FRANCO HARRIS

 

Harris, a notable former American football player, is an Afro-Italian American, his father, Cadillac (Cad) Harris, was an American Negro and his mother, Gina Parenti, an Italian war bride from Lucca, Italy. Harris is one of nine children. Harris was born at Fort Dix, New Jersey on March 7, 1950. He grew up in Burlington County, New Jersey where he graduated from Roncocas Valley Regional High School in Mount Holly Township in 1968. After graduation he attended Penn State University and played for their football team, the Nittany Lions. At the time he weighed 230 pounds and was six foot two in height. On offense, he served as a full back and on defense as a blocker for Lydell Mitchell. Both were later to become celebrated professional football players. As a blocker he gathered almost 1400 yards on the board and fourteen touchdowns. He was the leading scorer of his team.

After graduation, in 1972, the Pittsburg Steelers selected him from the NFL draft. Many felt that they should have drafted Mitchell instead. Nevertheless, The Baltimore Colts selected Mitchell in the same draft.

Any of the doubts of those that opposed his draft were soon changed because Harris’ first year was one of outstanding performance. He began his first season by carrying the ball 188 times, running the ball for ten touchdowns and caught three touchdown passes. Because of this Sporting News and United Press International named him as NFL’s, “Rookie of the Year.” After his first season Pittsburgh’s Italian American community fans became “Franco’s Italian Army. Many wore helmets with his number “32” on them.

Harris played for thirteen more seasons. Twelve of these were with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His last season was preceded by a financial disagreement with the Rooney family who were the owners and managers of the team. He resigned and played one season for the Seattle Seahawks in 1984, he then retired.

During his tenure with the Steelers he helped them win four Super Bowls, in 1975, 1976, 1979, and 1980.  In the Bowl of 1975, Steelers defeated the Minnesota Viking 16-6, he played so well he received the MVP award. He was the first African American as well as first Italian American to receive the award.

Many remember Harris for his catch called, “the Immaculate Reception,” labeled as such by a sports news reporter. In a 1972, playoff game, the Steelers were behind the Oakland Raiders 7-6 with twenty-two seconds left on the clock. Terry Bradshaw threw a pass to Steelers receiver, John Fuqua, but Oakland’s Jack Tatum deflected it as he was tackling Fuqua. While the ball was in the air, Harris caught it just before it was about to hit the ground. He scooped it up and ran sixty yards for a touchdown. The referees discussed whether it was a legitimate catch, and decided it stood. The crowd was ecstatic. Harris’ success gave the Steelers their first ever playoff win.

In 1990, the Pro Foootball Hall of Fame inducted Harris, and in 2011, the New Jersey Hall of Fame recognized him for his service and contributions to the sport.

Harris has a son Franco Dokmanvich Harris Jr. born 1979, birthed by his longtime companion Dana Dokmnovich. In 2009, “Dok” ran for the Mayor of Pittsburg, but lost. He received twenty-five point three percent of a three way election. The incumbent ran away with fifty-five percent.

Harris came from a large family, his siblings are Piero, Luana, Alvara, Daniela, Mario, Marisa, and Giuseppe. His brother Piero (Pete) Harris, who also was a collegiate football player, died from a heart attack on August 15, 2006, at the age of forty-nine.

Currently, Harris owns, along with Lydell Mitchell, a bakery and sausage factory in the Pittsburgh area. He is involved in and provides funding to Penn Staters for Responsible Stewardship and serves as part of the advisory board at Penn State’s Center for Food Innovation. His Super Bakery, produces nutrition-oriented foods for school children. In 2006, The Heinz History Center, home of the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, installed a life-size statue of Harris at the Pittsburgh International Airport’s grand concourse. His jersey number “32” Officially has not been retired; nevertheless, it has not been issued to any other player. For photograph display one can go to Amazon.com or easily surf the web for a multitude of pictures. Enjoy!