Franco Harris

Franco Harris (March 7, 1950 – December 20, 2022) was an American professional football player who played fullback for 13 seasons in the National Football League, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Born at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he was the son of Cad Harris, a Black soldier who served in World War II and was stationed in Italy, and Gina Parenti Harris, a native Italian war bride. He was a three-sport athlete in his youth and played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions.

The Steelers selected Harris in the first round of the 1972 NFL draft. He spent his first 12 seasons with Pittsburgh, earning nine Pro Bowl selections, before finishing his career with the Seattle Seahawks in his final season. During his rookie year he scored the "Immaculate Reception" touchdown, one of professional football's most famous plays, which gave the Steelers their first-ever playoff win.

Harris won four Super Bowls with Pittsburgh and was named Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl IX. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.