The Pittsburgh Steelers retired their jersey #32 in the half-time of their game against the Las Vegas Raiders in honour of their recently deceased legend Franco Harris.
A minute’s silence was also held ahead of the match. While arriving at the Acrisure Stadium, all Steelers players were seeing wearing the #32 on their backs in honour of the legendary running back.
Check out the ceremony in which the Steelers retired their #32 jersey:
Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris’ death on Wednesday — just two days before the 50th anniversary of “The Immaculate Reception” that gave Pittsburgh an improbable victory in the 1972 playoffs and three days before the Steelers were scheduled to retire his No. 32 — brought reality crashing into view.
“We’re all heartbroken, but we do look forward to honoring him and his legacy this weekend,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said. “And obviously, where our attention needs to be is on the preparation required to put together the type of performance that’s fitting of a great man like Franco.”
It’s almost certainly what Harris would have wanted. When the NFL put the schedule together last spring, it was with an eye toward history and the hope that both teams would still have something to play for.
Also Read| US soldier proposes to girlfriend during Cleveland Browns vs New Orleans Saints timeout: Watch
Mel Blount, Harris’ former teammate, was also present at the game. After news of Harris’ death spread, Blount had said, “Franco was a great football player but even a better person. He always made time for others. … Franco was a huge supporter of the Mel Blount Youth Leadership Initiative and poured his heart out to every youth organization throughout the Pittsburgh community.”
He further added, “I am grateful for our friendship. I will truly miss my brother, teammate and dear friend.”
