Franco Harris' jersey will be retired by the PittsburghSteelers as part of a weekend celebration to honor the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.
The running back's number is one of only three to be retired by the team. Harris is the first player to have his number retired on the offensive side of the ball.
Art Rooney II said that the Immaculate Reception was the turning point in the franchise's history. Before Franco arrived, my grandfather said, we didn't win much. We have not lost since he got here. I think that's how it ends. Franco's impact would be difficult to overstate.
An immaculate moment. pic.twitter.com/orSRV2M8N9
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 6, 2022
The number will be retired at halftime of the game. The 50th anniversary of the game will be celebrated with a yellow patch on the jerseys of the players.
Rooney requested a home game for the weekend of the anniversary of the reception.
Rooney said that he pointed out to them that the Raiders were on the schedule this year. I was surprised when it occurred.
The exact spot where Harris made the catch in 1972 will be marked by the team on the day before. The ceremony will be open to the public and Harris will be in attendance. There will be a replay on the website.
Harris said that he never thought about having his number retired. It was not something that came to mind. The numbers are not retired by the Pittsburgh Steeler. You don't have anything to say about it. I was amazed when Art mentioned it to me. That was a really great moment.
Harris played in four Super Bowls and was the Super Bowl IX Most Valuable Player. He was named the NFL Man of the Year in 1976, after earning the offensive rookies of the year. He became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Harris said that no one saw the comers. It was beyond all expectations, and nobody saw it.
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