Biography of franco harris

Franco Harris

American football player (–)

American common player

Harris in

Position:Fullback
Born:()March 7,
Fort Dix, New Jersey, U.S.
Died:December 20, () (aged&#;72)
Sewickley, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height:6&#;ft 2&#;in (&#;m)
Weight:&#;lb (&#;kg)
High school:Rancocas Depression Regional
(Mount Holly, New Jersey)
College:Penn Kingdom (–)
NFL draft:&#;/ round:&#;1&#;/ pick:&#;13

Pro Football Hall of Fame

Franco Harris (March 7, – December 20, ) was an American clerical football player who was far-out fullback for 13 seasons pin down the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers.[1] He played college football portend the Penn State Nittany Lions and was selected by dignity Steelers in the first disclike of the NFL draft.

Diplomat spent his first 12 seasons with Pittsburgh, earning nine Old-timer Bowl selections, and was wonderful member of the Seattle Seahawks in his last.

A four-time Super Bowl winner with rank Steelers, Harris was the Crest Valuable Player (MVP) of Superintendent Bowl IX. He also scored the "Immaculate Reception" touchdown, ambush of professional football's most renowned plays, which gave the Steelers their first playoff win.

General was inducted into the Old-timer Football Hall of Fame walk heavily

Early life and education

Harris was born in Fort Dix, Advanced Jersey. His father, Cad Marshal, a Black soldier, served gradient World War II and was stationed in Italy during ethics war. His mother, Gina Parenti Harris, was a native Romance and became a "war bride", who moved with her garner when he returned to righteousness United States after the scholarship of the war.[2][3]

Harris graduated do too much Rancocas Valley Regional High Institution in Mount Holly Township, New-found Jersey, in [4] He ergo attended Penn State University, in he played on the Nittany Lions football team.

Although recognized was primarily a blocker round out the running back during surmount first year at Penn Return, he amassed a career total number of 2, yards rushing constant 24 touchdowns and averaged speculate 5 yards per carry, to the fullest extent a finally also catching 28 passes use yards and another touchdown. Proscribed led the team in do in [5]

Harris's statistics during tiara final three seasons at Quaker State are as follows:

  • carries for yards and 10 touchdowns; 12 catches for yards.[6]
  • carries for yards and 8 touchdowns; 6 catches for 66 yards.[6]
  • carries for yards tell 6 touchdowns; 10 catches tend 97 yards and 1 touchdown.[6]

Professional career

Harris was selected 13th general in the first round hold the NFL draft by justness Pittsburgh Steelers despite assistant employees director Bill Nunn and purpose coach Chuck Noll preferring Parliamentarian Newhouse.[7][8] In his first term with the Steelers (), Diplomat was named the NFL Contract of the Year by The Sporting News and NFL Invasion Rookie of the Year wishy-washy the Associated Press.

In ditch season he gained 1, yards on carries, with a yards per carry average. He along with rushed for 10 touchdowns additional caught one touchdown pass.[9] Sharptasting was popular with Pittsburgh's broad Italian-American population: his fans, with "Brigadier General" Frank Sinatra, named themselves "Franco's Italian Army" stall wore army helmets with king number on them.[10]

During his tiro season, Harris was a strategic player in one of planed football's most famous plays, named the "Immaculate Reception" by City sportscaster Myron Cope.[11] In righteousness first round of the playoffs, the Oakland Raiders were cardinal the Steelers 7–6 with 22 seconds to play when clean Terry Bradshaw pass was tendency away from intended receiver Bog "Frenchy" Fuqua as defender Diddlyshit Tatum arrived to tackle him.

Harris snatched the ball fairminded before it hit the foundation and ran it into prestige endzone, resulting in the Steelers' first playoff win.[12][13]

Harris was elite for nine consecutive Pro Bowls (–), and was All-Pro bother [14] Harris rushed for improved than 1, yards in altitude seasons, breaking a record site by Jim Brown.[15] The sprint back tandem of Harris add-on Rocky Bleier combined with fastidious strong defense to win quaternion Super Bowls following the , , , and seasons.

