[Joe 6-pack]

In spite of all the greats that have come and gone, the Franco Harris / Rocky Bleier backfield remains one of the most potent in NFL history.

As a kid in the 70s, dad would take us to Steeler training camp in Latrine every summer. To a person, the players came across as very appreciative of their fans. Chuck Noll knew how to build a team, and while there were many great players, there were no prima donnas.

While I was sadly disappointed with Franco's political leanings late in life, I think him for the many dear childhood memories and lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship.

RIP #32

[Joe 6-pack]

Latrobe, not Latrine. Damned autocorrect!

[DallasBiff]

Franco was a big lib though. Ah the old tv NFL blackout days, when the nation saw Franco's reception, while the tri-state area had to hear it live by Myron Cope on radio.

RIP Franco.

[hinckley buzzard]

Yes, In 1973 the Steelers had the draft of the century, five players who ended up in the Hall of fame. Harris was drafted in 1972, so no wonder the Steelers ruled the NFL through the decade.

[oh8eleven]

...the Franco Harris / Rocky Bleier backfield remains one of the most potent in NFL history.

Not taking anything from Harris, but Bleier's' on field performance is even more amazing given he was a 'Nam Vet ...

"... On August 20, while on patrol in Hiep Duc, Bleier was wounded in the left thigh by an enemy rifle bullet when his platoon was ambushed in a rice paddy. While he was down, an enemy grenade landed nearby after bouncing off a fellow soldier, he tried to leap over it and it exploded sending shrapnel into his lower right leg. His right foot was severely damaged in the blast as well. He was later awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. While he was recovering in a hospital in Tokyo, doctors told him that he could not play football again."