(TheRedWire.com) – In 1972, Franco Harris was a rookie running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Little did he know one play would symbolize a football career full of winning, accolades, and championships. On Friday, December 23, 1972, the popular player caught a pass that became known as the “Immaculate Reception.” With time clicking off the clock, quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw a pass that bounced off a teammate. As the ball started to land at his feet, the running back miraculously grabbed it from thin air and ran for the game-winning touchdown.
On Wednesday, December 21, Harris passed away at 72 years old. President Joe Biden responded to his sudden passing. The president noted Harris won four Super Bowl titles in six years. Still, that wasn’t Biden’s emphasis.
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Biden Mourns The Death Of Steeler Great Franco Harris: We 'Will Remember Him For All That He Did To Lift Our Spirits' https://t.co/G2dPX4QgAr via @mediaite— Chris Kelly (@cjkink) December 22, 2022
He stated fifty years ago, on the same week as the play, his wife and baby daughter died in a car accident, and his two sons were severely injured. He said that shortly afterward, the owner of the Steelers, Art Rooney, flew Franco and Rocky Bleier to meet with his sons. They took time out of their busy schedules to meet with them, sign footballs, and leave without anyone knowing.
Biden said he would forever remember all Harris did to lift his spirits during the difficult time. The president noted he and his family would keep Franco Harris close to their hearts, especially during Christmas week of all weeks. He called him a “dear friend, good man, and a great American.”
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