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.

Franco Harris was my favorite player growing up. I was 8 when he joined the Steelers and was lucky enough to be at 3RS for Immaculate Reception. Interviewed him several times in recent years & he was so gracious. My son and I attended a speaking gig of his in 2020 & got this pic. pic.twitter.com/RktFemb2IG

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 21, 2022

CURRENT STEELERS

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

To the man who announced me as a Pittsburgh Steeler, May you Rest in Peace. Very thankful for our friendship and you always being there for me when I needed it. Penn State and Steeler Legend forever. May your legacy live on forever. RIP 32.???????? pic.twitter.com/95ajLaiD7M

— Pat Freiermuth (@pat_fry5) December 21, 2022

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

Statement from Steelers President Art Rooney II on the passing of Franco Harris: pic.twitter.com/5Ojd5Uatvr

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 21, 2022

FORMER STEELERS

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

We have lost an Icon in Franco Harris. He embodied Pgh in his Grace, Humility, & Sense of Pride. He was a Champion on the Field & Ambassador off it. Thank you Franco for setting the standard that we all strive to achieve as a Professional & as a Person. RIP & condolences to Dana. pic.twitter.com/3GtCgOpeOW

— Bill Cowher (@CowherCBS) December 21, 2022

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

Words can’t begin to describe the pain I am feeling. Franco will always be a brother, mentor and my definition of greatness. He was a legend on the field and the personification of excellence off of the field– A true class act to look up to and aspire to be like. RIP #32 ???????? pic.twitter.com/WOYU4qCZDP

— Jerome Bettis (@JeromeBettis36) December 21, 2022

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.”

Today we lost a legend and an incredible human being in Franco Harris. He epitomized what it meant to be a Steeler and a leader in the Pittsburgh community. Franco brought joy to everyone he was around and he will be missed. pic.twitter.com/YmMgwHqzno

— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) December 21, 2022

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

Woke up this morning to the devastating news that my friend Franco Harris passed away during the night. One of the kindest, gentlest men I have ever known. He was a great person & great teammate. Hall of Fame player but so much more than that. A tremendous role model for me! pic.twitter.com/OswJ82x7I1

— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) December 21, 2022

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hines Ward Steelers MVP (@mvp86hinesward)

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

Franco- From one SB MVP to a LATE GREAT. I ❤️???????????? YOU. I REALLY ENJOYED THE TIMES WE HAS TOGETHER, THE STORIES WE TOLD, AND LAUGHS WE SHARED. YOU WILL FOREVER BE MISSED HERE #STEELERNATION #RIP #PittsburghSteelers #HereWeGo #mentalhealth #32 #immaculateconception #Immaculate50

— Santonio Hol❌es Jr. (@ToneTime10) December 21, 2022

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

Rest Easy King!! Your legend will forever live on. Thank you for the conversations, the laughs, hugs, and time. It is an honor to know you. Prayers and blessing to Franco’s loved ones and family. https://t.co/4PcqWLNBd3

— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) December 21, 2022

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

My heart hurts hearing about Franco.

One thing he did was love the Burgh and the community. He lived in the city. Made himself available to all types of people. I looked up to him. He was one of my Pittsburgh Idols.

Still is. And always will be…

— Zach Banner (@ZBNFL) December 21, 2022

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

Steeler Nation is going to be hurting this week. On the weekend of the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception and the holidays too. pic.twitter.com/eXwQzh9JRB

— Ramon Foster (@RamonFoster) December 21, 2022

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

Long live the Legend Franco Harris. Franco is Pittsburgh! I’m honored to have known him. Sending love and prayers to his family and the community ????????

— James Conner (@JamesConner_) December 21, 2022

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

As great of a player Franco Harris was and making the greatest play in NFL History, he was a better human--and that is what I will miss.

