NFL Network’s coverage of the halftime ceremony for late Pittsburgh Steelers legend Franco Harris was far from flawless.
Just as the “Immaculate Reception” star’s video tribute to the roaring crowd of Acrisure Stadium was announced, the cable network chose an Intel ad.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II was on the field with Franco Harris’ widow Dana and son Dok when the PA Voiceover announced: “Please draw your attention to the video board as we celebrate Franco Harris.” The camera focused on the just retired No. 32 at the ballpark — but instead, NFL Network turned its attention to the bottom line.
Spectators watched the Franco Harris jersey retirement ceremony. But when a video tribute played at Acrisure Stadium, NFL Network went into advertising. pic.twitter.com/lqHGwRteLm
— Terrible announcement (@awfulannouncing) December 25, 2022
The Hall of Famer running back, who helped solidify the Steelers’ dominance in the 1970s, had his jersey number retired in what was planned as a joyful celebration around the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception — the biggest game three years ago in NHL history. It is only the third loss in the club’s 90-year history and the first for an attacking player.
When coverage returned from the commercial break, there was no mention of the on-field ceremony, and the network aired highlights from other NFL games.
It was an inelegant decision, and Twitter, predictably, erupted in disgust at the insult to Harris, a four-time Steelers Super Bowl and nine-time Pro Bowler. “Absolutely pathetic job by @nflnetwork going into publicity during the Franco Harris tribute,” one guy wrote. Another noted, “They literally waited until the announcer said to check out this tribute,” faded to black, aaaand went into commercials.”
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The ceremony had been planned for months, and Harris expected to be on the field alongside Rooney during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders — whose 1970s Oakland version fell victim to the Immaculate Reception in December 1972. The game at the end of the division championship playoff game sent the Steelers to their first AFC championship game.