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Steelers players, fans remember Franco Harris | TribLIVE.com
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Steelers players, fans remember Franco Harris

Tribune-Review
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JoAnne Harrop | Tribune-Review
Pittsburgh Steelers great Franco Harris poses next to a statue of him at the Pittsburgh International Airport on Sept. 12, 2019. The statue was re-unveiling after months of conservation work and cleaning.

Pittsburgh Steelers great Franco Harris has died, just days before the Steelers’ 50th anniversary celebration of the Immaculate Reception. Harris was 72.

Steelers players, current and former, as well as people from all walks of life — fans, mayors, celebrities — turned to social media to share their condolences, memories and stories about Harris.

He left an impression on many of the people he met and knew.


TribLIVE Steelers writer Joe Rutter shared his memory of Harris.

CURRENT STEELERS

Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth recalled Harris announcing his pick in the NFL Draft.

Steelers President Art Rooney II said Harris “brought joy to people on and off the field.”

FORMER STEELERS

Former Steelers coach Bill Cowher said “He embodied Pittsburgh in his grace, humility, and … pride.”

Former Steelers running back Jerome Bettis shared that he considers Harris “a brother, mentor and my definition of greatness.”

Former Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier was at charity shopping event at Waterworks Mall in Pittsburgh on Wednesday morning. He said he was “very emotional when he heard the news.”

Shazier also tweeted that “we lost a legend and an incredible human being in Franco Harris.”

Former Steelers player and NFL coach Tony Dungy posted that Harris was a great person and teammate.

Former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward said “I’m DEVASTATED to hear about Franco’s passing.”

Former Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes, the Super Bowl XLIII MVP, honored Harris, who was the MVP of Super Bowl IX.

Former Steelers safety Ryan Clark paid tribute to Harris, as well.

Former Steelers offensive tackle Zach Banner said “My heart hurts.”

Former Steelers offensive guard Ramon Foster posted “Steeler Nation is … hurting this week.”

Former Steelers and current Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner said “long live the legend.”

Former Steelers running back and football analyst Merril Hoge said he will miss Harris.

FANS AND OTHERS

Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello said “Franco’s Italian Army will be waving our Terrible Towels tonight in tribute.”

Actor, comedian and Swissvale native Billy Gardell tweeted “rest in peace.”

Singer and Steelers fan Bret Michaels shared a video and message Harris “inspired me in my life.”

Wrestler and Mt. Lebanon native Kurt Angle said that Harris is a “legend is what he did for the Pittsburgh community.”

Penguins former player and executive Mario Lemieux said Harris is “a Pittsburgh icon and a true champion.”

Former NFL punter and Plum native Pat McAfee spoke about Harris on his show Wednesday.

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said he last talked to Harris about two weeks ago.

“He was really excited about all the events and activities that (were) going to happen around the immaculate reception (anniversary),” Gainey said.

The mayor offered his condolences to the family ahead of a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Fern Hollow Bridge.

“Pittsburgh lost an ambassador. He was great for the city and everybody knows it,” he said.

Gainey also posted to Twitter that “Pittsburgh lost a legend today.”

Former Pittsburgh Pirates player Al Oliver called Harris an “icon.”

Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari, a Moon Township native, said “the Immaculate Reception was only a small part of what made him a legend.”

President Joe Biden shared “May God bless Franco Harris.”

Pennsylvania U.S. Senator-Elect John Fetterman called Harris a “true legend and icon on and off the field.”

Former Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto shared “Franco was everything good that is Pittsburgh.”

Pennsylvania Governor-elect Josh Shapiro shared that Saturday will be “a celebration of his life and legacy.”

Governor Tom Wolf shared his condolences.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame wrote that Harris’ “legacy will also be one of character and humility off of the field.”

Penn State trustee Jay Paterno, son of former Nittany Lions coach Joe Paterno, said Harris was “among the very best Penn Staters.”


Franco Harris dies:

Steelers great Franco Harris dies at age 72
Terry Bradshaw’s memories of Franco Harris ‘all good stuff’
Photos: Franco Harris through the years
Video: 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception


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