Basil, Pat, Joe and Anthony Russo greet Franco Harris and his wife, Dana, in 2016 in Washington, D.C. Joe, Anthony and Franco were NIAF Foundation honorees that year.
Italian American football icon Franco Harris has joined the angels that were in step with him during the “miracle of all miracles” on Dec. 23, 1972.
His death, at age 72, came roughly two days before the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception,” and three days before the Pittsburgh Steelers were scheduled to retire his No. 32 during a ceremony at halftime of their game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The iron-hide running back was chosen for 9 consecutive Pro Bowls (1972–1980), and was All-Pro in 1977. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in eight seasons, breaking a record set by Jim Brown. The running back tandem of Harris and Rocky Bleier combined with a strong defense to win four Super Bowls following the 1974, 1975, 1978, and 1979 seasons.
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The New Jersey native was also inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.
“Franco Harris was a Pittsburgh legend, who set a wonderful example for our country’s youth both on and off the football field,” said ISDA National President Basil M. Russo. “The Italian American community mourns the loss of one of our great heroes and role models.”
He passed away overnight on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 20.
We’ll give the last word to Franco, who once offered these gridiron words of wisdom:
“And so, it’s not a thing of how many carries, but were you effective when you did carry.”
