Many people know of Franco Harris, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ superstar fullback from 1972 to 1983, from his game-winning touchdown in the memorable play against the Oakland Raiders on December 23, 1972, that is now known as the Immaculate Reception. That play, chosen by the National Football League (NFL) as the greatest play of all time, became a turning point for the Steelers, setting the team on a course to win four Super Bowls by the end of the 1970s, and led Franco Harris to be chosen as the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1972. Over the course of his 13-season career in the NFL, Franco Harris was selected to nine Pro Bowls, played in five American Football Conference (AFC) championships, and four Super Bowls; becoming the first African American and first Italian American to be named a Super Bowl Most Valuable Player.
 
As impressive as Franco Harris was on the field, his character and deeds off the field have left a lasting impression in Pittsburgh. He dedicated his time to his community by working alongside organizations such as the March of Dimes, the Pittsburgh Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Easter Seals, the Special Olympics, and Pittsburgh Promise. Such endeavors earned him multiple awards throughout his career such as the NFL Man of the Year Award and the Whizzer White Humanitarian Award. As the son of an Army veteran, Franco Harris also made sure to show his appreciation for those who served our country by participating in a USO tour with the NFL in 1974 and in 2002, beginning an annual tradition of visiting veterans’ hospitals every Super Bowl weekend.
 
In recognition of Franco Harris’ excellence on and off the field, I am proposing to rename the Fort Duquesne Bridge over the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh as the Franco Harris Bridge. This honor will coincide with Pittsburgh’s hosting of the NFL Draft in 2026.

Please join me in supporting this legislation to uplift Franco Harris who was a pillar in the Pittsburgh and NFL communities.