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FILE – Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris stands next a statute of himself on Sept. 12, 2019, at Pittsburgh International Airport near Pittsburgh. Harris died on Wednesday morning, Dec. 21, 2022, at age 72, just two days before the 50th anniversary of The Immaculate Reception. (Nate Guidry/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP, File)

By WPXI.com News Staff, December 21, 2022 at 9:02 pm EST

On the week of the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception,” professional football’s greatest play in league history, the playmaker has died.

Franco Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers Hall-of-Famer, died overnight, his son told the Associated Press. He was 72.

On the week of the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception,” professional football’s greatest play in league history, the playmaker has died.

Franco Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers Hall-of-Famer, died overnight, his son told the Associated Press. He was 72.

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced several events are planned Friday to celebrate the anniversary. Harris’ No. 32 was to be retired as part of the upcoming celebrations, Channel 11 sports partner SteelersNow.com reports.

Harris began his pro football career as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ No.1 pick. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.

The flag at the Pro Football Hall of Fame will be flown at half-staff in his honor, according to a news release from the organization.

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Rest In Power, Franco! – Kelvin B. Middleton, Former Pittsburgh Steeler