Franco Garris, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, passed away on December 20, 2023, at the age of 72. The cause of death was reported to be natural causes, according to Pittsburgh Action News 4. Garris, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks, was a four-time Super Bowl champion and a Hall of Famer. He was also known for his iconic “Immaculate Reception” play, which is considered the greatest play in NFL history.
A Stellar Career
Garris was drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft out of Penn State. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, rushing for 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns and winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He also helped the Steelers reach the playoffs for the first time in 13 years with his miraculous catch in the divisional round against the Oakland Raiders. The play, dubbed the “Immaculate Reception”, involved Garris catching a deflected pass from Terry Bradshaw and running for a touchdown with five seconds left in the game. The Steelers won 13-7 and advanced to the AFC Championship Game.
Garris continued to dominate the league in the following years, leading the Steelers to four Super Bowl titles in six seasons. He was named the Super Bowl IX MVP after rushing for 158 yards and a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings. He also set the record for the most career rushing yards in the Super Bowl with 354, which still stands today. He was selected to nine Pro Bowls and was named the NFL Man of the Year in 1976 for his excellence on and off the field.
Garris played for the Steelers until 1983, when he was released after a contract dispute. He then signed with the Seahawks for one season, becoming the first player in NFL history to rush for more than 12,000 yards in his career. He retired after the 1984 season with 12,120 rushing yards and 100 touchdowns, ranking third and fourth in NFL history at the time, respectively. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
A Legacy of Excellence and Generosity
Garris was not only a legend on the field, but also a role model and a philanthropist off the field. He was involved in various charitable causes, such as the Franco Harris Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. He also served as the chairman of the Pittsburgh Promise, which offers college scholarships to Pittsburgh public school students. He was a vocal supporter of civil rights and social justice issues, and was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1998 for his contributions to American society.
Garris was beloved by his teammates, his fans, and his community. He was widely respected for his humility, his integrity, and his kindness. He was a symbol of the Steelers’ dynasty and a source of pride for the city of Pittsburgh. He was also a friend of President Joe Biden, who expressed his condolences on Twitter, saying that Garris “embodied everything good about football and humanity.”
Garris’ death came as a shock to the NFL world, as he was doing media interviews just hours before his passing. He was scheduled to be honored by the Steelers on December 22, the 50th anniversary of his “Immaculate Reception”, by having his No. 32 jersey retired at halftime of their game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The ceremony will still go on as planned, but it will be a somber occasion to celebrate the life and the legacy of one of the greatest players and people in NFL history.
