The Steelers announced Tuesday that the team will retire Franco Harris’ number ’32’ in a halftime ceremony on December 24 when the team hosts the Las Vegas Raiders at Acrisure Stadium. This weekend, the Steelers celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.
“I am thrilled that we will be honoring Franco with this recognition by retiring his #32 jersey,” said Steelers President Art Rooney II , which changed the course of our success with his ‘Immaculate Reception’ in 1972. My grandfather was once quoted as saying: ‘Before Franco came here we weren’t gaining much, since he’s here we aren’t losing.’ I think that sums it up pretty well, Franco’s impact on the franchise can hardly be overstated, so I think it’s fitting and appropriate that we acknowledge Franco’s remarkable career by using his number 32 at our December 24th game withdraw.”
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During his 12-year career in Pittsburgh, Harris was part of four Super Bowl championship teams and was named MVP of Super Bowl IX after finishing on a 9-yard TD run against the Minnesota Vikings with 158 yards rushing . His 158-yard rush and 34 attempts were Super Bowl records at the time. Harris was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Steelers’ Hall of Honor in 2017.