Who is Steelers' #32? Franchise retires late Franco Harris' jersey during halftime vs. Raiders
The Pittsburgh Steelers had planned to retire Franco Harris' iconic #32 jersey at halftime this week against the Las Vegas Raiders. It was roughly the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, Harris' improbable touchdown that kickstarted the Steelers dynasty.
Unfortunately, just a few days prior to the game and the ceremony, Harris passed away. The official cause of death was natural causes, though the Hall of Fame running back said he felt fine in interviews prior to his death.
In light of his death, and since it was already scheduled, they are still moving forward with the ceremony to honor the catch and Harris as a player. Though it may change in the wake of his death, the team is still going to honor one of their most iconic players.
Before the game, many players showed up wearing the classic #32 jersey. At halftime, the entire football world stopped to honor an absolute legend.
Franco Harris honored at Raiders-Steelers halftime
The teams honored the late running back with an incredible ceremony that brought honor to the franchise and their fallen hero.
The crowd was filled with emotional Pittsburgh fans.
The Raiders currently lead 10-3 at halftime.
Why the Immaculate Reception was so important for the Pittsburgh Steelers
There have been a lot of huge plays in Pittsburgh's history. They've won six Super Bowls, so plays like Lynn Swann's catch and Santonio Holmes' Super Bowl winning catch stand out.
However, none may be as important as Harris' Immaculate Reception.
the Immaculate Reception changed the Steelers franchise forever
From inception in 1933 to 1971:
25* of 37 yrs sub-.500
0 playoff wins
*most of any team
Immaculate Reception was their FIRST EVER playoff win
50 yrs since?
Most wins in NFL
Only 7 yrs sub-.500
6 Super Bowls https://t.co/5MQDC1M2gP
The franchise had meandered to this point and was struggling and about to lose their playoff game to the Raiders. The tipped pass landed in the star running back's hands and he scored, which kept them alive.
They went on to become an iconic and tremendously successful franchise, but it arguably would not have occurred without this catch.
The Steelers had no playoff wins before this game. They were about to keep that number the same before the catch. Since Harris came down with the ball, they've won the most playoff games in NFL history.