Inside the ‘Obituary: Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers Franco Harris Dies’ Franco Harris, a legendary fullback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, passed away suddenly on December 20, 2022, at the age of 72.
The four-time Super Bowl champion passed away just three days before the “Immaculate Reception’s” 50th anniversary; the cause of death is still unknown. On Christmas Eve, during the Steelers’ game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Franco was scheduled to attend a ceremony to retire his No. 32 jersey.
Franco’s family said in a statement just two days after the NFL lost one of its most significant players in history that he represented kindness, charity, decency, and humility in addition to an incredible career with the NFL. They said they were grieving with everyone because they knew how many lives he had touched.
Obituary: Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers Franco Harris Dies
Franco Harris Father Cad Harris: Meet His Parents
Franco was born to his Father, Cad Harris, and mother, Gina Parenti Harris, on March 7, 1950.
His Father, Cad, served as a Black soldier in World War II. During the war, he was stationed in Italy, where he met Gina, the future wife, an Italian native who was a “war bride” and later immigrated to the U.S. with Cad.
Daniela, Mario, Franco, Marisa, Alvara, Luana, Piero, Giuseppe, and Michele were the next nine children the couple had.
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Gina passed away on July 15, 1984, and Cad died on July 17, 1980, at 60. Age-wise, she was 86.
Ethnicity: Franco Harris Family: Where Are They From?
Franco was born to an Italian mother and a Black Father, as previously mentioned.
His biggest supporters formed a group known as “Franco’s Italian Army,” according to Vault, because of his Italian heritage. The publication added that his supporters were a boisterous ethnic group decked out in khaki helmet liners who wave Italian flags while chugging wine and cheese during Steelers games.
Although Franco’s religious beliefs are unknown, it just so happens that the title of his well-known play, which debuted on December 23, 1972, contains biblical language. At the time, Pittsburgh’s esteemed local sportscaster Myron Cope declared that December 23 would be the Feast of the Immaculate Reception starting then.
In an interview with Fox 6 News, retired Catholic priest Rev. Lou Vallone of the Diocese of Pittsburgh said that the “Immaculate Reception” served as the “cultural rallying point” for the faith.
How Much Is Franco Harris Net Worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Franco Harris’s net worth was $3 million at the time of his death.
Despite being a member of the Hall of Fame, Harris reached the pinnacle of his abilities in the 1970s, long before the era of lucrative football contracts worth up to $50 million.
Harris’ salary in 1977, according to Steelers UK, a Steelers history website run by a devoted fan, was $178,250, less than the $200,000 reported for quarterback Terry Bradshaw.
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N.B.C. News says quarterbacks will have the highest pay on most teams in 2022. This year, the top 10 NFL earners are still in place, with Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings coming in at number 10 with $35 million and Aaron Rodgers at the top with $50.3 million.
