Look: Steelers honor late Franco Harris with iconic pregame gesture

Pittsburgh Steelers players honored the late Franco Harris ahead of their Saturday night game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were set to honor the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception during their Saturday night game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Steelers were set to retire running back Franco Harris’ No. 32, the hero of the play that helped lead the team to a 13-7 win over the Raiders in the 1972 AFC Divisional playoff game. He was set to be in attendance for the ceremony, but sadly passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 72.

It’s a somber day in Pittsburgh, considering how beloved Harris was in the city and how much joy he brought them.

Ahead of the game, Steelers players arrived at Acrisure Stadium wearing Harris’ No. 32 jersey. Take a look at the video the team’s social media team posted on Twitter, which shows Minkah Fitzpatrick, T.J. Watt, and Kenny Pickett all wearing the throwback jerseys with Harris’ number.

Steelers players honor Franco Harris with pregame gesture

In the 1972 AFC Divisional playoff game, Harris helped defeat the Raiders after catching a Terry Bradshaw pass intended for John Fuqua, which bounced off safety Jack Tatum’s helmet to secure Pittsburgh’s 13-7 victory. Harris was only a rookie at the time of this game, and it was the start of what was a legendary 12-year career with the Steelers.

During his time with the team, Harris helped the team win four Super Bowl titles (9, 10, 13, and 14). He was named the Super Bowl 9 MVP after rushing for 158 yards and a touchdown on 34 carries in the 16-6 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Harris was named to the Pro Bowl nine consecutive years since entering the NFL.

Overall, Harris recorded 11,950 rushing yards and 91 touchdowns on 2,881 carries during his 12 seasons at Pittsburgh.

Saturday is truly a somber day for the Steelers organization and fanbase, as they honor one of the faces of the franchise in Harris.