Key Pittsburgh Bridge Could Be Renamed After Late Steelers Great

PITTSBURGH, PA — One of the city's most well-known bridges soon could be renamed after one of the most iconic players in Steelers history.

The state House Transportation Committee is considering a bill introduced by Democratic Rep. Aerion Abney of Allegheny County that would rechristen the Fort Duquesne Bridge over the Allegheny River as the Franco Harris Bridge.

A Hall-of-Fame player, Harris perhaps is best known for what is widely considered the most famous play in NFL history - the game-winning Immaculate Reception in 1972 that gave the Steelers a playoff victory over the Oakland Raiders.

During his 13-season NFL career, Harris was selected to nine Pro Bowls, played in five AFC championship games and four Super Bowls.

"As impressive as Franco Harris was on the field, his character and deeds off the field have left a lasting impression in Pittsburgh," Abney wrote in a memo to colleagues seeking support for the measure.

"He dedicated his time to his community by working alongside organizations such as the March of Dimes, the Pittsburgh Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Easter Seals, the Special Olympics, and Pittsburgh Promise. Such endeavors earned him multiple awards throughout his career such as the
NFL Man of the Year Award and the Whizzer White Humanitarian Award."

Abney said he would like to have the bridge renamed to coincide with Pittsburgh's hosting of the NFL Draft in April.

Harris died in 2022, just days before the Immaculate Reception's 50th anniversary.

Renaming the bridge after Harris would be the latest recent honor to be bestowed upon him. Last month, the Heinz History Center announced it would rename its Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum after Harris.