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Legendary Steelers RB and Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris has passed away at the age of 72.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame released a statement from Hall of Fame President Jim Porter.
“The entire team at the Pro Football Hall of Fame is immensely saddened today.
We have lost an incredible football player, an incredible ambassador to the Hall and most importantly, we have lost one of the finest gentlemen anyone will ever meet. Franco not only impacted the game of football, but he also affected the lives of many, many people in profoundly positive ways."
The Hall of Fame and historians everywhere will tell Franco’s football story forever. His life story can never be told fully, however, without including his greatness off the field.
My heart and prayers go out to his wife, Dana, an equally incredible person, a special friend to the Hall and someone who cares so deeply for Franco’s Hall of Fame teammates.”
Harris began his pro football career as the Pittsburgh Steelers' No.1 pick and the 13th player selected in the 1972 NFL Draft, and he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
The flag at the Pro Football Hall of Fame will be flown at half-staff in his honor.