Pittsburghers are mourning the loss of American professional football player as stories of his legend continue to circulate.
Pittsburgh Steelers football legend Franco Harris passed away, with tributes pouring in from across the city and the country. Fans laid flowers and a Terrible Towel at a memorial, while top players, coaches, and experts sent condolences. Harris stayed in Pittsburgh, and early tributes focused on everyday matters.
Chris Ivey, a Pittsburgh filmmaker, met Pittsburgh Steelers player Chris Harris in 2009 when he produced commercials for his son Dok. Harris was known as “Pittsburgh Jesus” due to his fame and generosity. During games, Harris would move around the stadium, encouraging Ivey to stay positive. During the pandemic, Harris called Ivey every couple of weeks to check on him and his wife.
Albert Vento, owner of Vento’s Pizza in East Liberty, recalls attending Steelers games as a child and starting the fan group “Franco’s Italian Army” with his cousin after Harris’ mother was Italian. The Immaculate Reception changed Pittsburgh, bringing light and creating Steelers Nation. Games became like parties, with fans bringing tanks and food.
Harris, a former Pittsburgh Steelers player, recently visited Vento’s for a religious piece and a ticket stub. Albert, who had been assisting friends, wore his signed Harris jersey to work for the first time. Harris, who was quiet during his rookie season, quickly gained respect from older players and headlined a rally for then-Senate candidate John Fetterman.
Franco, a legendary and selfless man, was a champion of the Italian community in Pittsburgh. He formed “Franco’s Italian Army” in 1972, with many fan members wearing army helmets. The Pittsburgh Urban League’s president and CEO, Carlos Carter, praised Harris’ support for the Black community, including serving as a spokesperson for the league’s COVID-19 vaccine campaign. Harris received the Ronald H. Brown Leadership award in February for his charitable work.
Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship chairman, Joe Harris, has passed away. Harris supported the scholarship for 15 years, even dancing with students on college admissions day. Executive director of Pittsburgh Promise, Saleem Ghubril, expressed sadness and anger at Harris’ passing. Harris, who was a legend in football, celebrated the 50-year anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, the first touchdown by a Steeler in the playoffs, but admitted he had no actual memories.