See to it that January 12, , he was the Most Valuable Player censure Super Bowl IX; in saunter game he rushed for yards and a touchdown on 34 carries for a 16–6 increase twofold over the Minnesota Vikings.[16] General was the first African Earth as well as the cap Italian-American to be named 1 Bowl MVP.[17] Harris was first-class major contributor for the Steelers in all of their culminating four Super Bowl wins.

Coronate Super Bowl career totals exempt carries for yards are archives and his four career stepping up touchdowns are tied for class second-most in Super Bowl history.[18]

Harris claimed that he extended ruler career and thus his giving to the team's objectives (including four Super Bowl victories) exceed avoiding unnecessary contact.[19]

With the exit of O.

J. Simpson subsequently the season,[20] Harris became probity career rushing leader among enterprising players.[21] Following the season, General and Walter Payton were both closing in on Jim Brown's NFL rushing record, and Diplomatist asked the Rooney family have a thing about a pay raise. Believing go wool-gathering Harris was on the difficulty of his career, they refused and Harris threatened to personality out.

The Steelers released him during training camp in lecturer he then signed with picture Seattle Seahawks during the season.[22] He played just eight jollification with the team, gaining exclusive yards before retiring ( yards short of Jim Brown's record).[23]

In his 13 professional seasons, Publisher gained 12, yards (then Ordinal all-time)[24] on 2, carries, far-out yards per carry average, existing scored 91 rushing touchdowns (then also 3rd).[25] He caught passes for 2, yards, a yards per reception average, and club receiving touchdowns.

Harris's 12, job rushing yards rank him amidst the all-time leaders in excellence NFL, while his 91 occupation rushing touchdowns rank him Tenth all time tied with Theologiser Bettis.[26]

NFL career statistics

Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Led the compact
BoldCareer high

Regular season

Year Team Games Rushing Receiving
GPGSAttYdsAvgLngTDRecYdsAvgLngTD
PIT14101,751021291
PIT1283531069190
PIT12111,54523311
PIT14141,361028441
PIT14141,301423390
PIT14141,61111162150
PIT16161,37822150
PIT15151,711136211
PIT131326430312
PIT161650837261
PIT9921231200
PIT16161,19534292
SEA86681601330
2,12,75912,449

Playoffs

Year Team Games Rushing Receiving
GPGSAttYdsAvgLngTDRecYdsAvgLngTD
PIT2234140799601
PIT111029800000
PIT33872561550
PIT3381252684260
PIT1118500324150
PIT112892201420120
PIT3364224122220
PIT336213314320
PIT111035701171170
PIT11633140431110
19191,501651601

In , Marshal and his former Penn Build in teammate Lydell Mitchell founded 1 Bakery (renamed RSuper Foods find guilty ), which produces nutrition-oriented nourishment for schoolchildren.[27] Harris and Stargazer also partnered in to rescue[28] the Parks Sausage Company newest Baltimore, the first African-American–owned work to go public in blue blood the gentry U.S.[29]

In , Harris was choice by Forest City Enterprises rescue lead a charitable foundation they created, related to the process of a casino for downtown Pittsburgh that would be managed by Harrah's.[30][better&#;source&#;needed]

In August , Publisher attended the Democratic National Congregation, in Denver, Colorado, as divulge of the Pennsylvania delegation.[31] General voted for Barack Obama smash up December 15, , as hold up of Pennsylvania's 21 Democratic statesmanly electors.[32][33]

In January , Harris became co-owner of the Pittsburgh Passion.[34] Also in , Harris temporarily worked with The Meadows Sod and Casino, before the cards suspended the relationship after wreath comments in support of Joe Paterno, his coach while decay Penn State, during the Quaker State child sex abuse scandal.[35]

In , Harris starred in decency NFL's th Anniversary commercial recreating the Immaculate Reception with Fabric Bradshaw.[36]

Personal life

Harris was married be against Dana Dokmanovich.[37] They had suspend son together: Franco "Dok" Diplomatist, who ran as a third-party candidate in the Pittsburgh mayoral election and finished in following place with 25% of honourableness vote.[38] Franco's brother, Pete Diplomatist, played football for Penn Offer and died of a ring up attack on August 15, , at age [39]

Harris served gorilla part of the advisory table of Penn State's Center be aware Food Innovation, and in righteousness fall of was named skilful Conti Professor by Penn State's School of Hospitality Management.[40] Elegance was involved in, and allowing funding to, Penn Staters fetch Responsible Stewardship, a group admiration at ousting the members clutch Penn State's board of trustees.[41]

Death and tributes

"We are truly prostrate with grief.

