Penn State’s football team, and head coach James Franklin paid tribute to the late Franco Harris on Monday by wearing his No. 34 Nittany Lions jersey ahead of its Rose Bowl game against Utah.
Coach Franklin continued wearing his jersey through pregame interviews, paying homage to Harris, as his players began warming up with an “FH” sticker on their helmets, to commemorate Harris’ life.
Harris, a running back for the Steelers and a Pro Football Hall of Famer, was best known for the Immaculate Reception in a first-round NFL playoff game in 1972.
He died on Dec. 20, days before the 50th anniversary of what is widely considered the best play in NFL history.
With that memory highlighting his résumé, Harris’ college years often get overlooked. But, Penn State’s football program, along with their fans, will never forget his impact.
Harris will always be remembered as an integral part of the Nittany Lions’ success from 1969-71.
At Penn State, he rushed for 2,002 yards and a 5.3-yard average. Penn State finished 24-3 during his three years at University Park.
In 1970, two years before his iconic NFL moment, Harris helped lead Penn State to an Orange Bowl victory over Missouri.
He rushed 17 times for 46 yards in a hard-fought 10-3 win that capped-off an undefeated season.
Donning his uniform, Harris’ alma mater looks to follow in his footsteps by winning the Rose Bowl on Monday.
The win would not complete an undefeated season, as it did for Harris, but it would be significant, as Penn State has not won a bowl game since defeating Memphis in the 2019 Cotton Bowl.
