Franco Harris Net Worth

## Franco Harris: A Legacy of Gridiron Greatness and Enduring Net Worth

**Table of Contents**

* [Early Life and High School](#early-life-and-high-school)
* [Collegiate Career at Penn State](#collegiate-career-at-penn-state)
* [NFL Career with the Pittsburgh Steelers: Rookie Sensation](#nfl-career-with-the-pittsburgh-steelers-rookie-sensation)
* [The Immaculate Reception: A Defining Moment](#the-immaculate-reception-a-defining-moment)
* [Dominance in the 1970s: Super Bowl Victories and Individual Accolades](#dominance-in-the-1970s-super-bowl-victories-and-individual-accolades)
* [Later Career and Retirement](#later-career-and-retirement)
* [Post-NFL Ventures and Business Endeavors](#post-nfl-ventures-and-business-endeavors)
* [Personal Life, Family, and Passing](#personal-life-family-and-passing)
* [Franco Harris’s Real Estate Holdings](#franco-harriss-real-estate-holdings)
* [Franco Harris Net Worth: A Summary](#franco-harriss-net-worth-a-summary)

Franco Harris was an icon of American football, celebrated not only for his exceptional talent on the field but also for his impact beyond the sport. At the time of his passing, his net worth was estimated at $3 million, reflecting a career and life marked by both athletic achievement and entrepreneurial spirit. This article delves into the life and career of Franco Harris, examining his early life, collegiate success, legendary NFL career, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

### Early Life and High School

Franco Harris was born on March 7, 1950, in Fort Dix, New Jersey. His parents, Cad Harris, a Black World War II veteran, and Gina Parenti, an Italian native, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a diverse cultural background. Growing up with a younger brother, Pete, who also played football, Harris developed his athletic abilities during his formative years. He attended Rancocas Valley Regional High School, graduating in 1968, where he honed his skills and laid the foundation for his future football career.

### Collegiate Career at Penn State

Following high school, Harris attended Penn State University, where he played for the Nittany Lions football team. During his collegiate career, he demonstrated his versatility as a running back, amassing a total of 2,002 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. He was also a reliable receiver, catching 28 passes for 352 yards and one touchdown. His contributions were crucial to the team’s success, and in 1970, Harris led the Lions in scoring, showcasing his ability to find the end zone and generate points for his team.

### NFL Career with the Pittsburgh Steelers: Rookie Sensation

Franco Harris’s professional career began when he was selected 13th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1972 NFL Draft. His impact was immediate. In his rookie season, Harris exploded onto the scene, recording 1,055 rushing yards on 188 carries and scoring 10 touchdowns. This remarkable performance earned him the NFL Rookie of the Year and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year awards, signaling the arrival of a new star in the league.

### The Immaculate Reception: A Defining Moment

One play, in particular, etched Franco Harris’s name in football lore: the Immaculate Reception. This iconic moment occurred during the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Oakland Raiders. With the Steelers trailing 7-6 in the final seconds, quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw a pass that deflected off either a Raiders defender or Steelers running back John Fuqua. The ball miraculously landed in Harris’s hands, who caught it just before it hit the ground and ran into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown. This play, still debated today, gave the Steelers their first-ever playoff victory and became one of the most celebrated plays in NFL history.

### Dominance in the 1970s: Super Bowl Victories and Individual Accolades

The Immaculate Reception was just the beginning of Harris’s illustrious career. He became a cornerstone of the Steelers’ dynasty, which dominated the NFL throughout the 1970s. His powerful running style and consistent performance helped the Steelers win four Super Bowl titles (IX, X, XIII, and XIV). In Super Bowl IX, Harris was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) after rushing for 158 yards and a touchdown. Notably, he was the first African-American and the first Italian-American to win the Super Bowl MVP award. During this period, Harris was selected to nine Pro Bowls, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier running backs. He was also named AP First-Team All-Pro in 1977 and AP Second-Team All-Pro in 1972 and 1975.

### Later Career and Retirement

As the NFL’s landscape shifted, Harris continued to be a productive player. By 1984, he was released by the Steelers during training camp. He then signed with the Seattle Seahawks, where he played for eight games before retiring. Although his career ended before he could break Jim Brown’s rushing record, Harris finished with an impressive 12,120 rushing yards, placing him third in NFL history at the time of his retirement, behind only Walter Payton and Jim Brown. He also held the third spot for rushing touchdowns, with 91.

### Post-NFL Ventures and Business Endeavors

After retiring from professional football, Franco Harris ventured into various business and philanthropic endeavors. In 1990, he co-founded Super Bakery, a company that produced nutritious foods for schoolchildren. This venture demonstrated his commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and contributing to the well-being of the community. In 2007, Harris was selected to lead a charitable foundation by Forest City Enterprises, a real estate investment trust. These ventures illustrated his entrepreneurial spirit and his desire to make a positive impact beyond the football field.

### Personal Life, Family, and Passing

Franco Harris was married to Dana Dokmanovich, and they had a son named Franco “Dok” Harris. His son gained public attention when he ran as a third-party candidate in the 2009 Pittsburgh mayoral election, finishing in second place. On December 20, 2022, Franco Harris tragically passed away in his sleep at his home in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, at the age of 72. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from former teammates, football legends, and fans, all acknowledging his impact on the game and his lasting legacy.

### Franco Harris’s Real Estate Holdings

In September 1994, Franco Harris purchased a home in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, for $425,000. He resided in this home for the remainder of his life. Today, the estimated value of this property is approximately $800,000, reflecting the appreciation of real estate in the area over the years.

### Franco Harris Net Worth: A Summary

Franco Harris’s net worth of $3 million at the time of his passing is a testament to his successful career as a football player and his subsequent business ventures. While his financial success is notable, his enduring legacy lies in his contributions to the game of football, his impact on the city of Pittsburgh, and his embodiment of sportsmanship and excellence. His story serves as an inspiration for athletes and entrepreneurs alike.