Franco Harris
Inducted:
1990
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
230 lb (104 kg)
Born:
March 7, 1950
Fort Dix, New Jersey, U.S.
Died:
December 20, 2022
Sewickley, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Running back/Fullback
College:
Penn State (1968–1971)
Franco Harris was a powerful running back who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers (1972–1983) and finished his career with the Seattle Seahawks in 1984. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, he became a symbol of Pittsburgh’s rise to greatness. He burst onto the scene with the unforgettable "Immaculate Reception," sparking the Steelers’ first playoff win and fueling four Super Bowl titles in the 1970s.
Harris rushed for over 12,000 yards and scored 91 rushing touchdowns during a 13-season career, placing him among the league’s all-time leaders at retirement. Known for his blend of power and precision, he earned nine Pro Bowl selections and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year. His consistency, postseason dominance, and championship-caliber play cemented his legacy as one of the greatest backs in NFL history.
Harris' Awards and Honors
- 4× Super Bowl champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV)
- Super Bowl MVP (IX)
- First-team All-Pro (1977)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1972, 1975)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1972–1980)
- 2× Second-team All-East (1969, 1971)
NFL Records
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1972)
- NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1976)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- NFL Man of the Year (1976)
- Most first downs rushing in playoffs
- Led NFL with eight 1,000-yard rushing seasons
- Ranked second in scrub-yardage touchdowns (100) at retirement
NFL Teams
Pittsburgh Steelers (1972–1983)
Seattle Seahawks (1984)
NFL Draft:
1972: 1st round, 13th pick
Pittsburgh Steelers
Number Worn:
32, 34
NFL Stats
Seasons:
13
Game Played:
173
Game Started:
162
Rushing yards:
12,120
Yards per carry:
4.1
Rushing touchdowns:
91
Receptions:
307
Receiving yards:
2,287
Receiving touchdowns:
9