The legendary Franco Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers died suddenly on Tuesday, December 20. The 72-year-old was running back from the Hall of Fame. Given that his No. 32 jersey was going to be retired during halftime of the Steelers’ Week 16 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Harris’ passing came at an especially unfortunate moment.
Given that it happened two days before the 50th anniversary of his legendary “Immaculate Reception” play, which changed the course of the club in 1972, Harris’ death also astounded the NFL community.
Franco Harris cause of death
According to Pittsburgh Action News 4 (via Economic Times), the Steelers icon died of natural causes.
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Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter had this to say after Harris’ untimely death:
“We have lost an incredible football player, an incredible ambassador to the Hall and, most importantly, we have lost one of the finest gentlemen anyone will ever meet.”
“Franco not only impacted the game of football, but he also affected the lives of many, many people in profound ways.”
After being selected in the first round the same year out of Penn State, Harris went on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after rushing for 10 touchdowns and receiving 1,055 yards. He ended his career with four Super Bowl rings.
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During the NFL’s 100th anniversary season in 2020, Harris’ “Immaculate Reception” playoff fellow Steelers veteran Terry Bradshaw’s last-second throw was adjudged the greatest play in league history.
Franco Harris rushed for 158 yards and a score in the 16-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IX, earning MVP honors as well.
His tally of 354 career rushing yards in the Super Bowl remains a record to this day, four decades after he called time on a bona fide legendary career.
Was Franco Harris married at the time of his death?
Harris died at the age of 72. No cause of death has been released. He is survived by his wife, Dana Dokmanovich, and son, Dok. “We are truly heartbroken.
What was Franco Harris’s net worth when he died?
What was Franco Harris’ net worth? Franco Harris was an American professional football player who had a net worth of $3 million at the time of his death. Franco Harris played as a running back in the NFL for 13 seasons.
What did Franco Harris do after he retired from football?
After retiring, Harris and his Penn State friend, Lydell Mitchell, went into business together. They founded Super Bakery (which later became RSuper Foods).
Who did Franco Harris retire with?
He played college football at Penn State University and was selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft. Harris spent his first 12 seasons with Pittsburgh, earning nine Pro Bowl selections, and was a member of the Seattle Seahawks in his last.
