Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Franco Harris, the Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Steelers running back famous for making the most iconic play in NFL history, has died at 72.

His death comes just two days before the 50th anniversary of his legendary "Immaculate Reception" at Acrisure Stadium, and just three days before Pittsburgh is scheduled to retire his No. 32 jersey during a halftime ceremony of its game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Harris, the 6-foot-2, workhorse from Penn State, was a first-round pick of the Steelers in 1972, the year that changed the Steelers franchise forever.

In his first season, Harris earned the Offensive Rookie of the Year when he rushed for 1,055 yards and 10 touchdowns.

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He also had that historic heads up play against the Raiders in the 1972 playoff game. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw took the snap and threw deep to tailback John "Frenchy" Fuqua, who collided with a Raiders defensive back. The ball flew several feet away to Harris, who made the catch and ran it back for a touchdown – the first playoff victory in Pittsburgh history.

"That play really represents our teams of the '70s," Harris said after the "Immaculate Reception" was voted the greatest play in NFL history during the league's 100th anniversary season in 2020.

Harris would go on to have one of the most illustrious careers in the NFL, winning two back-to-back Super Bowl championships ('74-'75 and '78-'79), a Super Bowl MVP award, and several Pro Bowl honors.

"He never stopped giving back in so many ways," Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement. "He touched so many, and he was loved by so many."

There's no doubt Harris was one of the best athletes to ever put a foot on the gridiron. His 354 career yards rushing on the NFL's biggest stage, the Super Bowl, remains a record nearly four decades after his retirement.

Harris' legacy, however, shines beyond just the football field and into the personal lives of many.

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"To the man who announced me as a Pittsburgh Steeler, May you Rest in Peace," Steelers' Pat Freiermuth tweeted. "Very thankful for our friendship and you always being there for me when I needed it. Penn State and Steeler Legend forever. May your legacy live on forever. RIP 32."

"We have lost an Icon in Franco Harris. He embodied Pgh in his Grace, Humility, & Sense of Pride. He was a Champion on the Field & Ambassador off it," Pro Football Hall of Famer Bill Cowher tweeted. "Thank you Franco for setting the standard that we all strive to achieve as a Professional & as a Person. RIP & condolences to Dana."

Pennsylvania state senator Katie Muth also expressed her sadness, saying: "As someone who grew up in Western Pennsylvania, I know the love that everyone had for the Steelers great."

Harris is survived by his wife, Dana Dokmanovich, and his son, Dok.