey, where he earned High School All-American honors. He then got into Penn State University where he played on the Nittany Lions football team.

He became a three-year letterman in football as a running back. Super important for the team, he was a part of the team that played the 1970 Orange Bowl, the 1972 Cotton Bowl, and the College All-Star Game. In his three years in college football, he amassed incredible statistics, putting up 2,002 yards and 24 touchdowns on the ground.

The Steelers selected him in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft as the 13th overall pick.

Professional Football Career

Hardly do you see a player have his most celebrated moments in his first year of professional football. Harris was that guy. He swung into action quickly, racking up 1,055 yards on 188 carries. While those were seriously impressive rookie numbers, Harris’ performance went far beyond that.

His powerful—yet smooth running style revitalized the Steelers offense, making him the perfect fit for their 1970s dynasty. With Harris leading the ground game, Pittsburgh’s offense became nearly unstoppable. After his fine showing in 1972, Harris was voted as the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

In the divisional playoffs following the regular season, the Steelers were down 7-6 to the Oakland Raiders. With the game all but lost, Harris had one last trick up his sleeve. With just 22 seconds left on the clock, the Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw a pass aimed at wide receiver John Fuqua. The ball bounced off Raiders safety Jack Tatum, who was tackling Fuqua. Before the ball would hit the ground, Harris miraculously snatched it and ran into the endzone for a touchdown.

The play remains one of the greatest plays in NFL history and was dubbed the “Immaculate Reception.”

Four-time Super Bowl Champion

Harris followed up his glorious rookie season with eye-catching performances that endeared him to his coaches, teammates, fans, and the league at large. He helped the team into Super Bowl IX, after overpowering the Raiders in the Conference Championship.

In the Super Bowl, Harris carved his way through the Minnesota Vikings’ defense so graciously. He gained 158 yards on 34 carries, capping it off with a touchdown. Harris’ determined performance earned him the Super Bowl MVP.

Unrelenting, Harris delivered an even better individual performance in the 1975 season. He led the team to another Super Bowl championship. The Dallas Cowboys couldn’t deal with Pittsburgh’s running game and fell by a scoreline of 17-21 in Super Bowl X.

With Bradshaw at QB, Lynn Swann bossing the receiving department, and Harris weaving through defenses, the Steelers were simply phenomenal. Their smashmouth football and steel curtain defense was almost impossible to beat.

Harris and his teammates went on to win two more Super Bowls, making it four in six years.

A Specialist at Evading Hits

One truly special aspect of Harris’ game was his ability to evade contact. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 230 pounds, Harris possessed the physique of a traditional power back. However, he often chose to avoid unnecessary contact by running out of bounds. While some criticized this strategy, it added to Harris’ longevity in pro football. “Why take hits when you can glide past them like a ballet dancer with pure grace?” he must have thought.

Harris’ vision also earned him a reputation. He had an eye for picking holes and running into them. Late Coach Chuck Noll who helped Pittsburgh record the successes of the 1970s had this to say of Harris: “The first day he came to camp, you could see his ability to make people miss,” said Noll. “His quickness, his ability to run with the football was something that was very special. Franco really had great vision. Every good runner I knew had that kind of vision, and he had it right from the start. Not only seeing the holes but seeing the people. You know, a lot of people come in there and they close their eyes when they’re running into the line, but Franco had his eyes wide open. He could pick the holes, and knew the cuts to make.”

Drawing the Curtains in Seattle

Harris continued to prove himself a master of the running game. But he was more than just a runner, he also contributed significantly as a pass catcher. A career statistics of 307 receptions for 2,287 yards was enough to tell the story.

After an incredibly successful 12 years at Pittsburgh, Harris signed with the Seattle Seahawks. He had achieved all there was, and he simply retired after one season in Seattle.

Throughout his professional career, Harris rushed 2,949 times for 12,120 yards and 91 touchdowns.

Career Achievements

Harris reached insane heights during his career, setting up records he will forever be remembered for. One of those records was becoming the first African-American as well as Italian-American to be named Super Bowl MVP. Harris’s four career rushing touchdowns in Super Bowl games are tied for the second-most in Super Bowl history. Rushing for 1000 or more yards in eight out of 13 seasons further cemented his elite status.

At the time he retired, his total rushing yards and 14,622 all-purpose yards were the third-highest in professional football history. Harris earned nine consecutive Pro Bowl selections and was named a First-team All-Pro once. The Steelers retired his No. 32 jersey three days after his death.

Harris was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.

Related Content: NFL HOF Spotlight: Randy Moss