How did Franco Harris compare to Jim Brown in the NFL? Revisiting the careers of two iconic running backs

Franco Harris and Jim Brown are two of the greatest running backs to play football, period. The Pro Football Hall of Famers were part of a generator of RBs among the finest pure talents in the NFL.

Both players enjoyed long and successful spells in the league, and with Jim Brown's unfortunate passing, let's celebrate his legacy and his successor, Franco Harris.

Who was the better running back, Franco Harris or Jim Brown?

Just as it is when you are comparing NFL icons, it is an arduous task to state that one player is better than the other. Brown wreaked havoc on the NFL in the late 50s and early 60s, while Franco Harris' dominance was in the late 70s till the mid-80s.

However, for the sake of argument, let's look at three categories that can be used to declare a winner in this piece.

So without further ado, let's get to the comparison.

1. Longevity

For all of Brown's median stats, Pro Bowl selections, and plaudits, we cannot ignore that he only appeared in the NFL for nine seasons. He achieved a lot during those years, but is it enough to beat Franco Harris?

On the other hand, Franco Harris was the embodiment of grit during his NFL career. The Penn State University icon played in the NFL for 13 years, and he spent all but one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Harris played in four more seasons than Brown, so he snags this category.

Winner: Franco Harris

2. Accolades

At the time of Brown's retirement, no player in the history of the NFL had the kind of accolade cabinet that he did.

The dynamic running back won the NFL Championship once, was a three-time NFL MVP Award winner, eight-time first-team All-Pro selection, one-time second-team All-Pro selection, an eight-time NFL rushing yards leader, a five-time NFL rushing touchdowns leader, and so much more.

On the other hand, Franco Harris was a four-time Super Bowl champ, a one-time Super Bowl game MVP, the 1972 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, one first-team All-Pro nod, two second-team All-Pro nods, the 1976 NFL rushing touchdowns leader award, and some other honors. However, despite Franco Harris' enviable track record, Jim Brown takes this category.

Winner: Jim Brown

3. Legacy

Brown is considered one the finest RBs of all time and one of the finest players in NFL history. He was a Pro Bowl invitee every season in the NFL, was named the MVP three times, and won an NFL championship with the Browns in 1964.

Brown was inducted into the iconic Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971 and is a member of the league's 50th, 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams. Brown transcended his generation, and in 2002, The Sporting News named him the greatest professional football player ever.

On the other hand, Harris is not a slouch, either. The Pittsburgh Steelers legend played in the NFL to win matches at all costs. Harris is a four-time Super Bowl winner with the Steelers and was the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of Super Bowl IX. Harris was part of the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, which was as big as it got. Of course, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Winner: Jim Brown

Overall Winner: Jim Brown

Who is the more iconic running back?

Jim Brown has a more extensive legacy and accolades no matter how you look. Yes, Franco Harris has the longevity factor, and Super Bowl game wins on his résumé, but he was certainly no Jim Brown. Rest in peace to the legendary running backs.