I grew up in Pittsburgh in the 70's watching Steelers football. In the mid 80's, Franco would come to the Orange Julius I worked at in Allegheny Center Mall with his son ~ always polite, always "please" and "thank you" ~ and, when I saw him out one night at Heaven (an old downtown nightclub), he did me the honor of saying yes when I asked him to dance. A wonderful personal memory after all the ones he'd given me during his years as a Steeler. Thank you & RIP Franco❤
31:24 - It's nice to see Franco get complimented for running out of bounds. He took alot of criticism, particularly in 1984 when Harris competed with Walter Payton for Jim Brown's all time NFL rushing record. He was saving his body, not just for the length of the season, but for his long-term health after his playing days were over.
wow...i was 12 years old when this play happened...i grew up in CA but my folks were from the Burgh...the change in my father from being ashamed of his home team to being so proud was palpable...this documentary got it right...the craziness, the passion, the joy...Franco's Italian Army...well done...got to enjoy the 70s dynasty and, of course, Franco was at the heart of that team...
As A Raider fan I still appreciate and admire Franco Harris for everything he has done. The immaculate reception helped football popularity in general and even sparks interest now! I didn’t realize how instrumental that play was in sparking their dynasty! Great video.
Please keep posting the full episodes rather than breaking them up, no matter what your "social media guru" tells you about people's attention spans and the performance of short form content. It was made to be watched in FULL!
Great documentary about one of the all-time greats of football. I'm a musician who used to play football, and I think the football/musician analogy really works . Great film!
I got to fly to Pittsburgh in 2006 for a work seminar. This was before the Franco statue was unveiled. I fell in love with the city and everything about it. The people. The places. The pride. It definitely is Steeler Town. The Penguins were probably second and then came the Pirates. I remember going by PNC Park and thinking how beautiful it is and how great it would be to see the Pirates return to prominence. When Franco died, it hit me hard being a fan of football and the Steelers. I really enjoyed this episode. RIP Franco
I grew up in the '70s and '80s and I was privileged enough to watch Mr Franco Harris and many other great players of that era. Sports was a lot different then. Players cared about teamwork and teammates not like today where players just worry about themselves and nobody else. Not all players but many and most. Watching Franco Harris win those games on Sunday afternoon is something that I'll never forget
I love how he and Phil V were good friends. Listen to Phil, he was still ticked about that play. But love seeing these opponents on the field have such a nice relationship.
In this part of the video I really like the fact that many of the retired NFL players after their time in the NFL, go back to their community and identify where they can make a impact on the community, by lifting it economical and the neighborhoods, to make a difference and NFL films does that, they share the wealth and when they get to the HALL OF FAME, even more higher end status and they remember there early years usually from a very poor background, to make a difference for all to enjoy, as I remember my background, to fight for every inch, and to remain humble to reach STATUS QUO.Among my PEERS. BEST quality in a person, to work hard,to achieve, but it's a very long road, It takes time, vision, and extreme patience
Lifelong Bears fan here. I grew up watching and idolizing Walter Payton. If I was at the Pittsburg airport and seen Franco Harris and Phil Villapiano in front of the Immaculate Reception statute, I would have went out of my mind. I mean, they were both a part of that play which seems like yesterday and it's etched in my mind. How cool is that?
Even though I wasn't a Steelers fan I grew up watching alot of Football on Sunday afternoons and Monday nights. Franco Harris was a mainstay on those Steelers teams and one of the premier running backs in the league. During his time you had O.J.Simpson, Larry Csonka, Tony Dorsett, Walter Payton, Earl Campbell and just to name a few. Franco wasn't as flashy as some of the other big name backs of his era but he was consistent and could run with both finesse and power. He could catch passes out of the backfield as good as any back and could block as well. The 70's was definitely the era of the running back. R.I.P. Franco Harris
I've played soccer all my life. 20 years ago I had a chance to immigrate to the greatest country in the world, the USA. And I watched American Football for the first time in my life. I fell in love instantly. Now I'm watching your film, I'm crying and I'm thankful for the chance to be part of the USA. Thank you for sharing with me your memories, God bless you and God bless America! 🏈🇺🇸
A bald eagle shed a tear after it read this comment and then it ate a greasy burger to calm itself back down before being shot by a jihadi who was then taken down by a Texan in a 4x4 F-150 that's how beautifully American this comment is.