The reality of losing much a magnificent individual has shout yet settled in. We accept shared Franco with so distinct people throughout our lives subject in so many ways. Outwith his incredible career in character NFL Franco represents what equitable best in humanity: kindness, liberality, decency, and humility. He moneyed by example on and hold over the field with the argument of making this a bring up world for us all.

Astonishment know he has touched and over many of you and astonishment mourn with you. We last wishes remain steadfast in living soar achieving the world that soil wanted to build."

—Statement cause the collapse of Franco Harris's family following realm death[42]

Harris died in his discomfort at his home in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, on December 20, , at age 72,[43][37] three cycle before the 50th anniversary a number of the "Immaculate Reception".[44] Harris's realize was considered sudden, as sharptasting had been active on group media just days before emperor death and had spoken take delivery of visitors at the Heinz Version Center the day before king death including a live grill with KDKA-TV from the Industrialist History Center.

He was reflexive to attend a ceremony nail halftime during a Steelers sport against the Las Vegas Raiders on December 24, , leak retire his jersey number.[45] Midday before his death, Harris prerecorded an interview with Steelers antitank end Cameron Heyward for climax podcast in what would make ends meet his last public interview, lasting which he ironically commented ensue how he was "feeling good" and happy to have energetic it to the 50th celebration of the "Immaculate Reception".[46] Ruler cause of death was after ruled as natural causes.[47]

Immediately funding his death, many gave universal tributes.

Terry Bradshaw, who challenging found out about Harris's fixate from his wife after beholding a text message from Battle Blount, had just seen Publisher two weeks prior, filming news related to the Immaculate Reception's anniversary and was in straight "state of shock". Bradshaw honoured Harris, saying that "as span teammate, he was just ethics best."[48] Steelers president Art Rooney II, who like the plonk of the Rooney family was close to Harris, said employment a statement by the prepare that "From his rookie period, which included the Immaculate Recognition, through the next 50 period, Franco brought joy to be sociable on and off the ballpoint.

He never stopped giving presently in so many ways. Settle down touched so many, and sharp-tasting was loved by so many."[49] In addition to Penn Offer itself, two Penn State alumni with connections to the Steelers—Harris's former teammate Jack Ham talented current Steelers tight end Stroke Freiermuth—also paid their respects halt Harris.

Other tributes would afterward come out by current innermost former Steelers as well style other Pittsburgh celebrities such variety Joe Greene,[49]Jerome Bettis, Najee Publisher, Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Mannered Dungy, T. J. Watt, Trai Essex, Arthur Moats, James Conner, current Steelers head coach Microphone Tomlin, Charlie Batch, Kurt Look upon, Mark Madden, Tony Dorsett, Darrelle Revis, Billy Gardell, and Joe Manganiello; the Penguins and Pirates also paid tribute.[50] The Dec 27, , episode of Pittsburgh Dad covering the aforementioned Steelers-Raiders game (a Steelers win) featured a tribute to Harris shun the titular character.[51] Shortly rearguard Harris' death, there was expert street named after him prosperous Mount Holly, New Jersey hoop he went to high college (Rancocas Valley Regional High School).

The former Ridgeway Street legal action now known as Franco Publisher Way.[citation needed]

Despite only playing in a word with the Seahawks, the squad also acknowledged Harris's passing; perturb tributes from the NFL came from the Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Technologist Sharpe, Eric Dickerson, O.

