it blows my mind that that’s my family!!!! al vento was my uncle.. i had the honor of meeting franco at my uncle al’s funeral and he was the sweetest guy ever. he asked me for a picture! he asked me! may he rest in peace with uncle al and tony ❤
Emmalee, I went to Peabody and knew your uncle Al Vento since the beginning of time. And I knew Franco and even drove him to work a couple of times in 1972. They were both wonderful men who loved life and loved people. Both were kind, humble, and giving of their time and efforts to make Pittsburgh and the world a better place.❤
A little piece of every Pittsburgher died today with the passing of the late great Franco. We miss you already. Now go and carry the ball with the great Steelers already in Heaven. Coach Noll will be there to supervise. Rip champ
Absolutely I walked into work that day living in Florida and my boss who is also from Pittsburgh said to me that Franco Harris died I was shocked and said you care if I go home for the day and he was like go ahead man no problem and I got in my car and cried it felt like a diamond fell off the Steelers Logo that day
Once you heard that voice, it was very hard to forget. I lived there and listened to this man in the mid 80's to the late 80's and always paid attention. Didn't always agree, but he was one of a kind and unforgettable no doubt about it. A true character and knowledgeable person, like him or not. They just don't make them like that any more....
This is an amazing example of back when players on a team and the city had a connection. They were part of their city and it's people. There was a much more close relationship than today. Seems like it would've been so much more fun to be a fan in those days. Look at Franco with those men at the end. It's hard to imagine a lot of the stars of any sport today being that appreciative and having that kind of lasting bond with a group of fans. They really cared for one another. Beautiful stuff.
Yes, indeed. That's because it wasn't a revolving door of free agency back then. The local fans could rally behind players who stuck around there their whole career, the teams all had a nucleus of star players. Pittsburgh had Bradshaw, Harris, Swan, Stallworth! 4 Super Bowl titles followed...blue collar Pittsburgh fans were thrilled! A sense of family, community, togetherness with such teams. Plus the cute "Franco's Army" nickname and army/Italian customs incorporated....just brilliant fun! I love their superstitions too!
It still happens. Big Ben commented on his connection with Pittsburgh and the people throughout his entire career. Hines Ward, Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, Ike Taylor, Ryan Clark, Jerome Bettis and the list goes on. They all spoke of having that connection. It’s not exclusive to the 70’s.
Steeler fans embraced Franco, and Franco has loved the city right back. His support for community efforts and charities is legendary. He's an Army brat who loves to upgrade young soldiers on his flights. He attends countless charity events. He uses his fame and his platform to brighten peoples' lives and make the world a better place. I first met him in 1972 and assure you he is the real deal.
Franco Harris was a great athlete, a great person not only on the but off the field as well, he had a huge heart and really cared about people, he will be missed, thanks for the memories Franco Harris rest easy!
RIP Franco! I remember so vividly experiencing the "immaculate reception"!! As an innocent ten year old boy, I cheered for what just happened on my family's color Zenith TV!! I could not believe what just transpired, but my childhood hero saved the day!! My pee wee football team wore the Steeler colors proudly and I would eventually wear #32, so this loss hits me square in the chest... Also, being of Italian heritage, I remember Franco's Italian Army which was popular among we paisons! Thanks for the upload of this video! ... and thank you, Mr. Harris, for all the great memories taking me back to my youth! May you rest in eternal peace!!
I'm from Pittsburgh area all my life,but was too young to remember a lot of this,I first watched the Steelers play in Super Bowl 13 against Dallas when I was 9
I'm a Cleveland Browns fan and I'm truly sorry for Franco Harris' family loss. That play really does seem like the catalyst that changed the momentum for the Steeler franchise. Most amazing play in NFL history. Good luck the rest of the way to make the playoffs in 2022! Beat the Raiders. Merry Christmas!
I live in NY, not a Steelers fan, but I heard about and knew of Franco's Italian Army. If you really followed football in the 1970s, you had to have heard about this.
I remember riding the Pat Bus back then to and from work, and Franco's Italian army was plastered everywhere, Franco was the most popular person in the whole of Pittsburgh in those days, even non football fans knew of Franco Harris! Even today Franco is still in the Pittsburgh Public eye!
