Biography Essay On Franco Harris

Four-time Superbowl Champion, Nine-time Pro Bowl athlete, 12,120 career rushing yards, 100 touchdowns, and the player noted for the “Immaculate Reception”. This is what Franco Harris is known for. This is the part of his legacy that is celebrated in the NFL Hall of Fame, Pittsburgh, and his home town in New Jersey. But behind the statistics and football accomplishments is a story. A story of a man who came from a humble African-Italian American background. Franco Harris grew up in a family of nine. His father, Cad Harris, was an African American WWII army sergeant while his mother, Gina Harris, was originally from Abruzzo in Italy. Having married Cad Harris while he was on active service, Gina Harris was made a war bride. Due to

After graduating from Rancocas Valley Regional High School, Harris went on to play football at Pennsylvania State University where he became an All-American fullback. As the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft, Harris was chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers over future star running back Lydell Mitchell. Harris started his professional career by being named the NFL rookie of the year in 1972 after rushing for 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns. Harris became very popular with Pittsburgh’s Italian American population, despite being generally known as African American. His fanbase nicknamed themselves as “Franco’s Italian Army”, wearing army helmets with his number on them. While he secured 12,120 yards on 2,949 carries and scored 91 rushing touchdowns and 9 receiving touchdowns, Harris is most known for his the part he played in one of the NFL’s most controversial and famous plays, the “Immaculate Reception". In the 1972 American Football Conference playoffs, the Oakland Raiders were beating Pittsburgh by one

Additionally, Harris was named chairman of the Pittsburgh Promise. This is a $250 million scholarship program for students in Pittsburgh public schools. Harris is dedicated to the Pittsburgh region and the educational issues. Franco Harris has been committed to providing scholarships for students in need, having received a life changing one himself. It addition to Harris’ charitable work, he also co-owns the Pittsburgh Passion women football team with Teresa Conn. This team is apart of the Women's Football Alliance and has had a successful career. Overall, Franco Harris was an amazing athlete. However, there is so much more to his story than just the fenomenale statistics. To be inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, an athlete has to be a pillar of society. Franco Harris has greatly contributed to the Pittsburgh region since leaving the NFL. He has become an advocate for education and has helped to provide financial help to many students. Franco Harris is more than just an amazing athlete. He is more than 12,120 career rushing yards. Franco Harris is a role model and someone to aspire