Franco Harris Biography

Franco Harris, born March 7, 1950, played 13 seasons in the NFL as a fullback, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football at Penn State and was selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 1972 NFL draft. Harris spent 12 seasons with Pittsburgh, earning nine Pro Bowl selections, and concluded his career with the Seattle Seahawks. In 1969, he recorded 115 carries for 643 yards and 10 touchdowns, with 12 catches for 189 yards. He was named to nine consecutive Pro Bowls from 1972 to 1980 and earned All-Pro honors in 1977. Alongside Rocky Bleier, Harris helped lead the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories after the 1974, 1975, 1978, and 1979 seasons. Following O. J. Simpson’s retirement after the 1979 season, Harris became the active career rushing leader.