Steelers fans respectfully tailgate Franco Harris viewing

Franco Harris is honored at halftime during a memorial ceremony at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Penn., on Dec. 24, 2022. Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK

Steelers fans respectfully tailgate outside Franco Harris viewing

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Dec 27, 2022 2:43 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers held a public viewing at Acrisure Stadium for Franco Harris on Tuesday, and a small group of Steelers fans paid respects in the most fitting way possible … with a respectful tailgate in the parking lot outside of the stadium.

There are people in the Acrisure Stadium parking lots tailgating Franco Harris’ viewing right now.
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) December 27, 2022

With Italian wine and Peroni beer, a group has gathered to (respectfully) tailgate outside of Franco Harris’ public viewing. This city really is unlike any other. pic.twitter.com/3ipcR2xQ2F
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) December 27, 2022

The lesson here may simply be to live your life in a way that makes people want to tailgate and celebrate outside of your funeral viewing.

Harris died suddenly this past week just days before the team was set to officially retire his No. 32 jersey and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. The Steelers still went ahead with the celebration during halftime of their 13-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Harris played 12 years of his career with the Steelers, winning four Super Bowls and a Super Bowl MVP with the team. He finished his career with 12,120 rushing yards and 100 total touchdowns (91 rushing, nine receiving). The Immaculate Reception not only gave the Steelers their first playoff win in franchise history, but it also helped jump-start their dynasty through the 1970s decade with four Super Bowl wins in six years.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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