I met the great Franco once at a party in San Diego, maybe 2002 or 2003. No shit, he was as nice of a guy as i have ever met. I am certain he doesn’t remember it, but my wife and I will never forget it. God Bless Franco.
There will never be another Franco Harris. Guy achieved a level of fame and could've chosen to live a Hollywood style life but stayed in the city in which he had an incredible bond and dedicated his life to making other people's lives brighter in so many ways. The stories of him working with charities, giving his time and resources to others, being a mentor to young people, young players, ambassador for the Steelers, Pittsburgh, etc, and most of all a friend... Those stories are literally endless. Guy just projected warmth and good will. JT Thomas was interviewed the other day and said "If you want to know who your friends are, look at who's around when you're in that place called nowhere. That's your friend, that's Franco." RIP.
I love seeing the history behind Franco's Italian Army as an Italian Pittsburgher born and raised. Eventhough I was born in the 90s, I was more than well aware of who he was growing up. In fact, Franco actually came into my house and signed a painting of the Immaculate Reception when he was walking around the neighborhoods promoting his son who was running for office. Very humble guy. Franco will be missed for sure
Outside of Pitt, few people are aware how much Italian influence is in southwestern Pennsylvania. Look at a phone book and observe how many names ending in a vowel!
I was born in 99 but my dad made sure Franco was the first steeler I knew, idk why cuz I never even watched him play live but this news is hitting hard as a Steeler fan
I was a kid during the 70s and was a rams fan in California. Back then we only saw certain teams on tv on a weekly basis...cowboys, raiders, dolphins, rams and steelers. Franco and the steelers were a team I enjoyed mostly because they beat the cowboys who I despise. This story is emotional because we will never have that era in the nfl again and because franco is now gone as well as the Army. Such a special time and I'm so glad I got to see it.
If you weren't around in those days, there's just no way to describe it. Not only were the Steelers the greatest team of all time, they had real personality and swagger. The players were all easy to like and the games were fun to watch because you just knew they were going to win. RIP Franco!
It brings back good memories of an era of when the steel industry was the main employer, Chuck Noll's coaching style, and Franco's Italian Army at every home game.
I watched a documentary about Franco, he said that his mother didn't watch football but before the immaculate reception play she put on her record player ave maria my guess is to ask the Blessed Mother for a Merical. From what transpired I think the Blessed Mother answered Franco's moms payer.
What a season and what memories. I'm not from Pittsburgh but I shared their joy. I was so sick of the Dallas Cowboys always being in it so when the Steelers came to prominence it was most welcome. Although they lost to Miami a week after the Immaculate Reception and would be eliminated in 1973 as well, it opened the door to greatness. The great Myron Cope passed away about five years after this originally aired at age 79.
FYI, I don't know why but they're called hypocycloids! They represent the three materials that produce steel! Yellow for coal, orange for iron ore, and blue for steel scrap!
I was 8 years old when Franco Harris caught that ball and put Pittsburg on the map he will be missed thank you for 13 years in the game God bless you and your family thank you for memories go Steelers
I'm sad to announce that Franco had past away I'm Italian and from Pittsburgh I grew up back there ,Franco was a hero to us all I'm glad I got to meet him ,this is really sad 50 yrs ago he made the catch and just died on the eve of the immaculate reception even more now it was Devine intervention that Franco made the catch
God Bless Franco, God Bless Vento's, God Bless Franco's Italian Army and God Bless Pittsburgh the most creative and loving city in the country, in the world.
I was 7 years old in 72 lived in Penn Hills n I still remember it that's when the steel mills were still running n we would drive into Pittsburgh on Sundays for church I was like ma what is that horrible smell she said Mike that's the steel mills n I loved it because I would also see all the traffic going to the football game n I would constantly bug my parents when in church when is church gonna end I wanna see the Steelers game n pops was a pastor I was so pissed 😂 lol man those were good times being that young n just getting into football n me n my 1st grade buddies got our Steelers hats wouldn't trade it for the world live in DC now since 88 but don't miss the hills of Pittsburgh lol God bless everyone.
