The NFL lost a legend this morning with the death of Franco Harris, a Hall-of-Famer and one of the most decorated running backs of his era. Best known for his “Immaculate Reception,” one of the most celebrated plays in NFL history, Harris was set to have his number retired this weekend, joining Ernie Stautner and “Mean” Joe Greene as one of just three Steelers to receive that honor. Terry Bradshaw, who reenacted the Immaculate Reception in a commercial with Harris ahead of its 50th anniversary, appeared on Wednesday’s episode of Good Morning Football, mourning the loss of a great teammate and an even better friend.
“He was just a good guy. His success never changed him, and that’s the beauty about him.” said Bradshaw, who played with Harris from 1972-83, leading the Steelers to four Super Bowls over that span. “He was the ultimate team guy. You don’t see that a lot anymore.”
Harris, who ranks 15th in career rushing yards (12,120), missed his blocking assignment on the famous Immaculate Reception, but redeemed himself with one of the most improbable touchdowns of all-time. And, if not for a lesson engrained in him by legendary coach Joe Paterno, it never would have happened.
“I asked him, what made you run downfield? And he said, at Penn State, Joe Paterno told the running backs to run to the play when the quarterback releases the ball. Run to the ball. And had he not been taught that by Paterno, he would not have released and gone downfield. That’s exactly what he did and why he caught that pass,” said Bradshaw, still marveling at the play that came to define Harris’ NFL legacy. “It’s just a good story. We add a little to it as time goes on. I had so much fun messing with him about his blocking and catching the ball. We hardly ever threw the ball to him. I’m 74, and I enjoy these stories more than ever.”
The Steelers host the Raiders Saturday, which, of course, is the team Harris beat with his Immaculate Reception. That coincidence isn’t lost on Bradshaw, who remembers Harris as the consummate teammate, beloved by everyone fortunate enough to enter his orbit. “I’ve known him forever. It’s a sad day for sure,” said Bradshaw, who has gone onto a successful media career as a studio analyst at Fox Sports, his broadcast home since 1994. “He was a very vocal guy on the sidelines, in the huddle. He was just such a good man. I can’t get past that. He was always smiling. Just a humble, giant superstar. I’m just going to miss his friendship.”
While Bradshaw laments Franco not being present for what would have been the “biggest moment” of his post-playing career, he takes comfort in knowing he’ll have his own festivities to attend in Heaven, where he’ll be welcomed by plenty of former teammates, bleeding black and gold from the Great Beyond.
“Death is such sorrow, but at the same time, we celebrate death because we know he’s going to a wonderful place in Heaven. He’ll be there with some of our Steelers teammates, and there will be a little Steeler gathering in Heaven today to welcome the Italian Stallion, Franco Harris,” said Bradshaw, eulogizing a cultural icon synonymous with a blue-collar city that lives and breathes Steelers football. “Will he be missed? Certainly. But he’ll be talked of forever with love and admiration and a fondness for a great man and a wonderful teammate.”
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