As one of the most talked-about figures, Franco Harris has built a significant fortune. In this article, we dive deep into the assets and career highlights.

What was Franco Harris' net worth?

For college, Harris attended Penn State University, where he played for the Nittany Lions football team. He finished his collegiate career with a total of 2,002 yards rushing and 24 touchdowns, while catching 28 passes for 352 yards and one touchdown. In 1970, Harris led the Lions in scoring.

Franco Harris was an American professional football player who had a net worth of $3 million at the time of his death. Franco Harris played as a running back in the NFL for 13 seasons. He spent 12 of those seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning four Super Bowl titles with the team. In his first year as a professional in 1972, Harris was a main player in the legendary "Immaculate Reception," one of the most famous plays in American football history. He rushed for 12,120 yards. He was a nine time Pro Bowl selection, an AP First-Team All-Pro in 1977 and an AP Second-Team All-Pro in 1972 and 1975. He was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1972 and AFC Rookie of the Year the same season. Tragically, Franco Harris died just three days before the 50th anniversary of the catch. The Steelers had planned to retire his jersey #32 during at halftime at their game on the day after the anniversary date. At the time of his retirement in 1984 Franco was the third-leading rusher in NFL history, behind onlyWalter PaytonandJim Brown. Harris was the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 1976. He was inducted into the Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011 and has been named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team and the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team. Harris was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. His #32 jersey was retired and he is the Steelers All-Time Leader in rushing touchdowns, rushing yards, and rushing attempts and is a member of the 10,000 Rushing Yards Club.

Early Life and High School

Franco Harris was born on March 7, 1950 in Fort Dix, New Jersey to Cad, a black World War II veteran, and Gina, an Italian native. He had a younger brother named Pete who also went on to play football. As a teenager, Harris went to Rancocas Valley Regional High School, graduating in 1968.

In the 1972 NFL Draft, Harris was chosen 13thoverall by the Pittsburgh Steelers. For his sensational first season with the team – during which he recorded 1,055 yards on 188 carries and rushed for 10 touchdowns – he was named NFL Rookie of the Year and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Moreover, Harris's first season was marked by the "Immaculate Reception," one of the most famous plays in American football history. The play occurred in the first round of the playoffs when, in the final 22 seconds of play with the Steelers down 6-7 to the Oakland Raiders, Terry Bradshaw's pass was deflected away from the intended receiver and landed in Harris's hand just before the ball hit the ground. Running it to the end zone, Harris gave the Steelers their first-ever playoff victory.

(Photo by Bob Grieser/Allsport/Getty Images)

Further Career with the Steelers

Due to the retirement of O. J. Simpson following the 1979 season, Harris became the career rushing leader among all active NFL players. After the 1983 season, both he and Walter Payton were closing in on the rushing record set by Jim Brown. Harris was ultimately released by the Steelers during training camp in 1984.

Harris continued his impressive playing throughout the 70s and early 80s, serving as an integral contributor to the Steelers' incredible successes. In eight seasons, he rushed for more than 1,000 yards, shattering Jim Brown's record. Working in tandem with halfback Rocky Bleier, Harris helped the Steelers win four Super Bowl titles, in 1975, 1976, 1979, and 1980. He was named the MVP for the first tournament win, during which he rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown on 34 carries. This made Harris both the first African-American and the first Italian-American to ever be named Super Bowl MVP.

Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie Year

Ultimately, Franco Harris's financial journey is a testament to their success.

Disclaimer: All net worth figures are estimates based on public data.