Legend Franco Harris dead at 72

[Mr. WEO]

RIP Franco.

 

Illegal catch.

[RobbRiddick]

Wow just read this. I watched the new footage of the immaculate reception recently where you see the whole thing in one shot. Apparently the footage was in a vault at the Raiders head office but hasn't been released because it clearly shows the ball hitting the Raiders player first. At least that's what I read.

 

Anyway, how sad, and especially since it's the anniversary

[par73]

Very sad. Great player on a truly iconic team (with the most memorable play ever). RIP, Franco.

[Bad Things]

RIP to a true NFL legend.

 

He was the subject of my first ever "book report", back when I was a little kid in the 70's.

God bless.

[Chandler#81]

5 hours ago, Captain Hindsight said:

Well not the first https://247sports.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/ContentGallery/The-Pittsburgh-Steelers-retired-numbers-131827311/#:~:text=The Pittsburgh Steelers only have,by "Mean" Joe Greene.

 

He would have been third, but yes horrible news. Lots of my extended family is from Pittsburgh. Very sad group texts this morning 

I’ll take you and your family’s word. I got that info from WGR this morning 

[WhoTom]

1 hour ago, RobbRiddick said:

Wow just read this. I watched the new footage of the immaculate reception recently where you see the whole thing in one shot. Apparently the footage was in a vault at the Raiders head office but hasn't been released because it clearly shows the ball hitting the Raiders player first. At least that's what I read.

 

I thought the controversy was that the ball may have hit the ground before Franco scooped it up. That was before every stadium had 42 camera angles, so nobody's been able to prove it either way.

[RobbRiddick]

18 minutes ago, WhoTom said:

 

I thought the controversy was that the ball may have hit the ground before Franco scooped it up. That was before every stadium had 42 camera angles, so nobody's been able to prove it either way.

Yeah that was mentioned as well

[Ethan in Cleveland]

26 minutes ago, WhoTom said:

 

I thought the controversy was that the ball may have hit the ground before Franco scooped it up. That was before every stadium had 42 camera angles, so nobody's been able to prove it either way.

No the controversy was if a Steeler WR was the one who touched the ball then another Steeler can't legally catch it. That was the rule then.  So the only way the catch is legal is if the ball hit the Raiders DB first.  From all the replays I have seen there is no way to tell who touched the ball first.  The ball clearly goes backwards at quite a speed and distance which would make it seem like it was the Raiders defender who hit the ball as the Steelers WR was coming across the field not towards the ball as the Raiders' defender was.

The other controversy is the refs huddled after the play and I'm pretty sure called NFL headquarters. There was no replay of course. The story goes that they asked about their security because if they ruled the catch was illegal they were afraid of the fans reactions and their safety.  Supposedly that is what a Raiders player overheard them saying.  

[Livinginthepast]

2 hours ago, RobbRiddick said:

Wow just read this. I watched the new footage of the immaculate reception recently where you see the whole thing in one shot. Apparently the footage was in a vault at the Raiders head office but hasn't been released because it clearly shows the ball hitting the Raiders player first. At least that's what I read.

 

Anyway, how sad, and especially since it's the anniversary

Just watched it

 

 

[Simon]

3 hours ago, Big Turk said:

 

No Raider fans?  Wasn't that at the high point of the "Raider Mystique"?

 

That mystique is mostly manufactured hindsight and didn't exist in real time, imo.

They were my 2nd favorite team behind the Bills back then, but the vast majority of the country just hated them as a dirty team full of cast-off lunatics.

They're a fun story to look back on but at the time they were not well-loved.

[Let's Go Buffalo]

That's sad to hear. That iconic #32 Jersey prompted me to wear it my Senior year in football. He touched so many lives on and off the field, and will definitely be missed. He had that "Leader" mentality, and he was a role model to many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP, Mr. Harris! 

 

Thanks for posting, House.

[CowgirlsFan]

RIP

 

Gut wrenching even more gut wrenching so close to the Anniversary 

 

Thank you for your contribution to the game of football.

[T master]

FRANCO - RIP !!  Some of the first football memories i have are of the Steelers during his time there they were some bad MO FO"S !! 

 

I only wish he would have been able to except his awards & such this coming week like they had planned it would have been nice to see him live once more he looked fine not to long ago wasn't he on the draft for them last year  🤔 ?

 

Any way great player will be missed but never forgotten !! 

[BarleyNY]

Many years ago I was at a Steelers game and he was standing about 20-30 feet from where I was walking. I usually leave celebrities alone and did on that day, but it was cool to see him up close. He was taller than I expected. 
 

RIP Mr Harris. 

[billsbackto81]

7 hours ago, HOUSE said:

Very sad, I guess he has been sick for some time

 

5 hours ago, zow2 said:

So Crazy.  Mad Dog Russo had a live interview with Franco late yesterday afternoon.  I was listening to it.  They were talking about the immaculate reception of course and this coming weekend.  Franco sounded kinda' tired and was sniffling a bit but said at the beginning he felt good.  RIP.

Obviously don't know if he was sick in some capacity but remember guys. Life is short and precious. Too short to hold grudges and bad feelings towards friends and family that were a big part of our lives in some way, especially during the holidays. Talk, look past, forgive and make amends before it's too late. People can't hear what's on your mind and in your heart when there gone.

 

RIP Franco.😪 Looks like heaven will have their own Immaculate Reception when you show up.👍

[dollars 2 donuts]

7 hours ago, HOUSE said:

Very sad, I guess he has been sick for some time

 

 

House, this has probably been asked in the earlier pages of this thread and this is a bit rhetorical, but how the hell has his number not been retired by them yet?!

 

Jacka**es...what, you had to perseverate over this one, Steelers Owners/Admin?

 

Idiots.  

 

 

Edited December 21, 2022 by dollars 2 donuts

[RobbRiddick]

1 hour ago, Livinginthepast said:

Just watched it

 

 

It is pretty fascinating seeing footage like this of a historic play.  It's like the Zapruder film or something

Edited December 21, 2022 by RobbRiddick

[Mark Vader]

4 hours ago, Big Turk said:

 

No Raider fans?  Wasn't that at the high point of the "Raider Mystique"?

It was, but the Raiders couldn't beat the Steelers.

 

Just like the Rams couldn't beat the Vikings during that time period.

 

As for Franco Harris, I was able to see him play towards the end of his career and he still was playing hard. RIP, Sir.

[Big Turk]

 

 

These players celebration games back then were atrocious...I mean he just scores to win a key playoff game on the last play and he flips the ball like he is flipping it to ref after being tackled. 😂😂

[WhoTom]

55 minutes ago, Big Turk said:

I mean he just scores to win a key playoff game on the last play and he flips the ball like he is flipping it to ref after being tackled.

 

He'd been there (i.e. the end zone) before.