Just like the last soldier passing from the Grand Army of the Republic, so too does one of the last - and greatest - from Franco's Italian Army. Godspeed General Harris.
Now a days, if you snuck wine into Heinz field or any other field for that matter, the police would swoop in with a helicopter and put you in jail for 10 to 20 years..
That part at the end, if that doesn't tug on the heartstrings.... I mean, growing old/older and still having a connection like that...... RIP Mr. Harris!
Kind of wild that this video might secretly solve the Immaculate Reception with that angle of the hit from the Pittsburgh sideline. Looks like the ball bounced off Tatum’s chest pads, right above his number, and didn’t touch Fuqua at all. The spin of the ball doesn’t change after it hits Tatum.
@@gnranger Actually I did appreciate the historical connotation to Franco, that is of course the Generalissimo. Just offended by the implication, that's all. No big deal really.
Just curious I was born in mid 60s, in NYC suburbs. I didn’t know about Franco’s Italian Army from Pittsburgh. I did know about Franco being half-Italian. (from a documentary from the 1990s) - My neighbors were mixed race marriage, & had twins in 1969. I didn’t know (also until the 1990s) that interracial marriage was not allowed in the USA until ~1967. - Franco being born in 1950, was there any any negative comments about this back in the early 1970s?
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it blows my mind that that’s my family!!!! al vento was my uncle.. i had the honor of meeting franco at my uncle al’s funeral and he was the sweetest guy ever. he asked me for a picture! he asked me! may he rest in peace with uncle al and tony ❤
Emmalee, I went to Peabody and knew your uncle Al Vento since the beginning of time. And I knew Franco and even drove him to work a couple of times in 1972. They were both wonderful men who loved life and loved people. Both were kind, humble, and giving of their time and efforts to make Pittsburgh and the world a better place.❤
A little piece of every Pittsburgher died today with the passing of the late great Franco. We miss you already. Now go and carry the ball with the great Steelers already in Heaven. Coach Noll will be there to supervise. Rip champ
Yes indeed
@@innertechnology7149 man! That really touches the heart!
RIP Franco from Venice Italy.
Go Steelers ⚫🟡
Sitting here Christmas morning 2022. Heavy heart on Francos passing. God bless the big man with a heart of gold. God bless us all.
This documentary makes me so proud to be from Pittsburgh. Rest In Peace Franco!
Sad day for sure
Absolutely I walked into work that day living in Florida and my boss who is also from Pittsburgh said to me that Franco Harris died I was shocked and said you care if I go home for the day and he was like go ahead man no problem and I got in my car and cried it felt like a diamond fell off the Steelers Logo that day
I had tears
Myron Cope was the absolute best. Distinctive voice, total Pittsburgh legend.
He was my uncle! We are so proud of him. And Franco was a wonderful man, may they both rest in peace.
him and Mike Lange .... the best.
Once you heard that voice, it was very hard to forget. I lived there and listened to this man in the mid 80's to the late 80's and always paid attention. Didn't always agree, but he was one of a kind and unforgettable no doubt about it. A true character and knowledgeable person, like him or not. They just don't make them like that any more....
All I can add is "Yoi!!! Double yoi!!!"
Legend indeed.
Double yoi!!
This is an amazing example of back when players on a team and the city had a connection. They were part of their city and it's people. There was a much more close relationship than today. Seems like it would've been so much more fun to be a fan in those days. Look at Franco with those men at the end. It's hard to imagine a lot of the stars of any sport today being that appreciative and having that kind of lasting bond with a group of fans. They really cared for one another. Beautiful stuff.
Yes, indeed. That's because it wasn't a revolving door of free agency back then. The local fans could rally behind players who stuck around there their whole career, the teams all had a nucleus of star players. Pittsburgh had Bradshaw, Harris, Swan, Stallworth! 4 Super Bowl titles followed...blue collar Pittsburgh fans were thrilled! A sense of family, community, togetherness with such teams. Plus the cute "Franco's Army" nickname and army/Italian customs incorporated....just brilliant fun! I love their superstitions too!
