Franco Harris’ last interview: Legendary RB showed no signs of health issues, was in good spirits
Franco Harris' passing has left the NFL world in shock. Many have come forward with stories remembering his life, with some even coming forward with experiences from recent days and weeks. In what appears to be his final interview, the Steelers running back looked to be as healthy as anyone.
According to TMZ, in a video interview recorded on the Not Just Football with Cam Heyward podcast around 2:30 PM EST on 20 December, the running back looked in great health. He was perfectly coherent and present in the conversation, smiling and charismatic. He was announced to have passed away on Wednesday.
Will the Steelers rally after the death of the architect of the Immaculate Reception?
What did Steelers RB Franco Harris talk about during his final interview?
In a clip of the conversation posted by TMZ, the late running back talked about his memories of the Immaculate Reception. It is something many long-time Steelers fans know as one of the most famous plays in NFL History. In the game, Terry Bradshaw launched a pass deep down the field late, needing a miracle.
Just landed in Pittsburgh. The famed statue of Franco Harris commemorating The Immaculate Reception at the airport has turned into a makeshift memorial shrine with folks leaving flowers, Terrible Towels and notes in his loving memory. https://t.co/yGn8KhhPxJ
The ball bounced off his intended receiver violently and out of frame. Franco Harris sprinted into the frame holding the football and scored the needed touchdown to advance past John Madden and the Raiders. The play turns 50 on 23 December.
He also talked about what happened after the game, explaining the utter chaos that broke out. After the game, he spoke about how he ended up in a room full of Raiders players just hours later. Basically, he had gone to the airport to leave and stumbled into the wrong restaurant.
Woke up this morning to the devastating news that my friend Franco Harris passed away during the night. One of the kindest, gentlest men I have ever known. He was a great person & great teammate. Hall of Fame player but so much more than that. A tremendous role model for me! https://t.co/OswJ82x7I1
He described the atmosphere at that moment as a quiet, chilling affair. After a long silence, one player from the Raiders spoke to him, who he had played in college with before. However, he quickly left the area as soon as he could.
Harris was set to be honored and have his number retired this weekend in Pittsburgh. Sadly, he departed from this world before that could materialize.