Franco Harris was more than just a running back; he was a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers' dynasty in the 1970s and a beloved figure in the world of football. His career, spanning 13 seasons from 1972 to 1984, was marked by exceptional talent, clutch performances, and a place in Super Bowl history.

A Rising Star and the "Immaculate Reception":

Drafted by the Steelers in 1972, Harris quickly established himself as a key contributor. His rookie season was forever etched in history with the iconic "Immaculate Reception," a controversial play in the AFC Divisional playoffs against the Oakland Raiders. Harris' reception, initially ruled a touchdown, solidified his place in Steelers lore and propelled them to the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl Dominance and Consistent Production:

Harris played a crucial role in all four of the Steelers' Super Bowl victories in the 1970s, earning Super Bowl IX MVP honors for his dominant performance in 1975. He rushed for 101 carries and 354 yards in his Super Bowl appearances, ranking among the all-time leaders in these categories.

Beyond his Super Bowl success, Harris consistently delivered impressive results throughout his career. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in eight seasons and finished his career with 12,120 rushing yards, ranking him among the top-10 rushers in NFL history at the time of his retirement.

[b]An Unorthodox Style and Enduring Legacy:[b]

Harris's running style, characterized by a high leg kick and avoiding unnecessary contact, initially drew skepticism. However, his effectiveness and longevity silenced his critics. He was known for his quick thinking, his ability to make defenders miss tackles, and his exceptional work ethic.

Career information

High school: Rancocas Valley Regional
(Mount Holly, New Jersey)
College: Penn State (1968–1971)
NFL draft: 1972 / round: 1 / pick: 13

Career history

Pittsburgh Steelers (1972–1983)
Seattle Seahawks (1984)

Career highlights and awards

✦ 4× Super Bowl champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV)

✦ Super Bowl MVP (IX)

✦ NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1972)

✦ NFL Man of the Year (1976)

✦ First-team All-Pro (1977)

✦ 2× Second-team All-Pro (1972, 1975)

✦ 9× Pro Bowl (1972–1980)

✦ NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1976)

✦ NFL 1970s All-Decade Team

✦ Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team

✦ Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor

✦ Pittsburgh Steelers No. 32 retired

✦ Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame

✦ 2× Second-team All-East (1969, 1971)

Career NFL statistics

Rushing yards: 12,120
Yards per carry: 4.1
Rushing touchdowns: 91
Receptions: 307
Receiving yards: 2,287
Receiving touchdowns: 9

Stats at Pro-Football-Reference.com