Steelers great Franco Harris receives key to Pittsburgh on anniversary of Immaculate Reception
On the 49th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, Mayor Bill Peduto awarded the man who made the catch an honorary key to the city.
Peduto called Franco Harris a hero not only for his football career, but also “for how he exemplifies everything that’s good about Pittsburgh.”
“He’s a hero to everyone in the city of Pittsburgh that needs a little bit of help,” he said. “He is someone who will always give his time, whether he has it or not.”
On Dec. 23, 1972, Harris caught a pass intended for teammate John Fuqua that bounced off Oakland Raiders safety Jack Tatum just before it hit the ground – a play since dubbed the Immaculate Reception.
“This is quite an honor, especially today, on this very special day,” Harris, 71, said upon receiving a symbolic key to the city. It’s only the second time Peduto has issued a key to an athlete: Roberto Clemente was posthumously awarded the key in September.
“How fortunate was I to come to Pittsburgh in the ‘70s and to find out that this is a little city that does big things,” Harris said. “The ‘70s were amazing for the Pittsburgh Steelers and for this kid from Jersey.”
Peduto said few have done as much as Harris to make sure their home is taken care of. Harris sits on the boards of the Pittsburgh Promise, Heinz Endowments and the Heinz History Center.
“We have to believe that each of us can make a difference. We also have to realize that not everything can be an Immaculate Reception,” Harris said. “There are many more 4-yard runs when it takes more time and effort to cross that goal line, and I knew I couldn’t do that by myself. I needed my teammates, and together we accomplished some amazing things.”
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