The Pittsburgh Steelers community was rocked on Wednesday morning after the news of Franco Harris’ death was released. There are not enough words to describe what Harris meant to the Steelers and the city of Pittsburgh as a whole, but the common denominator across the board boiled down to one word.
Relationship.
From everyone who was simply blessed to have gotten to meet Harris to those who shared a bond personally with the Hall of Famer, the lasting relationship he shared with those individuals was profound. After practice broke on Wednesday in preparation for the Las Vegas Raiders, players took some time to reflect on what Harris meant to them.
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Former Pittsburgh Steelers players Franco Harris #32 and Rocky Blier #20 wave "Terrible Towels" as they celebrate the Steelers' 24-19 victory against the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
If we think back to Thursday, April 28th, 2022, the Steelers were sitting on the clock with a plethora of avenues to take with their first selection. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appeared with Pittsburgh icon Harris to announce Kenny Pickett’s name as the 20th overall selection in the 2022 draft. With the devastating news of Harris’ death on Wednesday, Pickett took to Instagram to reflect on that special occasion that would forever connect them.
Photo Credit: Instagram: @kennypickett8
Similar to Pickett, Pat Freiermuth also had his name called by Harris on draft day. Freiermuth was the Steelers’ second selection in the 2021 NFL Draft and shares his own bond with Harris being Penn State alumni. Freiermuth knows his spirit will be present on Saturday night.
“Getting drafted by the Steelers and him announcing my pick, it was just cool and a huge honor. And then to learn more about him and his legacy in Pittsburgh throughout my time here, and me and him and his wife Dana we had dinner a couple of times. We built our relationship and it's definitely sad. Obviously, this weekend was for him, it still is for him, and it stinks he won’t be able to be there,” Freiermuth explained. “He might not be there in person, but he is gonna be there in heaven.”
Harris was one of the first to initiate the Steelers’ tough running style reputation. Harris was a unique blend of finesse and physicality as a running back and was truly a 'one-of-one' player. Rookie Jaylen Warren is a part of the fraternity that is Steelers running backs and understands what Harris meant to Pittsburgh.
“From the sounds of it, he had a huge impact on the community. He had a play that changed the whole culture here. He also had a very impactful role in the community. I want to be that type of player," Warren said.
Pittsburgh native and current long snapper, Christian Kuntz has been able to see Harris’ impact on the community up close. Kuntz talked about what Harris meant to him, as well.
“He is the definition of Pittsburgh Steelers football. You look at him and you are like ‘wow.' And then the type of guy he was, is the type of guy you want to become," Kuntz finished.
In addition to the locker room, players also took to Twitter to voice their own condolences.
The ultimate Steeler. His actions on and off the field are truly inspirational. Rest easy Franco. https://t.co/P57ChaOIuP
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) December 21, 2022
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. pic.twitter.com/tqsbDZptpE
— Najee Harris (@ohthatsNajee22) December 21, 2022
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.🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/95ajLaiD7M
— Pat Freiermuth (@pat_fry5) December 21, 2022
Since the beginning of September, fans were all aware of the Steelers’ plans to honor Harris this upcoming weekend by retiring his jersey and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ‘Immaculate Reception.' Harris’ number 32 will be only the third Steelers’ number to be retired and the first offensive player to receive such honor, next to Ernie Stautner’s number 70 and 'Mean' Joe Green’s number 75. During that announcement, Harris shared his gratitude for the celebration and recognition.
"I thank Art and the Steelers for keeping this legacy alive," he said. "You know, we don't want to let things get in the way of what's happening now, because every team deserves their chance at making history and making things happen, but we hope that a legacy is a part of that, and it can be an inspiration. So many deserving people of this, and it is quite an honor to be the first offensive player to have their jersey retired.”
MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 01: NFL Hall of Fame player Franco Harris poses on the Red Carpet prior to the NFL Honors on February 1, 2020 at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami, FL. (Photo by Rich Graessle/PPI/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ESPN.com: Steelers' Hall of Fame Running Back Franco Harris Died at Age 72
We can expect the outpouring of memories and stories to continue well after the celebration this weekend. The reach Harris possessed across various landscapes ranging from Pittsburgh, to sports, political matters and everywhere in between was astounding. We all lost one of the greats on Wednesday, and his legacy will forever be enshrined on the North Shore in Pittsburgh.
What do you remember about Franco? What are some of your favorite stories and memories? Let us know in the comments below!
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