Here are my two memories of Franco. One in person. One not. I was a child actor in Pittsburgh in the 70's. They did a set of shorts called This is not a commercial. It never aired. They had a bunch of kids doing different things here. My segment was at three rivers stadium. I was in the Steelers locker room, holding Franco's helmut while saying a few lines. After the shot was over I, a stupid kid, decided to sniff Franco's helmet. After all, it would smell great right? It was Franco's helmut after all! It smelled so bad I nearly passed out, lol ....The next was a fast forward more than ten years later. I was a floor staff member at Buhl Science Center, outside in the grass for an event with many different things going on. I was in a patch of grass showing kids how to use a boomerang. Over walked Franco with his son. He never said who he was. In Pittsburgh, he didn't need to. I showed his son how to throw it, and in a soft spoken voice Franco thanked me for making his son's day. I said no problem Mr. Harris....We took him for granted, and now there's a big vacuum now that he's gone. We know though that you're smiling down on us all from above. R.I.P to a great man, not just a football player.
I had a chance to meet Franco, he was standing next to his statue at Pittsburgh airport and I got a pic with him, he was one of the kindest people I've ever met
Franco was a man of character. And a kind and generous man.and in the 70s he had that real nice afro hair style. .his afro was always together. Lol. RIP.
I'm a life long Vikings fan but, always thought Franco was great and loved him catching the immaculate reception. After seeing this I respect him even more and love seeing what a great person he was. I would love to know what he said to Henderson after slamming Bradshaw down after the whistle had blown and it was a dead play because of delay of game penalty. I've watched this film several times and can't help but cry seeing him older, slower moving, talking and knowing he has passed on. Man, I wish my Vikings had drafted him.
I’m a Raider fan, but I have a tremendous respect to Mr. Franco Harris for what he done from the game of football on and off the field. Even though my Raiders lost to the Steelers because of the Immaculate Reception and when I saw the highlights especially when Franco caught the ball in the air despite Terry Bradshaw actually wanted to pass the ball to John Fuqua, but Jack Tatum hit him and the rest is history. For us Raider fans believed that the Immaculate Reception was a controversial play but all of the football fans especially Steeler fans believed one of the greatest plays in NFL history. Thank you Mr. Harris for what you done from the game of football not just being a player but a person as well. I wished that you play for the Raiders but you are truly an ambassador from the game of football especially from the beloved Steeler fans and your own fan club called Italian Army. We will never forget you Sir! Rest In Peace🙏🙏🙏
GenX here and Cowboys fan. Steelers got Bradshaw out of Louisiana. They were dominant on both sides of the ball. It was hard to hate them in the 70's and 80's. Joe Greene and that Coke commerical. God's speed to Franco. A good, good man.
Franco Harris was the best FB/HB in my biased opinion. So sad to see him go, rest in peace another legend HOF’er: March 7th, 1950, - December 20th, 2022. ❤ 👊 ✌️
T B said it best😁 thats what started it all😁 4 super bowls😁 its just super delicious😁history in the making😁cant believe franco passed away days before the 50th anniversary i cried also😪
We moved from Milwaukee WI in 74' to Cedar Rapids IA, and a yr later to Plano Tx outside of Dallas in late 1975 when I was 7. Went to a SB party with my parents for SB X vs Pit, and X11 vs Denver. In Jan 78' my dad got transferred again to So CA, where I've been ever since, and in early 79' watched SB X111 against Pit with my BB team mate. Anyway, though young I was there for all of the rivalry games, and remember how great Franco Harris was, but the speed I'm seeing here I don't remember. That man was lightening for his size. Living in Tx I went to two Cowboys games, "and" saw Earl Campbell at the Cotton Bowl when he played for UT, and that guy I do remember. He and Johnny Lam Jones just ripped it. Don't think Jones ever went pro and IMO Campbells career wasn't what it could have been, "longevity wise", but man was he great too!
