Franco Harris, a Hall of Fame running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, passed away on Wednesday. A few days before the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception,” he passed away.
Many refer to the play known as the Immaculate Reception as one of the greatest in National Football League history (NFL).
Joe Biden issued a statement from the White House lamenting the passing of Franco Harris and extending his condolences to his wife, family, and the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. View his complete message below:
“When most people hear the name Franco Harris, they think of the catch, the Super Bowls, and the glory he brought to the sport of football. In contrast, throughout our fifty-year friendship, I frequently praised his integrity and kindness.
In 1968, the Pittsburgh Steelers had recently won their first division title following a strong regular season. They celebrated Christmas just days after defeating the Oakland Raiders on one of the most memorable plays in NFL history, rookie running back Franco Harris’s last-second Immaculate Reception. Franco led the Steelers to four Super Bowl championships in six years as the best team of the 1970s, despite the Steelers narrowly losing the conference championship game to the unbeaten Miami Dolphins.
But that’s not why I hold the Pittsburgh Steelers and Franco so dear.
In this week fifty years ago, my first wife and baby daughter were murdered in a vehicle accident as they were out getting a Christmas tree, together with my two young kids. I had just been elected to the U.S. Senate and was in Washington, D.C., when I received the phone call, prompting me to rush back to Delaware.
I hardly left their bedside till they recovered. However, I eventually went shopping for them. They were smiling for the first time since the accident when I returned. The Steelers’ generous and reputable owner, Art Rooney, had flown out with a few players, including Franco and the tenacious Rocky Bleier. Busy with their own lives, they took the time to sign footballs for my sons and go without any fanfare. A simple gesture of generosity that meant everything to us.
Sports are really effective in bringing people together. This weekend, as families gather for Christmas, there will be countless Pittsburgh Steeler and Penn State supporters telling their children and grandchildren about Franco’s prowess on the field. But I also know that there will be numerous families like mine who will remember him for what he did to elevate our spirits when we needed it most — in the most subtle, personal, and American ways. We do not need to inquire. We turn up. We extend a hand out. Our shared compassion is the wellspring of our nation’s enduring strength.
I last saw Franco in September and November of 2020 in Latrobe and Pittsburgh while he was campaigning. This week, more than any other, my family remembers him and maintains him in our hearts.
God bless you Franco Harris is a close friend, a wonderful man, and a distinguished American.
May God bless his life partner Dana, their family, and the entire Steeler Nation.”
The Sporting News named Franco Harris the NFL Rookie of the Year, and the Associated Press named him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Over a decade, he was selected for nine consecutive Pro Bowls and won four Super Bowls. He also won Super Bowl IX Most Valuable Player and his team’s first championship. Additionally, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame the first year he was eligible.
»Read Joe Biden’s Full Message to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Franco Harris’ Family on His Death«