Last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers mourned the passing of Hall-of-Famer Franco Harris who is best remembered for making a catch that helped launch their dynasty in 1972 and who would remain an invaluable member throughout his career.
He amassed 12,120 yards rushing and won four Super Bowl rings during his 13-year NFL career, and made nine Pro Bowl appearances before being selected as part of the league’s 1970s All-Decade Team.
He was drafted by the Steelers in 1972
When the Steelers selected Harris in 1972, they were looking for an explosive running back who could help lead their rushing attack. He was considered one of the top runners at his college and impressed scouts enough for them to take him 13th overall.
Franco Harris net worth made an immediate impactful statement upon joining the Steelers, rushing for 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns in his rookie campaign – solidifying himself as an exciting future star in their lineup.
Harris was also instrumental in the Steelers’ Super Bowl run, scoring 24 points and amassing 354 yards over four championship games to help lead them to their inaugural NFL title win. Throughout his career he amassed eight 1,000-yard seasons and 91 touchdowns.
He was honored with nine consecutive Pro Bowl selections and six All-NFL selections before being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990 as part of Class of 1990.
He was a member of the Steelers’ Hall of Fame
Harris was honored with induction into the Steelers Hall of Fame after orchestrating one of the most iconic plays in NFL history – Immaculate Reception – that launched their dynasty and resulted in six Super Bowl wins.
Harris amassed over 11,000 yards and scored 91 rushing touchdowns during his time with the Steelers, earning nine Pro Bowl appearances and being recognized with All-Pro honors in 1977.
Harris had an illustrious NFL career, winning four Super Bowl championships and earning MVP honors during Super Bowl IX. Furthermore, he established team records in rushing yards, sacks and touchdowns.
John L. Taylor was both an outstanding football player and human being; his legacy will live on with the Steelers for generations to come. To honor him on Christmas Eve, they donned his jersey prior to defeating the Raiders with this gesture on Monday evening.
He was a member of the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team
Harris played an essential part in helping lead the Steelers’ dynastic streak during the 1970s, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and being included on the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team.
He amassed more than 12,000 yards over his career and scored 100 touchdowns, earning various awards, such as Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1972.
Decade dominated by dynastic teams such as Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders; players such as Terry Bradshaw, O.J. Simpson and Lynn Swann making significant impacts during this era.
Harris amassed 12,120 yards and 91 touchdowns over his 12-year career with the Steelers, playing an instrumental role on four Super Bowl winning teams and receiving one MVP award (in 1975).
He was a member of the NFL’s 1970s All-Rookie Team
Harris completed an incredible rookie campaign, amassing over 1,000 yards rushing and earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors while setting numerous Super Bowl and postseason game records.
He was not only an outstanding runner but he also displayed exceptional passing ability. In their first playoff game since 25 years against the Raiders, he scored the Immaculate Reception that helped secure their victory.
At that pivotal moment for both the Steelers and their fans, Harris pulled off one of the greatest plays ever in NFL history: an amazing shoestring catch that went down as one of its iconic plays.