My childhood hero. Franco was just divine. This man was fully God but fully man. 😢😢 The Father removed him from time as we know it and placed him into eternity. Enjoy eternal bliss Franco Harris.
It is so so sad that God took him when He did. It truly breaks my heart that Mr. Franco Harris died 4 days before his jersey number (32) was to be retired.
Pittsburgh has been blessed with championship teams, but even more by champion human beings. Name two genuinely more giving men that played in the same town than Franco and Roberto. Add Mario to that list, too. We Pittsburgh fans are beyond blessed to have had such men play for our teams.
Charlie Batch deserves to be up on that Mt. Rushmore of Pittsburgh Sports Philanthropist Types. Philanthropy in general just oozes out of the town. Andrew Carnegie's name is on everything for a reason.
In 1976 he got injured in playoff game. It was actually his ribs that got injured. He always wore those hip pads after that. He was unable to play in the 76 AFC championship due to the injury. If he had been able to play, the Steelers would have won another Super Bowl.
Franco was to Pittsburgh as Larry Csonka was to Miami: Both big, but could hit the line as fast as anyone. And neither gave a rats ass about stats. They only cared about winning. Both were the heart and soul of their respective teams.
Glad he got to film this right before his passing! What a legend
Wow didn't know he passed
I knew about the Immaculate Reception. But I didn't realize what a great man Franco Harris was. RIP, legend. 🙏🏽
This man will never be forgotten. Love Franco and he will continue to be an inspiration. RIP to a wonderful friend.
NFL Films, please keep doing this. Breaking up your A Football Life episodes into segments doesn't make any sense!
It's most likely due to copyright issues, or something
@@traviscummings9178how does nfl films have copyright issues from there own films?
@@traviscummings9178 it's for maxing ad revenue
Amen!
Yeah bro I’m with ya
RIP to the Italian Stallion!! His heroic play sparked one of the best dynasties in NFL history!!! #WELOVEYOUFRANCO!!!🥀🥀🥀
Yes he was one of my greatest heroes growing up.
The Steelers where my childhood, my young adult life, and my adult life, and Franco started it all ❤❤ R.I.P
I wish they mentioned Mike Webster ..He was a huge part of that team 🖤💛
I grew up in Pittsburgh in the 70's watching Steelers football. In the mid 80's, Franco would come to the Orange Julius I worked at in Allegheny Center Mall with his son ~ always polite, always "please" and "thank you" ~ and, when I saw him out one night at Heaven (an old downtown nightclub), he did me the honor of saying yes when I asked him to dance. A wonderful personal memory after all the ones he'd given me during his years as a Steeler. Thank you & RIP Franco❤
What a great man. RIP Franco
31:24 - It's nice to see Franco get complimented for running out of bounds. He took alot of criticism, particularly in 1984 when Harris competed with Walter Payton for Jim Brown's all time NFL rushing record.
He was saving his body, not just for the length of the season, but for his long-term health after his playing days were over.
wow...i was 12 years old when this play happened...i grew up in CA but my folks were from the Burgh...the change in my father from being ashamed of his home team to being so proud was palpable...this documentary got it right...the craziness, the passion, the joy...Franco's Italian Army...well done...got to enjoy the 70s dynasty and, of course, Franco was at the heart of that team...
Another one of my childhood heroes is gone.😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢. R.I.P. Franco.
RIP to a great one. We love you, Franco
Didnt realize what a wonderful person he was..R.I.P
As A Raider fan I still appreciate and admire Franco Harris for everything he has done. The immaculate reception helped football popularity in general and even sparks interest now! I didn’t realize how instrumental that play was in sparking their dynasty! Great video.
Yeah but that and the "Tuck rule" are hard to swallow
.
Major praise to the composer. The music in this episode is fantastic. The blend between NFL Films music and jazz is brilliant.
Please keep posting the full episodes rather than breaking them up, no matter what your "social media guru" tells you about people's attention spans and the performance of short form content. It was made to be watched in FULL!
