“That’s unfortunate” – Terry Bradshaw claims John Madden never “got over” Franco Harris’ Immaculate Reception
John Madden was at odds with Franco Harris and Terry Bradshaw during the playoff game that generated the Immaculate Reception. The result of that play was one that the former Raiders head coach never got over, according to Franco Harris' former quarterback. Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show, former Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw revealed his belief while discussing the late running back.
Here's how he put it:
"[This week is] a celebration of the 50th year of the Immaculate Reception. Pittsburgh is gonna go back and relive this. Some of the Raiders are coming in for 50 years later, there's got to be a healing amount. I don't think John Madden ever got over it. That's unfortunate."
He continued, lauding what could be the running back's final accomplishment with the team:
"But Saturday... at halftime, his numbers [getting] retired. It would be only the third jersey number in Steeler history to [be] retired, which is a major award [and] a great accomplishment."
Lastly, he expressed how he is grieving in the wake of the loss:
"It's going to be a great celebration. Now not only has the number 32 been retired but the life of Franco and quite honestly it hits me and then emotionally it leaves me then it hits me. I'm just back and forth on it. And I have a hard time kind of grasping that actually. But such a great teammate."
Did RB Franco Harris play for any teams other than the Pittsburgh Steelers?
From 1972-1983, Franco Harris was a bonafide member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Through the Immaculate Reception, half a dozen playoff runs, and four Super Bowl victories, the running back wore black and yellow. However, at the tail-end of his career, he spent one season with another franchise.
I grew up watching Franco Harris, and had the honor of getting to know him years later. He was an extraordinary man on and off the field, and will be missed. Our thoughts go out to his family and all of Steeler Nation.
At 34, he joined the Seattle Seahawks for what turned out to be a brief stint. With the West Coast franchise, he played in eight games and started six. With the Seahawks, he rushed 68 times for 170 yards and no touchdowns. Harris knew how to pick them, as in the only season he played for the team, they went 12-4 and won a playoff game.
A pillar in the history of our league. #RIP #FrancoHarris https://t.co/Zz42doRXQZ
In total, Franco Harris rushed for more than 12,000 yards in his career. He also produced 91 touchdowns. Arguably his best season in the league came in 1976 when he rushed for 1128 yards and 14 touchdowns. 50 years after the Immaculte Reception, many still credit the running back as one of the faces of the franchise.