eFranco Harris was an integral figure during their 1970s dynasty era and will be fondly remembered.
He won four Super Bowls and amassed 12,120 yards over his career. Additionally, in 1972 he received the NFL Rookie of the Year Award.
His Life and Career
Franco Harris net worth made his mark as a running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Winning four Super Bowls along with being honored as Rookie of the Year. And finally being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Harris earned his college diploma playing for Penn State under legendary coach Joe Paterno. And contributed to an offense which ranked second nationwide for total rushing yards. Harris served as an offensive lineman blocking for Penn State’s. All-American running back Lydell Mitchell while also becoming the team’s leading rusher due to a split backfield role.
He amassed 13,587 yards rushing and 307 touchdowns over 13 years. Winning eight 1,000-yard seasons and being honored with nine Pro Bowl invitations.
Harris made sure to use his success to give back to the community. Showing tremendous support for Mt. Holly and relentless advocacy on behalf of family, causes and many other groups.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986
Harris was selected in the first round of 1972 NFL draft and immediately made an impactful contribution to his team, rushing for 1,055 yards (then fifth highest total in league history) and 10 touchdowns en route to becoming Steelers leading rusher his rookie year.
He led the Steelers in receptions and receiving yards, with 307 receptions for 2,2887 yards and nine touchdowns – an average of 7.4 yards per catch!
Harris helped lead the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories during his time with them and appeared in 17 postseason games, being named MVP for Super Bowl IX.
He played a pivotal role in one of the most storied moments in professional football history – “The Immaculate Reception”. With 22 seconds remaining in a 1972 playoff game against Oakland Raiders, Terry Bradshaw threw a pass that deflected away from intended receiver John Fuqua. But instead fell directly into Harris’ hands; who then raced through for a game-winning touchdown touchdown touchdown run.
He was a member of the Steelers’ Hall of Fame team
Franco Harris was one of the Steelers’ Hall-of-Famers most beloved members. Winning four Super Bowls and nine Pro Bowls during his illustrious career at Penn State.
Erskine also earned recognition by being named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 1970s. As such, his accomplishments became an idol to many Steelers fans.
The Steelers selected Harris with the 13th overall selection in 1972’s draft and he quickly became an important piece of their winning teams. Amassing over 11,000 yards rushing and 91 touchdowns during his 12 season tenure with them.
As an iconic player of the Steelers, he earned fame when he caught an iconic “Immaculate Reception” against Oakland Raiders during a 1972 playoff game. It proved crucial in building them into one of the premier NFL teams at that time.
He was a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1970s
Franco Harris of Penn State earned selection to the NFL All-Decade Team of the ’70s as a running back. A three-year letterman for Penn State, Harris played an integral role in Pittsburgh Steelers’ four Super Bowl championship teams of this era.
The All-Decade Team was selected after an exhaustive voting process that began prior to 1980 season. A selection committee comprised of football fans, former players and coaches was charged with selecting this squad.
As such, the team was composed of members from many of the most successful teams from the 1970s, such as Steelers, Raiders, Dolphins and Cowboys.
As one of the workhorses in Pittsburgh Steelers’ run-heavy offense, Harris often went unrecognized by his Hall-of-Famer teammates Terry Bradshaw and Lynn Swann. However his legendary catch known as ‘Immaculate Reception’ remains one of the most iconic plays ever in NFL history. And helped transform the Steelers from perennial losers into a powerhouse that won four Super Bowl championships over six years.