I think its more about the fact that they charge for nfl network plus that has all these on there so they can't put every full version on RUclips
"Don't forget us" -Franco
Don't worry Franco. We never will.
Great documentary about one of the all-time greats of football. I'm a musician who used to play football, and I think the football/musician analogy really works . Great film!
I got to fly to Pittsburgh in 2006 for a work seminar. This was before the Franco statue was unveiled. I fell in love with the city and everything about it. The people. The places. The pride. It definitely is Steeler Town. The Penguins were probably second and then came the Pirates. I remember going by PNC Park and thinking how beautiful it is and how great it would be to see the Pirates return to prominence.
When Franco died, it hit me hard being a fan of football and the Steelers. I really enjoyed this episode. RIP Franco
Rip to Franco Harris the Italian general 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢 the best running back and fullback
Franco’s the reason I was drawn to the Steelers as a lad. Thanks for the memories Franco.
Great Person but a Perfect/ Better Person.!! RIP FRANCO HARRIS.. CHAMPION 🏆
Thank you for sharing the full video. Franco belonged to all of us
I grew up in the '70s and '80s and I was privileged enough to watch Mr Franco Harris and many other great players of that era. Sports was a lot different then. Players cared about teamwork and teammates not like today where players just worry about themselves and nobody else. Not all players but many and most. Watching Franco Harris win those games on Sunday afternoon is something that I'll never forget
I love how he and Phil V were good friends. Listen to Phil, he was still ticked about that play. But love seeing these opponents on the field have such a nice relationship.
In this part of the video I really like the fact that many of the retired NFL players after their time in the NFL, go back to their community and identify where they can make a impact on the community, by lifting it economical and the neighborhoods, to make a difference and NFL films does that, they share the wealth and when they get to the HALL OF FAME, even more higher end status and they remember there early years usually from a very poor background, to make a difference for all to enjoy, as I remember my background, to fight for every inch, and to remain humble to reach STATUS QUO.Among my PEERS. BEST quality in a person, to work hard,to achieve, but it's a very long road, It takes time, vision, and extreme patience
One of the neatest stories is how Harris and Phil Villapiano became friends, it just shows that once enemies can become friends
Magic and Bird. Brady and Manning. Gibson and Eckersley. Bobby Thomson and Ralph Branca. It happens.
Lifelong Bears fan here. I grew up watching and idolizing Walter Payton. If I was at the Pittsburg airport and seen Franco Harris and Phil Villapiano in front of the Immaculate Reception statute, I would have went out of my mind. I mean, they were both a part of that play which seems like yesterday and it's etched in my mind. How cool is that?
We miss Franco. He was the nicest, most humble athlete I’ve ever encountered. His football talent opened the door for him to be a true humanitarian ❤
Even though I wasn't a Steelers fan I grew up watching alot of Football on Sunday afternoons and Monday nights. Franco Harris was a mainstay on those Steelers teams and one of the premier running backs in the league. During his time you had O.J.Simpson, Larry Csonka, Tony Dorsett, Walter Payton, Earl Campbell and just to name a few. Franco wasn't as flashy as some of the other big name backs of his era but he was consistent and could run with both finesse and power. He could catch passes out of the backfield as good as any back and could block as well. The 70's was definitely the era of the running back. R.I.P. Franco Harris
I've played soccer all my life. 20 years ago I had a chance to immigrate to the greatest country in the world, the USA. And I watched American Football for the first time in my life. I fell in love instantly. Now I'm watching your film, I'm crying and I'm thankful for the chance to be part of the USA. Thank you for sharing with me your memories, God bless you and God bless America! 🏈🇺🇸
A bald eagle shed a tear after it read this comment and then it ate a greasy burger to calm itself back down before being shot by a jihadi who was then taken down by a Texan in a 4x4 F-150 that's how beautifully American this comment is.
@@steelerfaninperu 🦅🇺🇸💪🔥🧌
RIP Franco Harris. A football player who helped put the Pittsburgh Steelers on the map.
💓Franco was and still is The G.O.A.T.💓 R.I.P. Brother !
AGREED!
