Fans weren’t completely satisfied with NFL Network on Saturday night once they cut away from the Franco Harris tribute the Pittsburgh Steelers put together at halftime during their game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Harris, a Hall of Fame running back for the Steelers, died at 72 years old last week. It was just a few days before his famed “Immaculate Reception” reached its fiftieth anniversary, which the Steelers were going to honor during this Christmas Eve matchup while retiring his No. 32.
Unfortunately, a tribute to the late Harris was made to honor his 12-year legacy in Pittsburgh as a substitute. It was teased leading as much as the sport by multiple networks, including NFL Network, which broadcast the Steelers-Raiders matchup.
Nevertheless, viewers at home saw NFL Network cut to industrial when Harris’ tribute on the videoboard at Acrisure Stadium began.
Fans took to social media to voice their frustrations.
The Steelers honored Harris before the sport as well, with veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward running out with a black No. 32 flag. Players were also seen walking into Acrisure Stadium wearing Harris’ jersey before putting on their very own within the locker room.
It was almost like Harris was looking down on his former team, too, when a late fourth-quarter drive resulted in a game-winning touchdown by rookie George Pickens with 46 seconds left to play. The win pushed Pittsburgh’s record as much as 7-8.
Harris defeated the Raiders within the playoffs in 1972 together with his Immaculate Reception, catching a batted ball and taking it to the home for a 13-7 win. And like Pickens, Harris was in his rookie season with Pittsburgh after being drafted out of Penn State thirteenth overall.
Harris had two separate interviews just hours before he died and spoke concerning the Immaculate Reception and the way excited he was for Saturday’s ceremony.
“Art [Rooney] broke the news to me. I used to be just totally taken by surprise,” Harris said to Heyward on his podcast about being told of his number retirement. “I said, ‘What an honor to have my jersey retired.’ After which all of the connections to it. That we’re going to retire it on Dec. 24. And likewise a Raider game we’re going to retire it. I mean, it’s an incredible honor. The third jersey in 90 years of Steelers football. And the primary offensive player.”
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Harris was named the Offensive Rookie of the 12 months when he rushed for 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns. His prowess within the Steelers’ offense under legendary coach Chuck Noll quickly made him a giant piece within the franchise’s dynasty.
In 2020, the play was celebrated as the best within the NFL’s 100-year history.
