Penn State football great and NFL Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris died overnight, according to the Associated Press. He was 72.
No cause of death is known at this time.
Harris played at Penn State for three years under Joe Paterno from 1969 to 1971. He tallied 2,002 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns in Happy Valley before moving on to the NFL as a first-round pick with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1972 NFL Draft.
Harris’s death comes just days before the anniversary of his “Immaculate Reception,” which is often considered the most iconic and improbable play in NFL history. The Steelers were scheduled to honor the play on Friday — its 50th anniversary — and retire his jersey number at halftime of Saturday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
“Our thoughts are with Franco Harris’ wife, Dana, and we send our deepest condolences to his entire family, his friends, the Steelers organization and all whose lives were impacted by Franco,” Penn State football coach James Franklin said in a statement. “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. Franco was a true steward of the Blue & White and he will be sorely missed.”
“As a child growing up in the Midwest, Franco Harris was a legendary figure, who I was always enamored with,” added Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Patrick Kraft. “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.”
Penn State Trustee Jay Paterno was also among those who paid tribute to Harris on Wednesday.
“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,” Paterno wrote. “His loyalty was steadfast in good days but also through the tempest winds of adversity. We will always love & respect him.”
Harris, a native of Fort Dix, New Jersey, won four Super Bowls and earned nine Pro Bowl bids en route to an illustrious professional career. He spent all but one of his 12 years in the NFL in Pittsburgh.
Following his playing career, Harris founded Super Bakery, which focused on creating nutritious food for children, with Lydell Mitchell, his former teammate at Penn State. In 1996, Harris and Mitchell also revived Parks Sausage Company, which was the first Black-owned business to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
“We lost one of the GREATEST HUMAN BEINGS EVER…” former Penn State linebacker LaVar Arrington wrote. “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.
