When NFL Network cut away from the Franco Harris tribute which the Pittsburgh Steelers put on during halftime of their game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday night, fans were not happy.
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For the Pittsburgh Steelers organization and fan base, Saturday was a depressing day. Days before the team was scheduled to retire No. 32 in remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the ‘Immaculate Reception’ in the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Raiders, legendary running back Franco Harris passed away on Tuesday at the age of 72.
A memorial service for the late Harris was held in Pittsburgh to celebrate his 12-year legacy. Several networks, including NFL Network, which aired the Steelers-Raiders game, teased it prior to the match.
However, when Harris’ tribute on the video board at Acrisure Stadium started, viewers at home saw NFL Network cut to a commercial.
Prior to the game, the Steelers paid tribute to Harris by having seasoned defensive tackle Cam Heyward run out carrying a black No. 32 flag. Prior to donning their own jerseys in the locker room, players were also seen entering Acrisure Stadium wearing Harris’ jersey.
Fans are angry at NFL Network for cutting to commercial during Franco Harris’ tribute
Fans vented their annoyance on social media.
When rookie George Pickens scored the game-winning touchdown with 46 seconds remaining after a late fourth-quarter drive, it appeared as though Harris was also looking down on his former team. Pittsburgh’s record improved to 7-8 after the victory.
In the 1972 postseason, Harris gave the Raiders a 13-7 loss with his Immaculate Reception, catching a batted ball and putting it in the stands. Similarly to Pickens, Harris was playing for Pittsburgh in his first season after being selected 13th overall out of Penn State.
Ever since Harris joined the Steelers in 1972, he has been a legend. He was an essential component in the execution of aforementioned AFC Divisional playoff game’s Immaculate Reception. Terry Bradshaw, the Raiders’ starting quarterback, attempted to pass to John Fuqua, but his pass bounced off Raiders safety Jack Tatum’s helmet. With just a few seconds left in regulation, Harris caught the football before it touched the ground and ran it in for the touchdown.
Harris played for the Steelers for 12 seasons, winning four Super Bowl championships, the Super Bowl 9 MVP, and the Offensive Rookie of the Year award (1972). He also played in the Pro Bowl nine times and was an All-Pro four times.
