NFL legends pay tribute to star of 'immaculate reception' as Franco Harris dies at 72 - The Mirror

One of the greatest running backs ever has sadly passed away at age of 72, three days before the anniversary of his involvement in one of the greatest plays in NFL history - the 'immaculate reception'

Tributes have poured in for Franco Harris after the Pittsburgh Steelers legendary running back sadly passed away on Tuesday afternoon at the age of 72.

The news comes just days before Harris was set to be at the Steelers upcoming home game on Christmas Eve, when he was to given a reception at half-time as the team intended to retire his jersey number 32. But sadly, Harris passed away overnight, his son has confirmed, after he was said to have been healthy in recent weeks and had been looking forward to the weekend's festivities.

His death comes just three days before the 50th anniversary of one of the greatest plays in NFL history, known as the 'Immaculate Reception', when quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw a pass that was broken up by a defender and ricocheted across the field into the arms of Harris with just 22 seconds to go as he run it in for a touchdown to win the game to advance in the playoffs against their fierce rival Oakland Raiders.

Bradshaw was Harris' quarterback throughout his 11 years with the Steelers, and is one of many to have paid tribute to him after becoming aware of the news. He said: "He was just a great guy. I've known him forever. It's a sad day for sure."

Former Steelers running back, hall of famer Jerome Bettis said: "Words can’t 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– A true class act to look up to and aspire to be like."

Harris' former teammate and former NFL coach Tony Dungy said: "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!"

And the Pro Football Hall of Fame wrote: "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. We are honored to have the opportunity to help tell his story and keep his legacy alive forever."

Harris was inducted into the hall of fame in 1990, and had been the third-leading rusher in NFL history at the time of retiring behind only Jim Brown and Walter Payton.