He is the centerpiece of a city and a franchise that will never forget him. Love you Franco, RIP! pic.twitter.com/3b43nwEOSy

— Merril Hoge (@merrilhoge) December 21, 2022

FANS AND OTHERS

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

Rest in peace, Franco Harris. A hero on and off the field. Franco’s Italian Army will be waving our Terrible Towels tonight in tribute to a great man. pic.twitter.com/s2Nto4p7xK

— Tom Morello (@tmorello) December 21, 2022

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

Rest in peace and god speed my friend ????❤️, sending all of our love to Dana and Dok. pic.twitter.com/QldsxeuK6g

— Billy Gardell (@BillyGardell) December 21, 2022

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

My deepest condolences go out to the family & friends on the loss of the great @francoharrishof. An incredible football player but more importantly an incredible human being that inspired me in my life. #FrancoHarris will be missed. @steelers @gmfb @NFL pic.twitter.com/7v3efJ9Yju

— Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) December 21, 2022

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

It’s sad to hear that one of my childhood idols passed away. @francoharrishof was one of the greatest running backs in NFL History. What makes him a legend is what he did for the Pittsburgh community. You will be sorely missed Franco. #RIPFranco pic.twitter.com/7RksDy6DgQ

— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) December 21, 2022

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

pic.twitter.com/eLEspvLGwg

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 21, 2022

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

Rest In Peace to an absolute legend Franco Harris#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/WSkSiFuTzS

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 21, 2022

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.”

CommUnity — Pittsburgh lost a legend today. I ask that you join me in praying for the family and friends of Franco Harris. Not only was he the greatest running back in the history of the @Steelers, but a great man off the field whose kindness and generosity was felt by many. pic.twitter.com/3aTht8G8ix

— Mayor Ed Gainey (@MayorEdGainey) December 21, 2022

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

I STAND HERE WITH ICON FRANCO HARRIS AND SEAN GIBSON OF JOSH GIBSON FOUNDATION.I CAN TALK ABOUT FRANCO ALL DAY.HE WAS A FRIEND.THANKS❤️???????? pic.twitter.com/ATZE5T5McR

— AL OLIVER (@Alscoop16) December 21, 2022

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.”

Sad day for all of us @steelers fans. Our beloved Franco Harris passed away.

The Immaculate Reception was only a small part of what made him a legend. Prayers to his family and friends. RIP Franco! pic.twitter.com/69UMwa34Oc

— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) December 21, 2022

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

Franco Harris is known for the glory he brought to football. But I knew him for his character and compassion – someone who spent time with my boys after we lost my first wife and infant daughter.

May God bless Franco Harris, a dear friend of 50 years and a great American. pic.twitter.com/YhOYr3a4IM

— President Biden (@POTUS) December 21, 2022

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

Gisele and I are devastated by this news. We are sending our deepest condolences to Franco's family.

Franco was a true legend and icon on and off the field. He was a truly selfless man.

It was an honor to have gotten to know him over the years. I will miss him dearly. pic.twitter.com/PMaAoDGck2

— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) December 21, 2022

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

Absolutely heartbroken. Franco was everything good that is Pittsburgh. He showed up, unannounced, without cameras, to so many volunteer & charitable events. He constantly gave without asking. He was a warrior for justice. So many positive memories, so little time. RIP #Franco ???? pic.twitter.com/6JW6kb6xzJ

— bill peduto (@billpeduto) December 21, 2022

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

This weekend was meant to be a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Franco Harris’ Immaculate Reception.

It’s now a celebration of his life and legacy on and off the field from State College to Pittsburgh.

— Josh Shapiro (@JoshShapiroPA) December 21, 2022

Governor Tom Wolf shared his condolences.

Deeply saddened by the loss of Franco Harris.

Just two months ago, he joined me in Harrisburg to celebrate the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.

Franco was a @steelers legend, on and off the field.

Sending condolences to his family and all who knew him.

— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) December 21, 2022

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

Franco Harris will not only be remembered as a great player. His legacy will also be one of character and humility off of the field, as well as a dear friend of the Hall.

We are honored to have the opportunity to help tell his story and keep his legacy alive forever. #HOFForever pic.twitter.com/q5cAdn1Qnw

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) December 21, 2022

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

Franco Harris was among the very best Penn Staters—a shining example of true greatness. He rose to dizzying heights but was rooted in service to others. His loyalty was steadfast in good days but also through the tempest winds of adversity. We will always love & respect him.

— Jay Paterno (@JayPaterno) December 21, 2022

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

---

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)

---