Before Franco Harris became a four-time Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer, he was one of the greatest running backs in Penn State history.

Penn State coaches, administrators and former players mourned Harris’ passing Wednesday, remembering a player who helped form one of the nation’s top backfields five decades ago.

Harris died Wednesday morning at age 72.

“His professional career and accomplishments speak for itself as a Pro Football Hall of Famer, four-time Super Bowl champion and nine-time Pro Bowl selection, but it was his toughness and team-first approach as a Nittany Lion that will long be remembered by Penn Staters,” Penn State coach James Franklin said. “Franco was a true steward of the Blue & White and he will be sorely missed.”

Harris helped Penn State to a 29-4 record from 1969-71. He starred in the backfield with All-American Lydell Mitchell and gained national attention with his size and speed. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the No. 13 overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft.

“As a child growing up in the Midwest, Franco Harris was a legendary figure, who I was always enamored with,” Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Patrick Kraft said. “When I was blessed to join the Penn State family earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to get to know Franco and his wife, Dana, very well. They have been so gracious with their kindness and support.

“Franco was known for his grit and unrelenting style on the field but his compassion, warmth, generosity off the field will leave a lasting impression on me. I am heartbroken for all who loved him. We have lost a true legend and friend.”

Harris is among Penn State’s top 20 rushers in program history with 2,002 career yards. He scored 24 touchdowns.

He was inducted into the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame in 1989.

Playing for longtime coach Joe Paterno, Harris was primarily a blocker for Mitchell but managed to contribute as a runner and receiver. He averaged 5 yards per carry and also caught 28 passes for 352 yards and a TD in his three-year career. He led the team in scoring in 1970 when he had eight touchdowns.

“For many he was a man of miracles, the man who showed up at the right time to lift a franchise and a city to greatness in one incredible play,” Sue Paterno, wife of Joe Paterno, said in a statement. “But his life was about so much more than the game, what he did with that moment was even more inspiring. He poured himself forth to a life of service to others. He was an example of integrity, selflessness and loyalty.

“It is that life of care, loyalty and service that will forever shine in our hearts.”

According to a Penn State news release, the 1972 graduate was a longtime supporter of Special Olympics. The day after the Blue-White Game in 2010, he greeted more than 800 runners and walkers in the inaugural Beaver Stadium Run as they entered the south tunnel of Beaver Stadium and made their way to the finish line. The event raised more than $35,000 for Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

Harris also served as the honorary chair for the first Special Olympics Pennsylvania state Summer Games.

“Franco was the epitome of a Penn Stater,” Penn State athletics said in a statement. “He was a blue collar, tough as nails competitor with a philanthropic heart. … Franco’s impact in both the Pittsburgh and Penn State communities is far reaching and will continue for years to come. Franco will forever be synonymous with the Blue & White.”

Several Penn State greats took to Twitter to offer their condolences.

“My heart is broken,” said Brandon Short, a Penn State board of trustees member and former linebacker. “I’ve lost my friend and one of the best human beings I have ever met. RIP Franco. Until we meet again.”

Linebacker LaVar Arrington posted: “We lost one of the GREATEST HUMAN BEINGS EVER!! … I want to be sad but the Nittany Lion in me is so proud to call him not only a friend, alum, letterman…he was FAMILY!!”

Harris is survived by his wife, Dana Dokmanovich, and his son, Dok Harris.

At a loss right now We lost one of the GREATEST HUMAN BEINGS EVER!! Here’s Franco with his teammate the great Lydell Mitchell I want to be sad but the Nittany Lion in me is so proud to call him not only a friend, alum, letterman…he was FAMILY!! You will be missed Franco pic.twitter.com/IldCKJLtog

— LaVar Leap Arrington (@LaVarArrington) December 21, 2022

We are saddened to hear the sudden loss of one of own. Franco Harris has always embodied what it means to be a Nittany Lion. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends through this time ????

????: https://t.co/54SkP9A8XD pic.twitter.com/lIZETqm5JU

— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) December 21, 2022

Coach James Franklin on the passing of Franco Harris: pic.twitter.com/7xvMJ7kzMn

— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) December 21, 2022

The College Football Hall of Fame is saddened to hear of the passing of Penn State Nittany Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers legend Franco Harris. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans everywhere. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3LmMwG9MP6

— College Football Hall of Fame (@cfbhall) December 21, 2022

Pat Kraft on the passing of Franco Harris: pic.twitter.com/VIXjZMzwUP

— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) December 21, 2022

Such sad news this morning about the passing of Franco Harris. He was the pure definition of a servant leader. Such a great Penn Stater and always pursued what was best for Penn State. My thoughts and prayers are with Dana and the family. Rest easy Franco. #WeAre #Grateful???? pic.twitter.com/xPr70xizZB

— Sandy Barbour (@TheBarbour_Shop) December 21, 2022

My heart is broken. I’ve lost my friend and one of the best human beings I have ever met. RIP Franco. Until we meet again. pic.twitter.com/y4JFSquBxH

— Brandon Short (@brandonshort43) December 21, 2022

The son of a WWII veteran & his Italian-born wife, @francoharrishof was a standout 3 sport athlete in high school. His size, speed, & offensive power at @penn_state earned him a 1st-round nod from the @steelers in the 1972 draft.

???? Franco & parents, 1970s. Private collection. pic.twitter.com/sQCgthknBp

— Heinz History Center (@HistoryCenter) December 16, 2022

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