Franco Harris was a key factor for the Pittsburgh Steelers in their process of building a dynasty. The team led by head coach Chuck Noll wonfourSuper Bowlsin a span of six years: 1974, 1975, 1978 and 1979. The list of names was stellar on offense with QBTerry Bradshaw and wide receiversLynn SwannandJohn Stallworth. The defense was simply the best ever. The SteelCurtain of Joe Green, Jack Ham, Jack Lambert and so many others.

Franco Harris was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990 and always was a beloved character in Pittsburgh. Read here to find out if the Steelers ever retired his unforgettable number 32.

Franco Harris: Is number 32 retired by the Pittsburgh Steelers?

The news about Franco Harris shocked the Pittsburgh Steelers because on Saturday, December 24, his number 32 was finally going to be retired. That’s why the NFL scheduled a game against the Raiderson that date to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.

Throughout history, the Pittsburgh Steelers have only officially retired two jersey numbers. No. 70 of defensive lineman Ernie Stautner and No. 75 of Joe Greene. No. 32 of Franco Harris will join that list.Other remarkable numbers such as No.12 of Terry Bradshaw haven’t been officially retired, but players don’t use them anymore as a sign of respect.

Those Pittsburgh Steelers became a dynasty by winning four Super Bowls in six years (1974, 1975, 1978 and 1979). That offense led by QB Terry Bradshaw with wide receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth were the perfect ally for a spectacular defense full of stars like Joe Green, Jack Hamand Jack Lambert. The Steel Curtain.

Now, after the passing of Franco Harris, many wonder what happened at the Immaculate Reception and how many years have gone by since that amazing moment for the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Continue reading to find out all the details about that unforgettable play.

Franco Harris: What was the Immaculate Reception?

On December 23 of 1972, during the AFC Divisional playoffs, the Steelers were trailing the Raiders 7-6 in the fourth quarter and had a fourth down & 10 at their own 40 yard line. There were only 22 seconds remaining on the clock. Then, a football miracle happened at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh.

QB Terry Bradshaw threw a pass to JohnFuqua and the ball was suddenly left in the air after a collision betweenFuqua and Jack Tatum (Raiders). In a moment which seemed to stop time, Franco Harris picked up the ball before it touched the ground and ran all the way to the endzone. The Steelers won 13-7 in one of the most amazing plays ever. The Immaculate Reception.

Now, in a shocking turn of events, Franco Harris died just two days before the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. That’s why Saturday’s game between the Steelers and the Raiders now will be an enormous tribute to the running back at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. His number 32 is going to be retired with a ceremony at halftime.

Where is Franco Harris statue in Pittsburgh?

The statue of Franco Harris is one of the symbols in the city. The extraordinary tribute for the amazing running back is located atPittsburghInternational Airport. The statue immortalizedprecisely the moment when Franco Harris picked up the ball against the Raiders and, if you ever visit the Steel City, it will be one of the first things you’ll see when arriving at the terminal.