Franco Harris, the NFL Hall of Fame running back who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks, died on December 21, 2022, at the age of 72. His death shocked and saddened the sports world, especially the Steelers fans who witnessed his legendary career. But what was Franco Harris’s cause of death? How did he die? Here is what we know so far.
Natural Causes
According to his son, Dok Harris, Franco Harris died of natural causes in his sleep at his Sewickley, Pennsylvania, home. He did not reveal any more details about his father’s health condition or any possible underlying issues. Dok Harris said that his father was “a great man” who “loved life and loved people” and that he was grateful for the outpouring of support and condolences from the public.
Immaculate Reception
Franco Harris is best known for his role in the “Immaculate Reception”, one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. It happened in the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Oakland Raiders, when the Steelers were trailing by one point with 22 seconds left on the clock. Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw a pass that was deflected by Raiders defender Jack Tatum and bounced off the turf. Harris, who was running behind the play, caught the ball before it hit the ground and ran for a touchdown, giving the Steelers a 13-7 win and their first playoff victory in 40 years.
The play was controversial, as some argued that the ball had touched another Steelers player before Harris caught it, which would have made it an illegal forward pass. However, after reviewing the film, the officials ruled that the play was valid and that Harris had made a legal catch. The play was dubbed the “Immaculate Reception” by a Pittsburgh sportscaster and became a part of NFL lore.
Hall of Fame Career
Franco Harris had a stellar career in the NFL, playing for 13 seasons from 1972 to 1984. He spent 12 years with the Steelers and one year with the Seahawks. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler, a four-time Super Bowl champion, and a Super Bowl IX MVP. He rushed for 12,120 yards and 91 touchdowns in his career, ranking him ninth on the all-time rushing list. He also had 2,287 yards and nine touchdowns as a receiver. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
Legacy and Tributes
Franco Harris left a lasting legacy in the NFL and in Pittsburgh. He was widely respected and admired by his teammates, opponents, fans, and peers. He was known for his humble and generous personality, as well as his philanthropic work. He was involved in several charitable causes, such as Pittsburgh Promise, which provides college scholarships to public school students in Pittsburgh.
Many people paid tribute to Franco Harris after his death, including former teammates, current players, coaches, celebrities, and politicians. President Joe Biden said that Harris was “an extraordinary man” who “inspired generations of young people to pursue their dreams”. Former President Barack Obama said that Harris was “a legend on and off the field” who “embodied the spirit of Pittsburgh”. Steelers owner Art Rooney II said that Harris was “one of the greatest players in NFL history” and “a beloved member of our Steelers family”. Raiders owner Mark Davis said that Harris was “a tremendous competitor” and “a class act”.
