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Franco Harris' sudden passing -- terribly shocking because he was set to have his number 32 retired Saturday as part of Pittsburgh's 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception -- was a body blow to so many of us.
Though the Steelers have had other Hall of Fame players of Harris' stature in terms of what they meant to the team's success, it was Franco, more than anyone, who galvanized a region and helped turn Pittsburgh into the City of Champions.
His remarkable effort, situational awareness and hustle to snag the last-gasp deflected pass at his shoetops against the Raiders became the first touchdown in the Steelers' postseason history. Think about that.
(And thank goodness, there was no replay then -- not because the right call wasn't made, just because of the torturous wait and confusion and potential riot it would have created.)
In watching and reading all the tributes to Franco these last couple of days -- and it will be eerie leading up to Saturday as interviews he did this month will be aired -- there are some things we forget.
Like the fact that when he retired, Harris was the third-leading rusher in NFL history behind only Walter Payton and Jim Brown. Pretty good company.
Steelers owner Art Rooney Sr. -- "The Chief" -- once said, "Before Franco got here, we didn't win much; since he got here, we don't lose."
Harris and the Steelers captured the hearts of the region. In those days, the NFL had a 100-mile blackout rule so growing up in Johnstown, we didn't get the Steelers-Raiders playoff game, if you can believe that.
My dad got the idea to rent a room at the Bedford Holiday Inn to watch the game and took us (my two brothers and me, along with some friends) to watch the game.
The place was packed with Steelers' fans, and when Harris scored the touchdown, the entire Holiday Inn shook.
It was the beginning of a Super Bowl dynasty that resulted in an unprecedented four championships in six years -- a remarkable feat that may never be matched.
The Immaculate Reception has been judged as the most famous play in NFL history, but Harris' greatness somehow went beyond it through the grace with which he handled the rest of his life.
Because they're in demand, superstars don't always remain in the cities where they left an imprint. Harris did, and through his kindness, humility and philanthropy for the last 50 years, his legend grew.
If there was a world record for most photos taken, he'd probably hold it because of his longstanding ties to the Steelers and Penn State along with his recognizability and approachability.
During an ESPN production meeting prior to Penn State's game with Michigan in 1997, author John Lukacs was sitting with Beano Cook when Harris popped in and worked the room, introducing himself to everyone there.
When he got to Beano, the quipster cracked, "For Christ's sake, Franco, we all know who you are."
Laughing, Franco said, "But I don't know their names, Beano, and this is how I can learn them."
Franco maintained his Penn State ties, and his support of Joe Paterno in the bad times is well documented. Harris long credited Paterno for telling him "run to the ball," which is why he was able to make the Immaculate Reception happen.
Harris, ironically enough, died in his sleep at 72 on Paterno's birthday -- Dec. 21.
He'll not only reunite upstairs with his old coach but also with his younger brother, Pete, a former Nittany Lion safety who made 10 interceptions in 1978. Pete died too soon in 2006 at the age of 49.
In between Penn State and Pittsburgh, Franco was a frequent visitor to Tipton, where through his college buddy Ron Rossi, he forged a great business relationship with the DelGrosso family.
Franco had a special sauce named for him by the DelGrossos, just as he once inspired the formation of "Franco's Italian Army" at Three Rivers Stadium.
(Check out the eight-minute YouTube video about the army, which included Frank Sinatra. It's classic.)
When you watch that, it reinforces how many lives and communities he touched.
I met and interviewed Franco a few times -- yes, I have a picture of me with him and Lydell Mitchell in the archives -- but can't say I knew him well.
But like you, I admired him and believe he leaves as one of the most respected athletes -- on and off the field -- of our lifetime.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.