Rest in Peace legend. 💛🖤
Phil and Franco just talking about the event was just is unbelievable .
Here are my two memories of Franco. One in person. One not. I was a child actor in Pittsburgh in the 70's. They did a set of shorts called This is not a commercial. It never aired. They had a bunch of kids doing different things here. My segment was at three rivers stadium. I was in the Steelers locker room, holding Franco's helmut while saying a few lines. After the shot was over I, a stupid kid, decided to sniff Franco's helmet. After all, it would smell great right? It was Franco's helmut after all! It smelled so bad I nearly passed out, lol ....The next was a fast forward more than ten years later. I was a floor staff member at Buhl Science Center, outside in the grass for an event with many different things going on. I was in a patch of grass showing kids how to use a boomerang. Over walked Franco with his son. He never said who he was. In Pittsburgh, he didn't need to. I showed his son how to throw it, and in a soft spoken voice Franco thanked me for making his son's day. I said no problem Mr. Harris....We took him for granted, and now there's a big vacuum now that he's gone. We know though that you're smiling down on us all from above. R.I.P to a great man, not just a football player.
RIP. They broke the mold with Franco Harris
I had a chance to meet Franco, he was standing next to his statue at Pittsburgh airport and I got a pic with him, he was one of the kindest people I've ever met
Christmas was special for not only for the Steelers, but for Mr. Imaculate Reception.
R.I.P😢❤ 🙏
Franco was a man of character. And a kind and generous man.and in the 70s he had that real nice afro hair style. .his afro was always together. Lol. RIP.
Pittsburg also spawed such jazz greats as Art Blakey, Ahmad Jamal, George Benson, Bill Eckstein, and Stanley and Tommy Turrentine. Rip Franco.
Cool to see Phil and Franco together 🤘🏼
R.I.P Franco you are missed.😢
We Will Never Forget You Franco Harris... Steelers Nation!!!
Thanks for this upload
🌹 Franco Harris #32
STEELERS 🏆 the first MVP of the dynasty.
What an amazing guy. Best friends with an old enemy.....lesson there to be learnt by us all
The immaculate Franco 😍😍😍
"They (the Steelers) envision the power of a big back, blended with the open field agility of a smaller man."
-John Facenda
You can tell 100% that Franco caught the ball on the replay!
A legend, a yinzer a true hero and not for what he did on the field but what he did off of it
AWESOME GUY!
So proud to be apart of the army. Love you Franco. RIP
I'm a life long Vikings fan but, always thought Franco was great and loved him catching the immaculate reception. After seeing this I respect him even more and love seeing what a great person he was. I would love to know what he said to Henderson after slamming Bradshaw down after the whistle had blown and it was a dead play because of delay of game penalty. I've watched this film several times and can't help but cry seeing him older, slower moving, talking and knowing he has passed on. Man, I wish my Vikings had drafted him.
God bless Franco, rest in peace.
Great to see Franco & Phil together!!!
Beautiful.
I’m a Raider fan, but I have a tremendous respect to Mr. Franco Harris for what he done from the game of football on and off the field. Even though my Raiders lost to the Steelers because of the Immaculate Reception and when I saw the highlights especially when Franco caught the ball in the air despite Terry Bradshaw actually wanted to pass the ball to John Fuqua, but Jack Tatum hit him and the rest is history. For us Raider fans believed that the Immaculate Reception was a controversial play but all of the football fans especially Steeler fans believed one of the greatest plays in NFL history. Thank you Mr. Harris for what you done from the game of football not just being a player but a person as well. I wished that you play for the Raiders but you are truly an ambassador from the game of football especially from the beloved Steeler fans and your own fan club called Italian Army. We will never forget you Sir! Rest In Peace🙏🙏🙏
GenX here and Cowboys fan.
Steelers got Bradshaw out of Louisiana.
They were dominant on both sides of the ball.
It was hard to hate them in the 70's and 80's.
Joe Greene and that Coke commerical.
God's speed to Franco. A good, good man.
