La familia del legendario estelar de los Steelers anunció que el corredor miembro del Salón de la Fama falleció por la noche a los 72 años de edad
Los Pittsburgh Steelers y la NFL perdieron a una de sus leyendas con la muerte de Franco Harris. Este miércoles, la familia de Harris anunció que el corredor miembro del Salón de la Fama falleció por la noche. Tenía 72 años de edad.
Harris ayudó a crear una de jugadas más icónicas en la historia de la liga en el Juego de Campeonato de la AFC de 1972 en contra de los Oakland Raiders. En desventaja hacia el final del partido, el quarterback de los Steelers, Terry Bradshaw, lanzó un pase desesperado de último momento. Cuando el back defensivo de los Raiders, Jack Tatum, colisionó con Frenchy Fuqua, el objetivo del pase, el balón salió rebotado hacia atrás, donde Harris lo tomó antes de que tocara el suelo. Tras lograr la atrapada, ahora conocida como la Recepción Inmaculada, consiguió la anotación de la victoria.
La jugada quedó inscrita entre las grandes hazañas del deporte, y ayudó a consagrar a la dinastía de los Steelers. La muerte de Harris ocurre apenas dos días antes del aniversario N° 50 de la jugada.
Harris, quien jugó a nivel universitario para Penn State, obtuvo honores como Novato del Año de la NFL en 1972 y corrió para 12,120 yardas en su carrera, ayudando a ganar cuatro Super Bowls en Pittsburgh. Fue enaltecido al Salón de la Fama del Fútbol Americano Profesional en 1990.
Personas alrededor del mundo de los deportes rindieron tributo a Harris este miércoles.
Pittsburgh Steelers
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
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
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
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
NFL y Salón de la Fama
One of the kindest people I've ever met. He was so much apart of the NFL my generation grew up watching, a true legend. When I had the opportunity to meet Franco what always stood our was how good he was to everyone. God Bless and Rest in Peace Franco. https://t.co/zt3SMcoLQS
— John Lynch (@JohnLynch49ers) December 21, 2022
i met Franco Harris. it was at a very young age in my football career. he said to me i have what it takes to be a great football player. im just grateful he took the time to say something to encourage me to become a better person + player. Thank you 🐐.
— Darrelle Revis (@Revis24) December 21, 2022
rest in paradise. #32 pic.twitter.com/VIeZRQVYvs
Sending my condolences to the loved ones of the legendary Mr. Franco Harris. 🙏🏾🕊️
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) December 21, 2022
So sorry to hear of the passing of Franco Harris. A great man and friend 🕊️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/UCzDy5ShAo
— Eric Dickerson (@EricDickerson) December 21, 2022
Very sad morning. Not only one of the Greatest to ever play the game he was an incredible person, great man!!! Prayers to Franco's family. RIP Franco. https://t.co/tnBKGfGFoE
— Jack Youngblood (@theblood85) December 21, 2022
Very sad morning. Not only one of the Greatest to ever play the game he was an incredible person, great man!!! Prayers to Franco's family. RIP Franco. https://t.co/tnBKGfGFoE
— Jack Youngblood (@theblood85) December 21, 2022
Just saw the news that Franco Harris has passed away. One of the true greats from my childhood-and one of the pillars of those dominant Steelers teams. Had the privilege to meet Franco a few times-and was taken back on how humble and kind he was each time. True gentleman. RIP 🙏🏼
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) December 21, 2022
Comunidad de Pittsburgh
Gisele and I are devastated by this news. We are sending our deepest condolences to Franco's family.
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) December 21, 2022
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
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
I am so deeply saddened this morning to learn of the passing of Franco Harris, a Pittsburgh hero and a family friend. I am holding his loved ones in my heart. Franco's legacy in our community will be forever one of joy, victory, and pride in the Steel City. Rest well, my friend. pic.twitter.com/JOmYAKevB3
— Senator Jay Costa (@Senatorcosta) December 21, 2022