Steelers nation emotional as Franco Harris jersey is officially retired

The Pittsburgh Steelers honored Franco Harris at halftime of their game against the Raiders on Christmas Eve and it couldn’t have been more emotional. 

Leading up to this event, fans were already getting choked up. Franco Harris passed away just days before being honored at halftime on Christmas Eve in the Steelers game against the Raiders — one that marked the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.

Just before kickoff, Terry Bradshaw spoke on his late friend as he welled up with tears. This already had fans extremely emotional. At halftime, Pittsburgh Steelers president, Art Rooney II officially retired Harris’ number 32 — never to be worn by a Steelers player on the field again. Sadly, Franco wasn’t here to see it.

“It wasn’t supposed to be like this”, Art Rooney II said emotionally as he took the stage at midfield. With tears in his eyes, Rooney said that Franco Harris was supposed to be here next to him.

With a heavy heart, Rooney continued, “It’s my honor to declare that number 32 is officially retired.” Then the Steelers president proceeded to present the honorary Franco Harris jersey to his family.

Steelers nation emotional as Franco Harris jersey is officially retired

This is not at all how anyone wanted to see this play out. As fans watched from the frigid temperatures at Acrisure Stadium or the comfort of their own home on Christmas Eve, there’s no doubt we were all imagining Franco Harris standing there with a big smile on his face when he was presented with this legendary honor.

Instead, fans wiped tears from their eyes as they watched his family accept the honorary retired number 32 jersey on his behalf. This was a moment we won’t soon forget, but one that we wish could have played out any other way.

Franco Harris’ legacy will unquestionably live on, but we all wish he could have been around to receive this great honor. Even in the midst of the holiday season, this was a remarkably sad moment for Steelers nation and everyone witnessing this event. Our hearts go out to the Harris family for their loss.