Steelers Great Franco Harris To Have His Number Retired Saturday

PITTSBURGH, PA — Fifty years ago this weekend, the Steelers beat the Oakland Raiders in a playoff game via what has been labeled the greatest play in NFL history. Fifty years later, the Steelers and Raiders are playing again this weekend, and the Steeler who made that play will be receiving the greatest honor a sports team can bestow.

The Steelers will retire Franco Harris' number 32 at halftime during the Steelers-Raiders game, which will be played in prime time on Christmas Eve.

"I am thrilled we are going to honor Franco with this recognition by retiring his No. 32 jersey," Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement.

"This is the 50th anniversary of one of the most memorable plays in NFL history; one that changed the course of our success with his 'Immaculate Reception' in 1972. My grandfather was once quoted as saying: 'Before Franco got here, we didn't win much; Since he got here, we don't lose.' I think that sums it up pretty good."

The date was Dec. 23, 1972. The place: Three Rivers Stadium. The Steelers were playing the then-Oakland Raiders for the right to play in the AFC Championship game.

The situation was dire for the Steelers. Trailing 7-6 with 22 seconds remaining in the game, the team faced a fourth-and-1o on their own 40-yard line and no time outs left.

Under heavy pressure from the Raiders' defense, Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw unleashed a pass to the Raiders 35-year line toward running back Frenchy Fuqua. Raiders safety Jack Tatum and Fuqua collided as the ball arrived, and it went sailing into the hands of Harris. He ran the ball into the end zone for a touchdown and a most improbable playoff victory.

It's always fun to take a look at that incredible moment. No doubt it will played several times Saturday at Acrisure Stadium and on the NFL Network broadcasting the game.