RIP Franco Harris

[rwsaunders]

[vertical_doug]

He kept crushing my Vikings in all those Superbowls in the 70's. I even added Iron City Steelers Superbowl champs to the beer can collection.

That's greatness. Getting a Vikings kid to display these cans...
But I guess I was happy they pounded the Cowboys too

[Saab2000]

Fifteen years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Franco Harris and his teammate and buddy, Rocky Bleier. Mr. Bleier was of greater interest to me because he is from my hometown of Appleton, WI and something of a local legend there because of his story, which is worth examining.

This picture was taken December 3, 2007 at New York's LaGuardia Airport after the quick flight over from Pittsburgh. They were working together as motivational speakers and were heading to an engagement. Mr. Bleier was more engaging to me because of our shared background from Appleton. Mr. Harris wanted this to be over as fast as possible! We all looked a little younger then! Wishing his family peace and wishing him many more immaculate receptions.

[htwoopup]

His greatness was so far beyond the field. A true class act.

This article brought a tear to my eyes.

https://theathletic.com/4002307/2022...er/?source=nyt

And the last quote shows the difference between class and style…

“I know how special that ball was for Jimmy and his son,” Harris said. “Jimmy is the right person to have that ball.”

[rwsaunders]

Thanks for posting Jon. I'd see Franco a couple of times a year either at the airport, somewhere at an event or just walking down the sidewalk, as he was extremely involved in the Pittsburgh community and revered as much for his post football accomplishments, as he was for his football career. Our daughter often jokes that when you exit the Pittsburgh airport's main terminal, all one needs to know about Pittsburgh history can be visualized by looking at the two statues near the escalator bank...George Washington and Franco Harris. They just announced last week that his number is going to be retired during the Raiders game this Saturday, only the third Steelers number in history to be retired, which interestingly enough, #32 hasn't been worn by a Steeler since Franco's last game here in 1982. Cherish life.

[ElvisMerckx]

Franco has a cycling connection too. He was a team owner in the short-lived National Cycling League back in the early 90s.