The NFL community was shocked and saddened Wednesday by the death of Hall of Fame running back and Pittsburgh Steelers legend Franco Harris at the age of 72.
Below is a roundup of tributes to the NFL great from players and figures around the league:
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
"We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Franco Harris.
"He meant so much to Steelers fans as the Hall of Fame running back who helped form the nucleus of the team's dynasty of the '70s, but he was much more. He was a gentle soul who touched so many in the Pittsburgh community and throughout the entire NFL. Franco changed the way people thought of the Steelers, of Pittsburgh, and of the NFL.
"He will forever live in the hearts of Steelers fans everywhere, his teammates, and the city of Pittsburgh.
"Our condolences go out to his wife, Dana, and their son, Dok."
Related Links
- Steelers Hall of Fame RB Franco Harris, author of 'The Immaculate Reception,' dies at 72
- Immaculate Reception debate rages on five decades after inception
- Terry Bradshaw remembers longtime teammate and friend Franco Harris
- Remembering the life and legacy of Hall of Famer Franco Harris
- 'GMFB' crew on what Franco Harris meant to the NFL
Statement from Steelers President Art Rooney II on the passing of Franco Harris:
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers)
We are heartbroken to hear about the passing of 4x Super Bowl Champion, Hall of Famer and the man behind the "Immaculate Reception,鈥� Franco Harris.
— NFL (@NFL)
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Franco's legacy and impact will live on forever.
We are saddened to share the news that Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris has passed away at age 72. More info:
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF)
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.
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF)
We are honored to have the opportunity to help tell his story and keep his legacy alive forever.
Franco Harris is known for the glory he brought to football. But I knew him for his character and compassion 鈥� someone who spent time with my boys after we lost my first wife and infant daughter.
— President Biden (@POTUS)
May God bless Franco Harris, a dear friend of 50 years and a great American.
I grew up watching Franco Harris, and had the honor of getting to know him years later. He was an extraordinary man on and off the field, and will be missed. Our thoughts go out to his family and all of Steeler Nation.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama)
Words can鈥檛 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鈥� A true class act to look up to and aspire to be like. RIP #32 馃檹馃徔
— Jerome Bettis (@JeromeBettis36)
Rest In Peace to a great man who showed so much support for me. He was way more than just a athlete he was a icon and a role model to so many people.
— Najee Harris (@ohthatsNajee22)
Long live the Legend Franco Harris. Franco is Pittsburgh! I鈥檓 honored to have known him. Sending love and prayers to his family and the community 馃檹馃徑
— James Conner (@JamesConner_)
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!
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy)
Today we lost a Legend, not just on the field, but even more so off. Franco always had a smile and a hand shake or a hug for everyone, it seemed. Thank you for being a role model for us all! -- Ben.
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7)
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 &聽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.
— Bill Cowher (@CowherCBS)
The ultimate Steeler. His actions on and off the field are truly inspirational. Rest easy Franco.
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt)
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.馃檹馃徎
— Pat Freiermuth (@pat_fry5)
To an incredible teammate, friend, and a forever great.
— Seahawks Legends (@SeahawksLegends)
Rest in Peace, Franco Harris. 馃挃
As I prepare to head to PITT for Christmas Eve game celebrating the anniversary of the 鈥淚mmaculate Reception鈥� I am saddened to hear of the passing of - I had gotten 2 know him over the years at HOF events, 1 of the nicest, most genuine ppl u will ever meet! RIP
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner)
I鈥檓 shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of my friend Franco Harris.
— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22)
Praying for Franco and his loved ones馃枻
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers)
Franco Harris was the best of the best on and off the field. He was so kind and helped so many people. It was an honor to know him. He will be missed
— Jed York (@JedYork)
Rest in peace, FRANCO HARRIS. An NFL icon, and the author of one of the most incredible plays in sports history.馃檹
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay)
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 馃悙.
— Darrelle Revis (@Revis24)
rest in paradise. #32
Franco Harris represented the best of players and the best of our union: a quiet, steadfast and confident leader who embodied class + everything right about union values. Franco also won the Alan Page 麻豆国产 Award in 1982.
— NFLPA (@NFLPA)
He will be greatly missed.
One of the kindest people I鈥檝e 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.
— John Lynch (@JohnLynch49ers)
馃挃馃挃馃檹馃従馃檹馃従
— Thurman Thomas (@thurmanthomas)
A pillar in the history of our league.
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11)
Just devastated hearing of the passing of Franco Harris. A legend, icon, and as genuine a man as they come. Praying for his family. We lost a great one today.
— Gene Steratore (@GeneSteratore)
An immaculate catch, and a lifetime of kindness 馃枻馃挍
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms)
Rest in peace Franco Harris.
