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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Jelani Scott

Franco Harris Marveled at Immaculate Reception Hours Before Death

The NFL lost an icon this week with the passing of Steelers great and Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris at age 72.

Mere hours before his death, Harris had an opportunity to reflect on his fabled Immaculate Reception ahead of the play’s 50th anniversary in one of his final interviews. Arguably the most famous highlight in NFL history, the legendary running back hauled in a deflected pass on fourth down just before it hit the ground and ran for a game-winning, 60-yard touchdown to beat the Raiders in a AFC divisional playoff game on Dec. 23, 1972.

Harris joined SiriusXM’s “Mad Dog Unleashed” on Tuesday to discuss the play with host Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo and recalled the moments leading up to and during his iconic walk-off score.

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