Franco Harris A Steelers Legend Steeped in Super Bowl Glory
Born March 7, 1950, in Fort Dix, New Jersey, was the 6'-2" 230 pounds full back from the early 1970's Penn State Nittany Lions, Franco Harris.
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.
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.
-[b]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
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.
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.
-[b]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
COLLEGE HOF | ‣
Pat Harder A Badger's Football Journey to the Hall of Fame
While the annals of professional football history are filled with the names of legendary quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, there also exist countless stories of talented players who, for various reasons, never quite reached the pinnacle of the sport. Pat Harder is one such player. This essay explores Harder's football journey, examining his early promise, professional experiences, and the factors that may have shaped his career trajectory.
Born May 6, 1922, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Badgers fullback from the era of 1941 to 1942, Pat Harder. The FootballFoundation.org reflects on the unique cheer that the Wisconsin faithful would yell in unison from the stands, "Hit 'em again - Harder! Harder! Harder!"
In 1941 he led the Big Ten in rushing and scoring and followed that up in 1942 with the Badgers going 8-1-1. Harder scored 17 points as the Badgers knocked off national champion Ohio State 17-7. He was part of a backfield that included Jack Wink at quarterback and the “Three H’s” of Harder, Hoskins, and Hirsch.
Pat Harder’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1993. Harder served in the Marines in World War II. Pat had another year of eligibility but passed it up and joined the pros after his discharge from service. He was in two College All- Star games, 1943 and 1946. Harder earned the Most Valuable Player in 1943’s Chicago All Star event in a 27-7 victory over the NFL Champion Redskins, as Pat scored two touchdowns and kicked three extra points.
Born May 6, 1922, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Badgers fullback from the era of 1941 to 1942, Pat Harder. The FootballFoundation.org reflects on the unique cheer that the Wisconsin faithful would yell in unison from the stands, "Hit 'em again - Harder! Harder! Harder!"
In 1941 he led the Big Ten in rushing and scoring and followed that up in 1942 with the Badgers going 8-1-1. Harder scored 17 points as the Badgers knocked off national champion Ohio State 17-7. He was part of a backfield that included Jack Wink at quarterback and the “Three H’s” of Harder, Hoskins, and Hirsch.
Pat Harder’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1993. Harder served in the Marines in World War II. Pat had another year of eligibility but passed it up and joined the pros after his discharge from service. He was in two College All- Star games, 1943 and 1946. Harder earned the Most Valuable Player in 1943’s Chicago All Star event in a 27-7 victory over the NFL Champion Redskins, as Pat scored two touchdowns and kicked three extra points.
COLLEGE HOF | ‣
Buck Shaw The Bio of a Football Legend
Lawrence Timothy "Buck" Shaw was born on March 28, 1899, in Mitchellville, Iowa. A figure of significant influence in American football, Shaw excelled as a player and achieved considerable success as a coach at both the college and professional levels.
Shaw started his football journey as one the best players in Notre Dame history and later became the San Francisco 49ers first head coach.
College Career
Shaw's collegiate athletic pursuits began at Creighton University in 1918, where he played one football game before a flu epidemic canceled the remainder of the season. In 1919, he transferred to the University of Notre Dame, initially drawn by their track and field program. However, under the guidance of the legendary Knute Rockne, Shaw became a standout two-way player for the Fighting Irish from 1919 to 1921.
Starting at tackle and also handling placekicking duties, he opened running lanes for the iconic George Gipp. Shaw earned All-American honors as a tackle and was recognized as part of Notre Dame's all-time "Fighting Irish" football team. He also achieved All-American status in track and field for his performance in the shot put at the 1921 NCAA Championships. His kicking accuracy was remarkable, setting a record by converting 38 of 39 extra points, a mark that stood for over five decades.
Road to the Pro Game
After graduating from Notre Dame, Shaw embarked on a coaching career. He held his first head coaching position at North Carolina State in 1924, followed by four years as a line coach at the University of Nevada. He then joined Santa Clara University as a line coach before taking over as head coach in 1936.
His tenure at Santa Clara was highly successful, marked by an impressive .803 winning record, including consecutive Sugar Bowl victories in 1937 and 1938. During the 1937 season, Buck Shaw's Santa Clara team showcased a formidable defense, conceding a mere nine points across their nine games. Shaw's successful leadership of the Broncos was further emphasized by two significant wins against highly-regarded Louisiana State teams: a 21-14 victory in 1937 and a 6-0 shutout in 1938. Before his impactful time at Santa Clara, Shaw gained head coaching experience at North Carolina State in 1924 and at Nevada from 1925 to 1928.
