Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris has died at the age of 72. The longtime Pittsburgh Steeler became known for the “Immaculate Reception,” one of the most memorable plays in NFL history.

The NFL is mourning the loss of Franco Harris.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers running back has died at the age of 72, his son Dok confirmed to the Associated Press. He won the Super Bowl four times with the Steelers in the seventies.

He was even voted MVP in Super Bowl 9 against the Minnesota Vikings. The cause of death is not yet known.

“Immaculate Reception” – A Play for Eternity

Besides his successes and his top-notch statistics (12,120 rushing yards, 91 touchdowns in 173 games), one play in particular will be remembered: the “Immaculate Reception”.

In the playoff game against the Oakland Raiders, the Pittsburgh Steelers were down 6-7 with less than a minute remaining. When quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw the ball out of sheer desperation, it was actually knocked down.

However, the ball landed not on the ground but in the arms of Franco Harris, who ran for a touchdown and the win. The Steelers won 13-7.

Legendary Steelers RB Franco Harris, author of the “Immaculate Reception” – one of the greatest plays in NFL history – has passed away at the age of 72.

A 4-time Super Bowl champion, Hall of Fame player and revered individual by so many.

RIP.pic.twitter.com/hUERPwHVwo

– Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 21, 2022

The name is a reference to the immaculate conception of Mary from the Bible. Just as the Virgin came to the Child, Harris came to the ball.

On 23 December, the move celebrates its 50th anniversary – for the first time now without the protagonist himself. This weekend, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders will face off, where his jersey should be retired.