Biden Recalls Compassion Of Late Steelers Great Franco Harris

PITTSBURGH, PA — The death of Steelers great Franco Harris didn't just deal a devastating blow to Steelers fans and sports enthusiasts across the country. President Joe Biden also felt the loss.

Harris, 72, died unexpectedly overnight Wednesday. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Biden on Wednesday heralded the Hall-0f-Famer's character and compassion while recalling a heretofore undisclosed moment involving his family, Harris, and several other Steelers during a tragic moment in the president's life.

It occurred around the time of the Immaculate Reception 50 years ago, shortly after the president's first wife and infant daughter were killed and two of his sons were injured in a car accident while out shopping for a Christmas tree. Biden, a senator at the time, was in Washington when the crash occurred.

In a statement released by the White House, Biden said he rarely left his sons' bedside until they recovered. But he did go out one day shopping for them, and the boys received a surprise while he was gone.

"When I returned, they were smiling for the first time since the accident. Art Rooney, the
generous and honorable owner of the Steelers, had flown out with a couple of players, including Franco, and the tough as nails Rocky Bleier," Biden stated. "Busy with their own lives, they took the time to be with my boys, sign footballs, and then left with no publicity. A small act of
kindness that meant the world to us."

Biden said he most recently saw Harris in September and November of 2020 while on the campaign trail in Latrobe and Pittsburgh.

"This week of all weeks, my family remembers him and keeps him close to our hearts," he said.