Franco Harris Obituary

Franco Harris was an American professional football player who was a fullback in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks.

He was born in Fort Dix, New Jersey. His father, Cad Harris, served in World War II and was stationed in Italy during the war. His mother, Gina Parenti Harris was a native Italian and became a war bride, who moved with her husband when he returned to the United States after the end of the war.

In his first season with the Steelers, Harris was named the league’s Rookie of the Year by both The Sporting News and United Press International. In that season, he gained 1055 yards on 188 carries, with a 5.6-yard-per-carry average.

He was chosen for 9 consecutive Pro Bowls and was All-Pro in 1977. Harris rushed for more than 1,000 yards in eight seasons, breaking a record set by Jim Brown.

In 1984, he received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement. In 1999, he was ranked number 83 on The Sporting News’ list of 100 Greatest Football players.

Franco Harris died at the age of 72 on December 21, 2022. The actual cause of his death is still unknown.

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