Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II, left, and Franco Harris’ widow Dana, center, and son Dok, attend a ceremony to change Harris’ No. 32 jersey at halftime of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Saturday , withdraw. December 24, 2022. Harris, a four-time Super Bowl champion, died on December 21, 2022 at the age of 72. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers retired from the Hall of Fame and ran back Franco Harris’ No. 32 during a bittersweet ceremony Saturday night at halftime of their game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The long-awaited honor came three days after Harris died at the age of 72 and a day after the 50th anniversary of The Immaculate Reception, Harris clinched a playoff win over the Raiders.
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Harris’ widow, Dana Dokmanovich, and her son, Dok, were joined by Steelers President Art Rooney II onstage, while many of Harris’ former teammates, coaches and rival-turned-friends stood nearby.
“It shouldn’t be like that,” Rooney said. “The big man should be with us tonight. … Franco has brought us joy for 50 years. Therefore, in recognition of his many contributions on and off the field, I am honored to officially retire No. 32.”
The Steelers honored one of the cornerstones of their 1970s dynasty throughout the night. Many players wore replica Harris’ jerseys in the stadium and during warm-up, and their retro uniforms featured a patch commemorating the 50th anniversary of what was voted the most iconic game in NFL history in 2020.
Defensive co-captain Cam Heyward carried a giant black flag with the number 32 on it during the pre-game introduction. The club held a minute’s silence for Harris before the opening kick.
Pittsburgh rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett—whose selection was announced by Harris’ 20th overall pick last spring—even barked, “Franco! Franco!” in his cadence before sneaking to the first down in the second quarter.
Harris is the third Steeler to have his number retired. The team retired the No. 70 from Hall of Fame lineman Ernie Stautner in 1964 and retired the No. 75 from Hall of Fame defensive lineman Joe Greene in 2014.
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