@@tomgebarowski8156 The Pirates were the same
It still happens. Big Ben commented on his connection with Pittsburgh and the people throughout his entire career. Hines Ward, Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, Ike Taylor, Ryan Clark, Jerome Bettis and the list goes on.
They all spoke of having that connection. It’s not exclusive to the 70’s.
Well said, beautiful stuff!
@@floatsting20 Remember the green weenie started by Bob Prince?
This just hit me in the feels. RIP Franco
You too? I'm a rams fan but man this made me tear up.
Number 🏈 32
Steeler fans embraced Franco, and Franco has loved the city right back. His support for community efforts and charities is legendary. He's an Army brat who loves to upgrade young soldiers on his flights. He attends countless charity events. He uses his fame and his platform to brighten peoples' lives and make the world a better place. I first met him in 1972 and assure you he is the real deal.
RIP Franco you LEGEND! The Army and your Legacy will live forever!
Franco Harris was a great athlete, a great person not only on the but off the field as well, he had a huge heart and really cared about people, he will be missed, thanks for the memories Franco Harris rest easy!
One of the many reasons that make the Pittsburgh STEELERS one of a kind,Love it!
RIP Franco! I remember so vividly experiencing the "immaculate reception"!! As an innocent ten year old boy, I cheered for what just happened on my family's color Zenith TV!! I could not believe what just transpired, but my childhood hero saved the day!! My pee wee football team wore the Steeler colors proudly and I would eventually wear #32, so this loss hits me square in the chest... Also, being of Italian heritage, I remember Franco's Italian Army which was popular among we paisons! Thanks for the upload of this video! ... and thank you, Mr. Harris, for all the great memories taking me back to my youth! May you rest in eternal peace!!
Really cool that they asked for Franco’s permission first to start the army. Respect.
I'm from Pittsburgh area all my life,but was too young to remember a lot of this,I first watched the Steelers play in Super Bowl 13 against Dallas when I was 9
I'm a Cleveland Browns fan and I'm truly sorry for Franco Harris' family loss. That play really does seem like the catalyst that changed the momentum for the Steeler franchise. Most amazing play in NFL history.
Good luck the rest of the way to make the playoffs in 2022! Beat the Raiders.
Merry Christmas!
I live in NY, not a Steelers fan, but I heard about and knew of Franco's Italian Army. If you really followed football in the 1970s, you had to have heard about this.
I remember riding the Pat Bus back then to and from work, and Franco's Italian army was plastered everywhere, Franco was the most popular person in the whole of Pittsburgh in those days, even non football fans knew of Franco Harris! Even today Franco is still in the Pittsburgh Public eye!
Franco is a special person. Love the story of all these men in Franco's Italian Army. Beautiful stuff.
RIP Franco, you were one of the very best! There will never be another one like you.
I met the great Franco once at a party in San Diego, maybe 2002 or 2003. No shit, he was as nice of a guy as i have ever met. I am certain he doesn’t remember it, but my wife and I will never forget it. God Bless Franco.
Now he’s gone. Met him too. Very nice guy. 😢
met him on an airplane back in early 2000s out of Pittsburgh. Agreed.... so humble and friendly.
There will never be another Franco Harris. Guy achieved a level of fame and could've chosen to live a Hollywood style life but stayed in the city in which he had an incredible bond and dedicated his life to making other people's lives brighter in so many ways. The stories of him working with charities, giving his time and resources to others, being a mentor to young people, young players, ambassador for the Steelers, Pittsburgh, etc, and most of all a friend... Those stories are literally endless. Guy just projected warmth and good will. JT Thomas was interviewed the other day and said "If you want to know who your friends are, look at who's around when you're in that place called nowhere. That's your friend, that's Franco." RIP.
I love seeing the history behind Franco's Italian Army as an Italian Pittsburgher born and raised. Eventhough I was born in the 90s, I was more than well aware of who he was growing up. In fact, Franco actually came into my house and signed a painting of the Immaculate Reception when he was walking around the neighborhoods promoting his son who was running for office. Very humble guy. Franco will be missed for sure
Beautiful, absolutely beautiful story. Franco even brought them up in his HOF speech.