After a year coaching at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1945, Shaw transitioned to the professional ranks. In 1946, he became the first head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). He continued to coach the 49ers through their entry into the NFL in 1950 until 1954. Following a brief return to college coaching at the Air Force Academy (1956-1957), Shaw returned to the NFL in 1958 as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Football Legacy
Buck Shaw's football legacy is defined by his accomplishments as both a player and a coach. As a player, he was a key contributor to Notre Dame's early success under Rockne, earning All-American honors. However, his coaching career was even more impactful. He built a powerhouse program at Santa Clara, achieving national prominence with Sugar Bowl wins. In the professional ranks, Shaw holds the distinction of being the first head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and, more significantly, led the Philadelphia Eagles to the 1960 NFL Championship, defeating the legendary Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers in what remains the only playoff loss of Lombardi's NFL dynasty. Known as "the Silver Fox," Shaw demonstrated a consistent ability to build winning teams, earning a reputation as a respected and effective leader. His career spanned multiple levels of football, leaving a lasting influence on the sport.
Accolades, Awards and Career Stats
College (Player):
-All-American Tackle (Notre Dame)
-All-American Shot Put (Notre Dame, 1921)
-Part of Notre Dame's All-Time "Fighting Irish" Football Team
College (Coach):
-2x Sugar Bowl Champion (Santa Clara, 1937, 1938)
-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1972)
-Santa Clara University Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee (1962)
Professional (Coach):
-NFL Champion (Philadelphia Eagles, 1960)
-AP & UPI NFL Coach of the Year (1960)
-San Francisco Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (1985)
-San Jose Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
-Iowa Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Coaching Record:
-College: 72-49-12
Professional (AAFC/NFL): 91-55-5
-Overall: 163-104-17
Buck Shaw won games coaching at many different programs including the Santa Clara Broncos.
Shaw started his football journey as one the best players in Notre Dame history and later became the San Francisco 49ers first head coach.
College Career
Shaw's collegiate athletic pursuits began at Creighton University in 1918, where he played one football game before a flu epidemic canceled the remainder of the season. In 1919, he transferred to the University of Notre Dame, initially drawn by their track and field program. However, under the guidance of the legendary Knute Rockne, Shaw became a standout two-way player for the Fighting Irish from 1919 to 1921.
Starting at tackle and also handling placekicking duties, he opened running lanes for the iconic George Gipp. Shaw earned All-American honors as a tackle and was recognized as part of Notre Dame's all-time "Fighting Irish" football team. He also achieved All-American status in track and field for his performance in the shot put at the 1921 NCAA Championships. His kicking accuracy was remarkable, setting a record by converting 38 of 39 extra points, a mark that stood for over five decades.
Road to the Pro Game
After graduating from Notre Dame, Shaw embarked on a coaching career. He held his first head coaching position at North Carolina State in 1924, followed by four years as a line coach at the University of Nevada. He then joined Santa Clara University as a line coach before taking over as head coach in 1936.
His tenure at Santa Clara was highly successful, marked by an impressive .803 winning record, including consecutive Sugar Bowl victories in 1937 and 1938. During the 1937 season, Buck Shaw's Santa Clara team showcased a formidable defense, conceding a mere nine points across their nine games. Shaw's successful leadership of the Broncos was further emphasized by two significant wins against highly-regarded Louisiana State teams: a 21-14 victory in 1937 and a 6-0 shutout in 1938. Before his impactful time at Santa Clara, Shaw gained head coaching experience at North Carolina State in 1924 and at Nevada from 1925 to 1928.
After a year coaching at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1945, Shaw transitioned to the professional ranks. In 1946, he became the first head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). He continued to coach the 49ers through their entry into the NFL in 1950 until 1954. Following a brief return to college coaching at the Air Force Academy (1956-1957), Shaw returned to the NFL in 1958 as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Football Legacy
Buck Shaw's football legacy is defined by his accomplishments as both a player and a coach. As a player, he was a key contributor to Notre Dame's early success under Rockne, earning All-American honors. However, his coaching career was even more impactful. He built a powerhouse program at Santa Clara, achieving national prominence with Sugar Bowl wins. In the professional ranks, Shaw holds the distinction of being the first head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and, more significantly, led the Philadelphia Eagles to the 1960 NFL Championship, defeating the legendary Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers in what remains the only playoff loss of Lombardi's NFL dynasty. Known as "the Silver Fox," Shaw demonstrated a consistent ability to build winning teams, earning a reputation as a respected and effective leader. His career spanned multiple levels of football, leaving a lasting influence on the sport.
Accolades, Awards and Career Stats
College (Player):
-All-American Tackle (Notre Dame)
-All-American Shot Put (Notre Dame, 1921)
-Part of Notre Dame's All-Time "Fighting Irish" Football Team
College (Coach):
-2x Sugar Bowl Champion (Santa Clara, 1937, 1938)
-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1972)
-Santa Clara University Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee (1962)
Professional (Coach):
-NFL Champion (Philadelphia Eagles, 1960)
-AP & UPI NFL Coach of the Year (1960)
-San Francisco Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (1985)
-San Jose Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
-Iowa Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Coaching Record:
-College: 72-49-12
Professional (AAFC/NFL): 91-55-5
-Overall: 163-104-17
Buck Shaw won games coaching at many different programs including the Santa Clara Broncos.
Related Searches
NFL Jersey:Number 32, NCAAF Jersey:Number 34, football position:fullback, football position:tackle, EventDay:March 28, DOB:March 28
