Steelers announce retirement of 3rd jersey number in franchise history!
The ceremony will take place this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers fans were left wondering what was on the horizon when it was announced that teams resident Art Rooney II would be taking the podium shortly after head Coach Mike Tomlin to make a "special announcement".
But now, we know what that special announcement is. According to Rooney II, the Steelers will be retiring the No. 32 jersey number of Franco Harris during halftime of their Week 16 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. He becomes just the third player in team history to have his jersey number retired.
It wasn't long before Harris offered his reaction to the news:
"What can I say, but wow. I am blown away," he said. "I'd like to thank Art and the Rooney family for this honor. Thank you, very, very much. I know this consideration was a tough one, because there are a number of players who could have been honored."
Originally selected by the Steelers in the 1st round of the 1972 NFL Draft, Harris earned nine straight Pro Bowl selections and would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. Of course, he'll forever be known for his key role in the "Immaculate Reception", one of the most famous plays not only in Steelers history but in NFL history.