Outside of Pitt, few people are aware how much Italian influence is in southwestern Pennsylvania. Look at a phone book and observe how many names ending in a vowel!
donald Coscarelli same a little north up in the Erie area too!
I’ve seen many here in Venango
West Virginia, too. Because of the coal mines which drew many Italian immigrants who never left.
We have a million Itals in western Pa!
@@innertechnology7149 That's why you have such a reputation as hard working, no nonsense people. Ciao!
This is the coolest thing I’ve seen in a long time!
This really brings back childhood memories of my western PA upbringing!
RIP Franco!
I'm a raider fan and yet I can't help find franco Italian army endearing. God bless and rip franco harris.
I was born in 99 but my dad made sure Franco was the first steeler I knew, idk why cuz I never even watched him play live but this news is hitting hard as a Steeler fan
I was a kid during the 70s and was a rams fan in California. Back then we only saw certain teams on tv on a weekly basis...cowboys, raiders, dolphins, rams and steelers. Franco and the steelers were a team I enjoyed mostly because they beat the cowboys who I despise.
This story is emotional because we will never have that era in the nfl again and because franco is now gone as well as the Army. Such a special time and I'm so glad I got to see it.
If you weren't around in those days, there's just no way to describe it. Not only were the Steelers the greatest team of all time, they had real personality and swagger. The players were all easy to like and the games were fun to watch because you just knew they were going to win. RIP Franco!
It brings back good memories of an era of when the steel industry was the main employer, Chuck Noll's coaching style, and Franco's Italian Army at every home game.
Loved it...thank you so much for posting this...🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹
awesome never heard this story before! Thanks!
Omg I love this, takes me back to my childhood. Miss them all, Franco, Myron & Noll. That's when the world was good people.
Beautiful man. What a career and culture. R.I.P🙌🏽
We'll never see an era like this again.
Sad
Ha! We had to memorize the Steeler's fight song in middle school. I remember the lyrics, not much else.
I watched a documentary about Franco, he said that his mother didn't watch football but before the immaculate reception play she put on her record player ave maria my guess is to ask the Blessed Mother for a Merical. From what transpired I think the Blessed Mother answered Franco's moms payer.
What a season and what memories. I'm not from Pittsburgh but I shared their joy. I was so sick of the Dallas Cowboys always being in it so when the Steelers came to prominence it was most welcome. Although they lost to Miami a week after the Immaculate Reception and would be eliminated in 1973 as well, it opened the door to greatness.
The great Myron Cope passed away about five years after this originally aired at age 79.
BRAVO!!
RIP Franco this Ravens fan will miss you
Viva l'Italia sempre !🇮🇹
Forza Italy 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹
Good Show, R.I.P.#32 Franco Harris.
Yesterday it felt like a Diamond fell off the Steelers Logo. RIP FRANCO!!! WE LOVE YOU #32!!!
FYI, I don't know why but they're called hypocycloids! They represent the three materials that produce steel! Yellow for coal, orange for iron ore, and blue for steel scrap!
Who cares to be honest I said it’s a diamond it’s a diamond don’t need a history lesson bro
I was 8 years old when Franco Harris caught that ball and put Pittsburg on the map he will be missed thank you for 13 years in the game God bless you and your family thank you for memories go Steelers
Rest in peace Franco. You will always be Pittsburgh royalty.
I loved him from the first time I saw him. My favorite player of ALL times. Heartbroken.
I'm sad to announce that Franco had past away I'm Italian and from Pittsburgh I grew up back there ,Franco was a hero to us all I'm glad I got to meet him ,this is really sad 50 yrs ago he made the catch and just died on the eve of the immaculate reception even more now it was Devine intervention that Franco made the catch
Beautiful!
NYC Steeler Nation salutes you General , got you wings now.
God Bless Franco, God Bless Vento's, God Bless Franco's Italian Army and God Bless Pittsburgh the most creative and loving city in the country, in the world.
God bless Franko and ALL of his Army! What wonderful memories!
😭 Beautiful!
