Apr 28, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Hall of Famer Franco Harris speaks during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft at the NFL Draft Theater. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers retiring Franco Harris' number to mark 50th anniversary of Immaculate Reception

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 9/6/22

The 2022 NFL season will mark the 50th anniversary of Franco Harris' Immaculate Reception against the Oakland Raiders, one of the most iconic plays in both Pittsburgh Steelers and league history.

To mark that occasion, the Steelers announced on Tuesday that the team will officially be retiring Harris' No. 32 at halftime of their Dec. 24 game against Raiders.

That game will be played just one day after the official 50th anniversary of the play.

The play gave the Steelers their first ever postseason win after 40 years of futility and helped jumpstart their 1970s dynasty that would see them go onto win four Super Bowls in the decade and become one of the NFL's all-time great teams.

While they won that game against the Raiders, they would ultimately lose the following week in the AFC Championship game to the Miami Dolphins on their way to their perfect 17-0 season.

Officially retiring the number is a significant moment for the Steelers because it is not something that they typically do. Prior to Harris, the only officially retired numbers in franchise history are Ernie Stautner's No. 70 and Joe Greene's No. 75. Even Greene's honor was recent within the past few years. The team just had a lengthy list of numbers (Harris' 32, Terry Bradshaw's 12, Mike Webster's 52, Jack Lambert's 58, Jack Ham's 59, Mel Blount's 47) that they simply have never given out again.

"We've taken our time doing this over the years," said Steelers owner Art Rooney on Tuesday at the official announcement. "I don't expect to be doing this very often. I think it will still be a rare occasion. We have many players who are still deserving."

Rooney also said there will be two former members of the Raiders also in attendance for the game.

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