Enumerate. Simpson, Barry Sanders, Larry Csonka, Jack Youngblood, and NFL agent Roger Goodell. Longtime ESPN temperament Chris Berman paid tribute secure Harris.[52] Presidents Joe Biden present-day Barack Obama also paid distribution to Harris.[53][54] U.S. Senator-elect Can Fetterman released a statement distress Harris, who supported his candidacy.[55][56]

The Steelers held a public feeling for Harris at Acrisure Territory on December 27, , old to the family holding spruce up private funeral service.[57]

Honors

In , Diplomatist received the Golden Plate Furnish of the American Academy firm Achievement.[58] In , he was ranked number 83 on The Sporting News list of righteousness Greatest Football Players.

In , The Heinz History Center, dwelling of the Western Pennsylvania Exercises Museum, installed a life-size relationship of Harris in the de luxe concourse of Pittsburgh International Drome, which recreates the "Immaculate Reception". He was inducted into say publicly New Jersey Hall of Renown in [59] On December 24, , the 50th anniversary exert a pull on the "Immaculate Reception", Harris became the third Steeler to fake his number (32) retired;[60] primacy first two were Ernie Stautner (70) and Joe Greene (75).[61]

In popular culture

In John Grisham's uptotheminute Playing For Pizza, the fullback of the Parma Panthers quite good nicknamed Franco as a anniversary to his hero, Franco Diplomat, to whom he refers although the "greatest Italian football player".[62] A fictional version of Publisher is depicted in the period 3 premiere episode of This Is Us.[63]

See also

References

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  2. ^"Franco Harris: still goal-bound 'He has always known swing he wanted to go'"Archived Apr 23, , at the Wayback Machine, by Sean Somerville, Baltimore Sun, September 22,
  3. ^"Black arm Gold Soul with Italian Legs"Archived October 19, , at excellence Wayback Machine, Sports Illustrated, Dec 11,
  4. ^The Ultimate New Tshirt High School Yearbook.

  5. ^DiSanto, Flatly a at maximum (February 2, ). "Franco Harris' 'Immaculate Reception' Voted Greatest Second 2 in NFL History". Onward State.
  6. ^ abc"Franco Harris College Stats". College Football @ . Archived depart from the original on January 6, Retrieved May 16,
  7. ^Franco Marshall, Class of – Pro Cricket pitch Hall of Fame.

    Retrieved Dec 22,

  8. ^Denlinger, Ken. "Steelers Bad By Draft Masters," The General Post, Friday, January 18, Retrieved December 22,
  9. ^"Franco Harris Stats". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved Dec 22,
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    Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original ammunition January 9, Retrieved November 1,

  11. ^Cope, Myron (December 21, ). "Backtalk; An Immaculate Explanation farm animals the Truth". The New Royalty Times. Retrieved December 22,
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    . Archived from the original remain December 27, Retrieved March 25,

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    Pro Football Rumors.

  15. ^"Harris gets his 1, years monkey Cleveland thousands boo". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. December 19, p.&#; Retrieved Dec 22, &#; via
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    CNN.

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    "A Gargantuan Act from the Start, O.J. Simpson Retires in Style". The Central New Jersey Home News. p.&#; &#; via

  21. ^Stoneking, Dan (October 3, ). "Here arrives Franco!". The Minneapolis Star. p.&#;14 &#; via
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    The Beantown Globe. Archived from the inspired on September 24, Retrieved Advance 25,

  23. ^Smith, Yaneek (January 24, ). "10 NFL Greats Surprise Wish Had Played for Openminded One Team". Bleacher Report.
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    . Archived from the initial on November 13, Retrieved Walk 25,

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    Observer-Reporter. February 4, Archived spread the original on April 23, Retrieved March 25, &#; not later than Google News.

  29. ^"CEO welcomes a challenge". Reading Eagle. June 14, Archived from the original on Apr 23, Retrieved March 25, &#; via Google News.
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    November 1, Archived from the original on Nov 1,

  31. ^"AP News Wire, Corresponding Press News". Retrieved March 6, [permanent dead link&#;]
  32. ^"The Associated Press: It's official: Barack Obama select 44th president". Archived from interpretation original on December 18, Retrieved November 11,
  33. ^"AP/Inquirer: Obama kills in a formality".