What a wonderful man and player God bless
Rip32❤
Franco Harris was the best FB/HB in my biased opinion. So sad to see him go, rest in peace another legend HOF’er: March 7th, 1950, - December 20th, 2022. ❤ 👊 ✌️
T B said it best😁 thats what started it all😁 4 super bowls😁 its just super delicious😁history in the making😁cant believe franco passed away days before the 50th anniversary i cried also😪
I am from Utah so yes, I like jazz: both kinds :) The jazz in this documentary is nifty.
I love the documentary about Franco. This music is awesome though!
Ahhh back when football was football. Sure do miss that.
The NFL network should play this episode every year during christmas time as a holiday tribute for now on.
Rest in Power to The Great Franco Harris! #PS4L 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏉
We are Penn State! RIP Franco Harris.
Love that jazz music!
Who is the composer ? Or name of song. Sounds like trumpet
We moved from Milwaukee WI in 74' to Cedar Rapids IA, and a yr later to Plano Tx outside of Dallas in late 1975 when I was 7. Went to a SB party with my parents for SB X vs Pit, and X11 vs Denver. In Jan 78' my dad got transferred again to So CA, where I've been ever since, and in early 79' watched SB X111 against Pit with my BB team mate. Anyway, though young I was there for all of the rivalry games, and remember how great Franco Harris was, but the speed I'm seeing here I don't remember. That man was lightening for his size. Living in Tx I went to two Cowboys games, "and" saw Earl Campbell at the Cotton Bowl when he played for UT, and that guy I do remember. He and Johnny Lam Jones just ripped it. Don't think Jones ever went pro and IMO Campbells career wasn't what it could have been, "longevity wise", but man was he great too!
Love Franco was really hoping for more out of this .
I love everything about this.
RIP Franco!!
Rest in peace Franco
My childhood hero. Franco was just divine. This man was fully God but fully man. 😢😢 The Father removed him from time as we know it and placed him into eternity. Enjoy eternal bliss Franco Harris.
It is so so sad that God took him when He did. It truly breaks my heart that Mr. Franco Harris died 4 days before his jersey number (32) was to be retired.
Outstanding!!
Goodbye Franco you will be missed.
RIP fraco ❤️
the Immaculate Warrior himself, Franco Harris.
Legend RIP
RIP Mr Immaculate Reception
I have the dvd version of the Steelers dynasty and there’s a part just for Franco’s Italian army
R.I.P…. Man a lot of football greats are passing away lately
Go Franco Go!😊
R.I.P. Franco. 😔
Pittsburgh has been blessed with championship teams, but even more by champion human beings. Name two genuinely more giving men that played in the same town than Franco and Roberto. Add Mario to that list, too. We Pittsburgh fans are beyond blessed to have had such men play for our teams.
Charlie Batch deserves to be up on that Mt. Rushmore of Pittsburgh Sports Philanthropist Types. Philanthropy in general just oozes out of the town. Andrew Carnegie's name is on everything for a reason.
I can’t wait to watch this
Respect.
RIP to the best half back in NFL History...PS4L
Imagine if social media existed back then and the Steelers drafted franco there would’ve been an uproar. Different times man
Think back then Franco was 6/3 that was big even now , but back then it was huge plus he had good field vision
Can you imagine a backfield Franco harris and Lydell Mitchell!
How bout not waiting for the dude the pass away before releasing this? How many more documentaries do you guys have ready to go?
He passed the week it was scheduled to debut on NFL Network. His passing was sudden & unexpected.
Enjoyed it THANK NFL
Phil is such a good sport.
I sorta thought it would be interesting to bring up how he came to start wearing those big hip pads. That was his iconic look!
In 1976 he got injured in playoff game. It was actually his ribs that got injured. He always wore those hip pads after that. He was unable to play in the 76 AFC championship due to the injury. If he had been able to play, the Steelers would have won another Super Bowl.
FRANCO!
Rip🙏🏾
Franco was to Pittsburgh as Larry Csonka was to Miami: Both big, but could hit the line as fast as anyone. And neither gave a rats ass about stats. They only cared about winning. Both were the heart and soul of their respective teams.
Watching this while eating an Italian antipasto salad I randomly found in the store today
🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