The Steelers nation is still coping with the loss of the legendary Franco Harris. Tributes are still pouring in after the demise of the four-time Super Bowl champion running back. The fans remember him for his immaculate plays that led to an era of dominance by the Pittsburgh Steelers. On that note, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has brought the entire fanbase together in an emotional remembrance of the legend.

Harris died of natural causes at the age of 72 on Tuesday.

A moving remembrance by Mike Tomlin

The Steelers‘ head coach Mike Tomlin remembered Franco Harris after the ex-running back’s shocking demise earlier this week. Tomlin said he was honored to have been in close proximity to such a historic player who was a legend not only for the Steelers franchise but the entire world of football.

“Over the years, I had a lot of opportunities to spend time with him and get his perception on the significant plays and others. I’ve been honored to be in close proximity to such a historic player, not only for this organization but for football,” Tomlin said in a video message. 

Tomlin added that Harris changed the tide of the divisional playoff game between the Steelers and Oakland Raiders in 1972 that allowed them to extend the playoff run. But he also changed the mentality of the personnel at Pittsburgh.

“And that mentality permeates and exists to this day. The standard that is the Pittsburgh Steelers was born on the immaculate reception. They expected to compete for and win the world championships moving forward,” Tomlin further added.

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Tomlin ended his remembrance by saying that all at the Steelers organization try to honor Harris and his teammates daily. “We are honored to be a part of that awesome fraternity,” the Steelers HC said.

Tomlin’s message brought the entire Steelers nation together to remember the legend and his ‘Immaculate Reception ‘.

Steelers fans pour their hearts for Franco Harris

The Steelers fans came together after Mike Tomlin’s message and poured their hearts out in memory of Franco Harris. Some remembered that they fell in love with the franchise due to Harris. For others, losing him is like losing a relative.

For this fan, the demise of Harris is a personal loss.

Another fan said they fell in love with the Steelers during Harris’s era.

This fan will miss #32 forever.

And this fan is a hundred per cent behind the message.

The Steelers will retire Harris’s number 32 jersey during the halftime of their Week 16 clash with the now-Las Vegas Raiders. This will be a fitting tribute to the player who changed the history of the franchise, starting against this very opponent, 50 years ago.

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