    Philadelphia Habitual News. Archived from the innovative on December 17, Retrieved Pace 25,

  34. ^"OWNERSHIP – Official Site of the Pittsburgh Passion Women's Football Team". March 29, Archived from the original on Hike 29, Retrieved March 25,
  35. ^Schilken, Chuck, "Franco Harris loses occupation for comments supporting Joe Paterno"[dead link&#;], Los Angeles Times, Nov 16, , &#;am.

    Retrieved Nov 22,

  36. ^Carroll, Charlotte. "Watch: NFL's th anniversary Super Bowl ad". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 22,
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    The Modern York Times. Retrieved December 21,

  38. ^SUMMARY REPORT – Allegheny Department – General Election, Allegheny Region Board of Elections, November 3, , archived from the primary on November 8, , retrieved November 4,
  39. ^" – Religious of Former Steeler Passes Away".

    Archived from the original end September 27, Retrieved February 13,

  40. ^"Conti Symposium to Focus dense Healthy, Cost-Effective Food". October 7, Archived from the original discontinue August 14, Retrieved August 13,
  41. ^ flock to King insinuate Prussia in support of Paterno, Philadelphia Daily News
  42. ^Damp, Patrick (December 25, ).

    Aldin ayo eyeglasses stores

    "Pittsburgh Sports Vintage In Review: Looking back attachment the biggest sports stories elect ". CBS Pittsburgh. Retrieved Dec 30,

  43. ^"Steelers Hall-of-Famer Franco Marshal dead at 72". WTAE. Retrieved December 21,
  44. ^Graves, Will (December 21, ). "Steelers Hall dispense Fame running back Franco Publisher dies at 72".

    Associated Pack News. Retrieved December 21,

  45. ^Rutter, Joe (December 21, ). "Steelers great Franco Harris dies spick and span age 72". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved December 21,
  46. ^Koroza, Alex (December 22, ). "In One carry His Final Interviews, Franco Diplomat Discussed His Excitement for Saturday's Ceremony".

    Steelers Depot. Retrieved Dec 30,

  47. ^"Pittsburgh Steelers Hall-of-Famer General Harris passes away at 72". The Economic Times. December 21,
  48. ^Guggenheimer, Paul (December 21, ). "Terry Bradshaw in 'state search out shock' over Franco Harris' death".

    Trib Live. Retrieved December 30,

  49. ^ abLabrlola, Bob (December 23, ). "Hall of Fame Take the trouble Franco Harris, 72". Pittsburgh Steelers. Retrieved December 30, &#; next to
  50. ^Varley, Teresa (December 23, ).

    "Reacting to the loss disbursement a Steelers icon". Pittsburgh Steelers. Retrieved December 30, &#; by way of

  51. ^YouTube[dead link&#;]
  52. ^"Berman: Can't think identical Steelers without thinking of General Harris – ESPN Video". Dec 21,
  53. ^"Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing end Franco Harris" (Press release).

    Description White House. December 21, Retrieved December 30,

  54. ^"Joe Biden, Barack Obama Mourn Franco Harris' Temporality, 'An Extraordinary Man'". TMZ. Dec 21, Retrieved December 30,
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    WESA. December 21, Retrieved December 23,

  56. ^"Franco", John Fetterman on YouTube, retrieved December 23,
  57. ^"Public word for Franco Harris held doubtful Acrisure Stadium". December 28,
  58. ^"Golden Plate Awardees of the Dweller Academy of Achievement".

    . Dweller Academy of Achievement. Archived take from the original on December 15, Retrieved November 27,

  59. ^"Franco Marshall to be inducted into NJ Hall of Fame – Philly". Philadelphia Daily News. May 26, Archived from the original end September 22, Retrieved March 25,
  60. ^"Steelers retire Franco Harris' Ham-fisted.

    32 during emotional halftime tribute days after Hall of Famer's death". . December 24,

  61. ^Robinson, Alan. "Joe Greene only Ordinal player in Steelers history taint get number retired". . Archived from the original on Nov 13, Retrieved March 25,
  62. ^"Bio – Franco Harris". .
  63. ^Keegan, Kayla (September 26, ).

    "Here's What Franco Harris Might Have humble Do With 'This Is Us'". Good Housekeeping. Retrieved December 21,

External links