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An immaculate reception for United Way
Harris, Bleier and Price part of banquet at The Lake Club
POLAND
It was billed as “An Evening with Franco Harris” to support the local United Way’s Champions Among Us banquet at The Lake Club, but the just-in-time arrival of Ohio State’s Billy Price and a later surprise appearance by Rocky Bleier made it a great-to-be-part-of-it reception.
“I’m here tonight to be part of this wonderful event, supporting the United Way and the great work that they do to make things better,” said Harris, known for his “Immaculate Reception” with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Hall of Fame member expressed gratitude to Ed Muransky and his facilities and hospitality at The Lake Club and Harris is supportive of a fellow NFL player’s community mission.
“I want people to understand that a lot of guys do give back in a lot of different ways,” Harris said.
In addition to the presence of Price, an Ohio State All-American who played at Austintown Fitch, Bleier popped in to surprise Harris and everyone else sitting at full tables in the banquet room.
Bleier was a former running mate of Harris’ during Pittsburgh’s emergence that culminated with Super Bowl titles.
Price recently graduated from OSU, but returns for his final season of eligibility. The 6-4, 312-pounder is shifting from guard to center and is on the preseason watch list for the Rimington Trophy, which is awarded to the nation’s outstanding center.
“It’s an honor to be considered for a nomination, especially after Ohio State’s center last year, Pat Elfelin, won the award,” said the 22-year-old Price. “To have Ohio State centers win the Rimington Trophy back-to-back I don’t think has ever been done. I’m excited to be on the list and looking forward to a good season this year to go with it.”
Elfelin was drafted 70th overall by the Vikings.
Price, who snaps to quarterback J.T. Barrett, is using his fifth year of eligibility to return for the Buckeyes. He wears jersey No. 54.
Price, who sat with his girlfriend and father and high school coach Phil Annarella at a table, gave a brief speech after being recognized for representing the Valley in a positive light.
He left immediately to return to Columbus where he had a 6 a.m. workout today.
Earlier, in the privacy of the Don Pipino Room with the media, a comment was made that the celebrity was “bigger than expected.”
Harris’ response: “I’m still one of the little guys.”
During questioning, Harris, kiddingly, was doubtful that anyone would attend Wednesday evening’s event, since it’s in the home state of the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and Ohio State.
He agreed that there is still a rivalry spirit between the Steelers and Browns, but didn’t hesitate to give the Steelers-Ravens rivalry more credibility.
“I’m sure that Cleveland will bounce back one day, there’s no doubt about that,” said Harris, who is enjoying the Cavs’ success and has even adopted the team as his NBA favorite. He added, “The Indians weren’t bad, either, so that’s two out of three.”
Franco made one previous trip to The Lake Club.
“It won’t be the last,” he said, hinting that some golf may be on the horizon at the course near the shores of Evans Lake. “I’m looking forward to stopping here a few times to hit the ball.”
A lesson he learned from former Major League Baseball and longtime Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda was that people will remember moments that someone of Harris’ fame mostly likely wouldn’t.
“You may meet 50 people in one day, but won’t remember them,” Harris said. “But what’s important is that it’s not about me, but about the fans. I must remember that.”
Harris was reminded of the time elapsed since the “Immaculate Reception.”
“Forty-five years,” he said, then paused and continued. “Wow, I didn’t think about that. In a way, it seems like yesterday.”
Harris believes that 1972 was the start of a great run that has continued to this day.
“Before that, the Steelers never won a playoff game and, in between 1933 and 1971, the Steelers were the worst team on record in NFL history: more losses than anybody, fewest points scored and most points scored against,” he said.
Then, somewhat tongue in cheek, but true, he added, “They [the Steelers] were so bad and that’s why I’m saying that there’s still hope for Cleveland.”
Pittsburgh went 11-3 in 1972, which was Harris’ rookie season before the Steelers’ fortunes turned into Super Bowls.
Franco said that he only remembers parts of his remarkable reception.
“Other than that, my mind is completely blank and I have to watch the film to see what happened. I recall leaving the backfield, then my mind is completely blank. Then I’m running down the sideline and into the end zone.”
When asked if the “IR” was the greatest catch in the NFL, Harris said, “Is there any reason why I shouldn’t think that?”