The tributes are pouring in for Franco Harris.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer and Steelers legend died Thursday morning, his son confirmed to the Associated Press. Harris was 72 years old.
On Saturday, he was slated to be honored at Acrisure Stadium for the 50th anniversary of the "Immaculate Reception," one of the most iconic catches in NFL history. The Steelers also planned to retire Harris' No. 32 during halftime of their contest against the Raiders.
Harris won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s, and was named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first nine seasons.
Earlier this week, Mike Tomlin called the "Immaculate Reception" the "most significant play" in league history.
"He's just a special man," Tomlin said. "Forget the player. Obviously, I'd never knew the player, I know the man and just what an awesome representation of this organization, this community, a guy that embraces all the responsibility that comes with being him."
For years, visitors arriving into Pittsburgh International Airport were greeted by a statue of Harris' famous grab. He was synonymous with the Steelers and the city itself.
Steelers president Art Rooney II issued a statement commemorating Harris' life. "It is difficult to find the appropriate words to describe Franco Harris' impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers, his teammates, the City of Pittsburgh and Steelers Nation," he wrote. "From his rookie season, which included the Immaculate Reception, through the next 50 years, Franco brought joy to people on and off the field. He never stopped giving back in so many ways."
Steelers legends, NFL greats and Pittsburgh sports heroes honored Harris as well.
Curren Steelers players, such as Pat Frieiermuth, also talked about the relationships they enjoyed with Harris — a sign of his everlasting influence.
Mayor Ed Gainey summed up Harris' contributions to the city in kind.
"He loved this city — and his memory will always be a blessing for the people of Pittsburgh," he said, via the New York Times.
Truer words have never been spoken.