I was 7 years old in 72 lived in Penn Hills n I still remember it that's when the steel mills were still running n we would drive into Pittsburgh on Sundays for church I was like ma what is that horrible smell she said Mike that's the steel mills n I loved it because I would also see all the traffic going to the football game n I would constantly bug my parents when in church when is church gonna end I wanna see the Steelers game n pops was a pastor I was so pissed 😂 lol man those were good times being that young n just getting into football n me n my 1st grade buddies got our Steelers hats wouldn't trade it for the world live in DC now since 88 but don't miss the hills of Pittsburgh lol God bless everyone.
Franco Rip, Pittsburgh will never forget you
Just like the last soldier passing from the Grand Army of the Republic, so too does one of the last - and greatest - from Franco's Italian Army. Godspeed General Harris.
What a fantastic story!
Oh how the good old days must have been there.
Now a days, if you snuck wine into Heinz field or any other field for that matter, the police would swoop in with a helicopter and put you in jail for 10 to 20 years..
lol I know
True, you can’t even take in the bread and cheese.
RIP Franco from Youngstown.
Now I know why I like my neighbor Al Jr. He knows where to hide the wine.
That part at the end, if that doesn't tug on the heartstrings.... I mean, growing old/older and still having a connection like that...... RIP Mr. Harris!
Some of the best Yinzer-in-the-wild you'll ever hear in the first minute 'ere.
He was my idol growing up.
This is surprisingly very wholesome
Awesome !
This is the best fn story ever !!! Franco half Pisano the Army ain’t A-stunad these guys are the bomb
Franco Harris passed today. RIP
Franci a man of honor and love for his fellow man ! We honor you fallen soldier!
With Franco, Al, and Tony all now gone, it's like we've lost a whole piece of our city.
Myron too
RIP Franco forever from East Liberty to the southside!
Love this..❤️
RIP to this legend, black and gold till we’re dead and cold, but this legend never dies no matter how old
The Flags are at half staff today. RIP #32. Nobody will ever wear that number again.
Kind of wild that this video might secretly solve the Immaculate Reception with that angle of the hit from the Pittsburgh sideline. Looks like the ball bounced off Tatum’s chest pads, right above his number, and didn’t touch Fuqua at all. The spin of the ball doesn’t change after it hits Tatum.
50 years this year, and Franco’s number being retired. Let’s go! Beat the Raiders!!!
I am just imagining someone from Spain or Italy reading the title of this video, being wildly confused.
Hey O'Reilly, no offence, but Spain has nothing to do with Italy. Unless the Irish are British now.
@@nickeyzrocks You really didn’t understand their comment
@@gnranger Actually I did appreciate the historical connotation to Franco, that is of course the Generalissimo. Just offended by the implication, that's all. No big deal really.
Best. Video. Ever. Coming from a pittsburgher mick kraut. Lol
It's amazing stuff.
This is great with Sinatra … being half Italian half Syrian Franco was an inspiration to us all
The namesake will be returning home to join the rest of army. RIP #32.
0:41 That hair though.....
Rest in Peace Franco!
Rip Franco #32
Cool
Those yinzer accents, man.
Rest East Franco . We got it from here . 🇮🇹 army
I understand that Vento's Pizza closed in early March.😥 Franco's Italian Army will forever be a part of Pittsburgh's fabric!
RIP Franco
Rest in peace,Franco Harris.
RIP FRANCO!!
Where is this kind of connection today?!?
I didn't notice that I cried last thinking about him.
The G.O.A.T. of fans Franco's Italian Army the G.O.A.T. of running backs Franco
Just curious I was born in mid 60s, in NYC suburbs.
I didn’t know about Franco’s Italian Army from
Pittsburgh.
I did know about Franco being half-Italian. (from a documentary from the 1990s)
-
My neighbors were mixed race marriage, & had twins in 1969.
I didn’t know (also until the 1990s) that interracial marriage was not allowed in the USA until ~1967.
-
Franco being born in 1950, was there any any negative comments about this back in the early 1970s?
When football was fun!
I love seeing this. This was when football was fun. Now it's nothing but in titled babies. But of course I still watch
Here We Go, Steelers!
Here We Go!
Bummed out Colt/Raven fan
Love you Franco
Oh , Holy Night !!!!
RIP Franco Harris
RIP FRANCO- CLASSIC
Steelers v Cowboys was my childhood