NFL Network cuts Steelers trade tribute to Franco Harris, and fans react in disgust

Fans weren’t happy on NFL Network Sunday night when they walked away from a Franco Harris tribute Pittsburgh Steelers They are put together at halftime during their game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Harris A hall of fame Running back for the Steelers, passed away at the age of 72 last week. It was just two days before the famous “Immaculate Reception” reached his 50th anniversary, which the Steelers would honor during a Christmas Eve game while retiring #32.

Unfortunately, the late Harris was named to honor his legacy of 12 years in Pittsburgh instead. It was teased prior to the game by multiple networks, including NFL Network, which aired the Steelers-Raiders game.

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However, viewers at home saw NFL Network go commercial when a tribute to Harris began on the video board at Acrisure Stadium.

Fans took to social media to vent their frustration.

The STEELERS players are paying homage to Franco Harris by flattering his bell before undoing his late running back number

The Steelers honored Harris prior to the game as well, with veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward running out a black flag #32. The players were also seen walking down Acrisure Stadium wearing a Harris jersey before getting dressed in the locker room.

Franco Harris and John Fuqua, both playing for the Steelers, wave Terrible Tails before the Cincinnati Bengals game at Heinz Field on December 23, 2012, in Pittsburgh.
(George Djokovic/Getty Images)

It was as if Harris was looking down on his former team with displeasure, too, when a late drive in the fourth quarter resulted in a game-winning touchdown run by rookie George Pickens with 46 seconds left in the game. The win pushed Pittsburgh’s record to 7-8.

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Harris The raiders were defeated In the playoffs in 1972 with his immaculate reception, he caught a hit ball and took it home for the 13-7 win. Like Pickens, Harris was in his rookie season with Pittsburgh after being drafted out of Penn State ranked 13th overall.

Harris gave two separate interviews just hours before his death and talked about the Immaculate Reception and how excited he was for the Sabbath party.

The Crusaders score a touchdown finish to keep their hopes alive for the night, and they catch Franco Harris’ late number

“art [Rooney] I reported the news to me. I was quite surprised,” Harris told Heyward on his podcast about being told he was retiring a number. I said, “What an honor to have my shirt retired.” And then all contacts out. We will withdraw it on the 24th of December. Also, Ryder, we’re going to shut it down. I mean, it’s an incredible honor. Third jersey in 90 years of Steelers football. And the first offensive player.

Harris was named Offensive Rookie of the Year when he rushed for 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns. His prowess on the Steelers offense under legendary head coach Chuck Noll quickly made him a hunk in the franchise dynasty.

NFL Hall of Fame player Franco Harris on the red carpet before the NFL Honors on February 1, 2020, at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami, Florida.

NFL Hall of Fame player Franco Harris on the red carpet before the NFL Honors on February 1, 2020, at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami, Florida.
(Rich Gresley/PPI/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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In 2020, this play was celebrated as the greatest in the NFL’s 100-year history.

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Fox News’ Ryan Moreck contributed to this report.

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