Around the NFL

NFL community pays tribute to Hall of Fame RB, Steelers legend Franco Harris

Published: Dec 21, 2022 at 09:43 AM

NFL.com

The NFL community was shocked and saddened Wednesday by the death of Hall of Fame running back and Pittsburgh Steelers legend Franco Harris at the age of 72.

Below is a roundup of tributes to the NFL great from players and figures around the league:

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

"We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Franco Harris.

"He meant so much to Steelers fans as the Hall of Fame running back who helped form the nucleus of the team's dynasty of the '70s, but he was much more. He was a gentle soul who touched so many in the Pittsburgh community and throughout the entire NFL. Franco changed the way people thought of the Steelers, of Pittsburgh, and of the NFL.

"He will forever live in the hearts of Steelers fans everywhere, his teammates, and the city of Pittsburgh.

"Our condolences go out to his wife, Dana, and their son, Dok."

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Statement from Steelers President Art Rooney II on the passing of Franco Harris: pic.twitter.com/5Ojd5Uatvr
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 21, 2022

We are heartbroken to hear about the passing of 4x Super Bowl Champion, Hall of Famer and the man behind the "Immaculate Reception,” Franco Harris.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Franco's legacy and impact will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/tmmQKo6IJ8
— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2022

We are saddened to share the news that Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris has passed away at age 72. #HOFForever More info: https://t.co/s53OU0Ryhe pic.twitter.com/insXLT37L9
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) December 21, 2022

Franco Harris will not only be remembered as a great player. His legacy will also be one of character and humility off of the field, as well as a dear friend of the Hall.

We are honored to have the opportunity to help tell his story and keep his legacy alive forever. #HOFForever pic.twitter.com/q5cAdn1Qnw
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) December 21, 2022

Franco Harris is known for the glory he brought to football. But I knew him for his character and compassion – someone who spent time with my boys after we lost my first wife and infant daughter.

May God bless Franco Harris, a dear friend of 50 years and a great American. pic.twitter.com/YhOYr3a4IM
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 21, 2022

I grew up watching Franco Harris, and had the honor of getting to know him years later. He was an extraordinary man on and off the field, and will be missed. Our thoughts go out to his family and all of Steeler Nation.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 21, 2022

Words can’t begin to describe the pain I am feeling. Franco will always be a brother, mentor and my definition of greatness. He was a legend on the field and the personification of excellence off of the field– A true class act to look up to and aspire to be like. RIP #32 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/WOYU4qCZDP
— Jerome Bettis (@JeromeBettis36) 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

Long live the Legend Franco Harris. Franco is Pittsburgh! I’m honored to have known him. Sending love and prayers to his family and the community 🙏🏽
— James Conner (@JamesConner_) December 21, 2022

Woke up this morning to the devastating news that my friend Franco Harris passed away during the night. One of the kindest, gentlest men I have ever known. He was a great person & great teammate. Hall of Fame player but so much more than that. A tremendous role model for me! pic.twitter.com/OswJ82x7I1
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) December 21, 2022

Today we lost a Legend, not just on the field, but even more so off. Franco always had a smile and a hand shake or a hug for everyone, it seemed. Thank you for being a role model for us all! -- Ben. pic.twitter.com/MqHRD2tgAv
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) December 21, 2022

We have lost an Icon in Franco Harris. He embodied Pgh in his Grace, Humility, & Sense of Pride. He was a Champion on the Field & Ambassador off it. Thank you Franco for setting the standard that we all strive to achieve as a Professional & as a Person. RIP & condolences to Dana. pic.twitter.com/3GtCgOpeOW
— Bill Cowher (@CowherCBS) December 21, 2022

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

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

To an incredible teammate, friend, and a forever great.

Rest in Peace, Franco Harris. 💔 pic.twitter.com/WNY8THTD65
— Seahawks Legends (@SeahawksLegends) December 21, 2022

As I prepare to head to PITT for Christmas Eve game celebrating the anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception” I am saddened to hear of the passing of @francoharrishof - I had gotten 2 know him over the years at HOF events, 1 of the nicest, most genuine ppl u will ever meet! RIP
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) December 21, 2022

I’m shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of my friend Franco Harris.

Praying for Franco and his loved ones🖤
— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) December 21, 2022

pic.twitter.com/JXbhDQtDt0
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 21, 2022

Franco Harris was the best of the best on and off the field. He was so kind and helped so many people. It was an honor to know him. He will be missed #RIPFranco
— Jed York (@JedYork) December 21, 2022

Rest in peace, FRANCO HARRIS. An NFL icon, and the author of one of the most incredible plays in sports history.🙏 pic.twitter.com/MvpTQFtFTL
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) December 21, 2022

i met Franco Harris. it was at a very young age in my football career. he said to me i have what it takes to be a great football player. im just grateful he took the time to say something to encourage me to become a better person + player. Thank you 🐐.

rest in paradise. #32 pic.twitter.com/VIeZRQVYvs
— Darrelle Revis (@Revis24) December 21, 2022

Franco Harris represented the best of players and the best of our union: a quiet, steadfast and confident leader who embodied class + everything right about union values. Franco also won the Alan Page Community Award in 1982.

He will be greatly missed. #RIPFranco pic.twitter.com/h7ByJhvOIq
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) December 21, 2022

One of the kindest people I’ve ever met. He was so much apart of the NFL my generation grew up watching, a true legend. When I had the opportunity to meet Franco what always stood our was how good he was to everyone. God Bless and Rest in Peace Franco. https://t.co/zt3SMcoLQS
— John Lynch (@JohnLynch49ers) December 21, 2022

💔💔🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/OLwAY646Zm
— Thurman Thomas (@thurmanthomas) December 21, 2022

A pillar in the history of our league. #RIP #FrancoHarris pic.twitter.com/Zz42doRXQZ
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) December 21, 2022

Just devastated hearing of the passing of Franco Harris. A legend, icon, and as genuine a man as they come. Praying for his family. We lost a great one today.
— Gene Steratore (@GeneSteratore) December 21, 2022