Followers weren’t pleased with NFL Community on Sunday evening once they minimize away from the Franco Harris tribute the Pittsburgh Steelers put collectively at halftime throughout their sport in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Harris, a Corridor of Fame operating again for the Steelers, died at 72 years previous final week. It was simply a few days earlier than his famed “Immaculate Reception” reached its fiftieth anniversary, which the Steelers had been going to honor throughout this Christmas Eve matchup whereas retiring his No. 32.
Sadly, a tribute to the late Harris was made to honor his 12-year legacy in Pittsburgh as a substitute. It was teased main as much as the sport by a number of networks, together with NFL Community, which broadcast the Steelers-Raiders matchup.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Nevertheless, viewers at house noticed NFL Community minimize to industrial when Harris’ tribute on the videoboard at Acrisure Stadium started.
Followers took to social media to voice their frustrations.
STEELERS PLAYERS HONOR FRANCO HARRIS BY WEAWRING HIS JERSEY AHEAD OF RETIRING LATE RUNNING BACK’S NUMBER
The Steelers honored Harris earlier than the sport as properly, with veteran defensive sort out Cam Heyward operating out with a black No. 32 flag. Gamers had been additionally seen strolling into Acrisure Stadium carrying Harris’ jersey earlier than placing on their very own within the locker room.
Franco Harris and John Fuqua, former operating backs for the Steelers, wave Horrible Towels earlier than the Cincinnati Bengals sport at Heinz Subject on Dec. 23, 2012, in Pittsburgh.
(George Gojkovich/Getty Photographs)
It was nearly like Harris was trying down on his former workforce, too, when a late fourth-quarter drive resulted in a game-winning landing by rookie George Pickens with 46 seconds left to play. The win pushed Pittsburgh’s report as much as 7-8.
Harris defeated the Raiders within the playoffs in 1972 along with his Immaculate Reception, catching a batted ball and taking it to the home for a 13-7 win. And like Pickens, Harris was in his rookie season with Pittsburgh after being drafted out of Penn State thirteenth total.
Harris had two separate interviews simply hours earlier than he died and spoke in regards to the Immaculate Reception and the way excited he was for Saturday’s ceremony.
STEELERS SCORE LATE TOUCHDOWN TO KEEP PLAYOFF HOPES ALIVE ON NIGHT THEY RETIRE LATE FRANCO HARRIS’ NUMBER
“Artwork [Rooney] broke the information to me. I used to be simply completely taken without warning,” Harris stated to Heyward on his podcast about being advised of his quantity retirement. “I stated, ‘What an honor to have my jersey retired.’ After which all of the connections to it. That we’ll retire it on Dec. 24. And likewise a Raider sport we’ll retire it. I imply, it’s an unimaginable honor. The third jersey in 90 years of Steelers soccer. And the primary offensive participant.”
Harris was named the Offensive Rookie of the 12 months when he rushed for 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns. His prowess within the Steelers’ offense beneath legendary coach Chuck Noll shortly made him a giant piece within the franchise’s dynasty.
NFL Corridor of Fame participant Franco Harris on the crimson carpet previous to the NFL Honors on Feb. 1, 2020, on the Adrienne Arsht Heart in Miami, Florida.
(Wealthy Graessle/PPI/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
In 2020, the play was celebrated as the best within the NFL’s 100-year historical past.
Fox Information’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.
