Franco Harris

Franco Harris (born March 7, 1950) is a former American football player. He played his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks.

In the 1972 NFL Draft he was picked up by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round, the 13th selection overall. His selection by the team was considered controversial at the time, as many thought the team would select his Penn State teammate, Lydell Mitchell. (Mitchell was later selected by the Baltimore Colts in the draft.) He played his first 12 years in the NFL with the Steelers; his 13th and final year (1984) was spent with the Seattle Seahawks. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. He was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2011.

Early life

Harris was born in Fort Dix, New Jersey. His African-American father served in World War II; his mother was a "war bride" from Italy. Harris graduated from Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey and then attended Penn State University. While playing for Penn State's Nittany Lions, Harris served primarily as a blocker for the All-American running back Lydell Mitchell, though he amassed 1,359 yards rushing (21st in PSU history) with 14 touchdowns and averaged over 5 yards per carry, while also catching 29 passes for 358 yards and another touchdown. He led the team in scoring in 1970.