Franco Harris' cause of death: How did Steelers' legendary RB die?

Pittsburgh Steelers legend Franco Harris passed away overnight on Tuesday, December 20. The Hall of Fame running back was 72 years old.

Harris’ death was particularly untimely, considering his No. 32 jersey was set to be retired at half-time during the Steelers’ Week 16 matchup versus the Las Vegas Raiders.

Harris’ death also shocked the NFL world since it occurred just two days before the 50th anniversary of his iconic ‘Immaculate Reception’ play that transformed the fortunes of the franchise in 1972.

Franco Harris' cause of death

According to Pittsburgh Action News 4 (via Economic Times), the Steelers icon died of natural causes.

Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter had this to say after Harris’ untimely death:

“We have lost an incredible football player, an incredible ambassador to the Hall and, most importantly, we have lost one of the finest gentlemen anyone will ever meet.”

“Franco not only impacted the game of football, but he also affected the lives of many, many people in profound ways.”

Harris was a first-round pick that same year out of Penn State and eventually went on to be crowned Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for 10 touchdowns and 1,055 receiving yards. He ended his career with four Super Bowl rings.

Harris’ ‘Immaculate Reception’ play off fellow Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw’s last-minute heave was later crowned the greatest play in NFL history during the league’s 100th anniversary season in 2020.

"That play really represents our teams of the ’70s," Franco Harris said at the time, according to the Associated Press.

Franco Harris also earned Super Bowl MVP honors in the 16-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IX after rushing for 158 yards and a touchdown. His tally of 354 career rushing yards in the Super Bowl remains a record to this day, four decades after he called time on a bona fide legendary career.

---

Do you play fantasy football? Unsure about a trade offer? Make winning decisions with Sportskeeda Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer