Pittsburgh Steelers Retire Franco Harris’ No. 32 Jersey
Written by Reananda Hidayat PermonoCompleted Master of Science - MS, Petroleum Geology from Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II conducted a jersey retirement ceremony for a franchise running back legend Franco Harris.
The Hall of Fame icon passed away on Tuesday at 72, only days before he was initially set to be honored.
Moreover, Harris becomes just the third member of the Steelers 1972 franchise to have his number retired.
During the halftime of Pittsburgh’s 13-10 comeback win against the Raiders at Acrisure Stadium, Harris’ family, Steelers owners, and fans paid their tributes.
Rooney thanked Dana and Dok (Harris’ wife and son) for being there and sharing Franco with the club.
“Franco brought us joy for 50 years,” he continued.
Rooney closed his statement by saying, “It’s my honor to declare No. 32 officially retired.”
The club president presented a No. 32 jersey to Harris’ widow and son as fans chanted, “Fran-co! Fran-co!”
Later, Harris was honored with a moment of silence before the national anthem was playing.
After the match, coach Mike Tomlin said they had a chance to be a part of the club's history.
Besides Harris, Tomlin also honored Harris’ teammates and everyone who had come before them.
The ceremony was also attended by other Pittsburgh Steelers’ legends like Joe Greene, Mel Blount, and John Fuqua.