Franco Harris places Ben Roethlisberger in Hall of Fame
By Mark Carman
Franco Harris expects Ben Roethlisberger to join him in Canton, OH once his playing days are done because is a “winner.”
Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers kick off the NFL preseason against the Dallas Cowboys in the 2021 NFL Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.
The Steelers franchise will gain two more entrants into the NFL Hall of Fame with Guard Alan Faneca and scout Bill Nunn, who was credited for bringing John Stallworth and Jack Lambert to the Steelers 1970’s Super Bowl champion teams.
Franco would like to see more Steelers joining him someday, specifically Roethlisberger who enters perhaps his final season. Does Harris believes Roethlisberger has already earned his place with the all-time greats?
“Definitely, but it would help if we won one more Super Bowl,” Harris told FanSided.
Roethlisberger ranks 8th all-time with just over 60,000 passing yards, but is not considered an elite passer, his numbers inflated because of the era he played in. Harris underlined his most impressive characteristic.
“How about the word winner,” Harris said. “That is what it is about and Ben is a winner. All of us would like to have great statistics, you know what, I’d rather win the Super Bowl. I’d rather win the Super Bowl than be the league leading rusher. Those are the things you look at.”
Roethlisberger has two Super Bowl wins on his resume. His statistics are close to great: 8th all-time with 396 touchdown passes, 6th all-time pass completions (5050), 29th in interceptions.
Roethlisberger will add on to his statistics for at least one more season. The door is open on both sides to perhaps continue in 2022. Harris sees a pathway for Roethlisberger to continue- winning.
“I think a lot it has to do with the timing of the team and the personnel,” Harris said. “If you are a veteran player and you are with a really good young team it’s exciting and it helps. We have to see the team comes together.”
Rookie running back Najee Harris should provide some of that help. The hard worker is expected to make an immediate impact. Harris is optimistic, but also hesitant to predict instant success.
“My thing is wait and see on rookies, take a look at my first five games,” Harris said. “Najee has a lot of talent, a lot of potential, but we know in the NFL it takes a lot of things to fall into place. Most of all it does start with you and your mental and physical attitude.”
FanSided spoke with Franco Harris on behalf of the official launch of Game Day Socks, licensed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.