Franco Harris net worth, cause of death, age, family, biography and updates.
Franco Harris was an American professional football player best remembered for his outstanding career with the National Football League’s (NFL) Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks. Through his great abilities, good character, and substantial contributions to the game of football, Franco Harris left a lasting impression on football fans.
Franco Harris Biography & Profile Summary
Category | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Franco Harris |
Nickname | Franco |
Gender | Male |
Date of Birth | 7th March 1950 |
Birth Sign | Pisces |
Place of Birth | Fort Dix, New Jersey |
Age | 72 years old |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Mixed-race |
Eye Colour | Black |
Hair Colour | Black |
Weight | 104 kg |
Height | 6 feet 2 inches |
Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Religion | Christianity |
Father | Cad Harris |
Mother | Gina Parenti |
Siblings | Peter, Marisa Lattimore, Guiseppe Harris, Luana Harris-Scott, Mario Harris, Alvara Harris, and Daniela Miller |
Marital Status | Married |
Spouse | Dana Dokmanovich |
Franco Harris’ Children | Franco Dok Harris (son) |
Education | Rancocas Valley Regional High and Penn State University |
Profession | Former American football player |
Net Worth | $3 million |
Franco Harris Early Life and Family
On March 7, 1950, Franco Harris was born to Cad Harris, an African American father, and Gina Parenti, a Caucasian-White mother. His father served in World War II and was stationed in Italy, where he met and married Franco’s mother, a native Italian. After the war, the family relocated to the United States, settling in New Jersey. Franco Harris grew up with seven siblings who shared a close-knit bond.
Franco Harris Education and College Career
Harris attended Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey. After completing his high school education in 1968, he enrolled at Penn State University. During his college years, Franco Harris played for the Penn State Nittany Lions football team. He showcased his exceptional skills as a blocker for the All-American running back Lydell Mitchell.
The Rise of a Football Star
Harris’s talent and dedication paved the way for a successful football career. Let’s take a look at his early career statistics:
- 1969: 115 carries for 643 yards and ten touchdowns. 12 catches for 189 yards.
- 1970: 142 carries for 675 yards and eight touchdowns. Six catches for 66 yards.
- 1971: 123 carries for 684 yards and six touchdowns. Ten catches for 97 yards and one touchdown.
Franco Harris NFL Career
In the 1972 NFL Draft, he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played for the Steelers from 1972 to 1983, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Harris’s remarkable statistics in the National Football League include rushing yards of 12,120, yards per carry of 4.1, rushing touchdowns of 91, receptions of 307, receiving yards of 2,287, and receiving touchdowns of 9.
Franco Harris Life After Football
After retiring from professional football, he embarked on various endeavours. He established Super Bakery with his college teammate Lydell Mitchell, a company focused on producing nutrition-oriented food for school children. Additionally, Harris engaged in several ventures:
- Partnering with Mitchell to rescue the Parks Sausage Company in Baltimore (1996).
- Becoming a paid representative for the Harrah’s/Forest City Enterprises casino plan for downtown Pittsburgh.
- Participating in the 2006 Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game.
- Attending the 2008 Democratic National Convention as part of the Pennsylvania delegation.
- Co-owning the Pittsburgh Passion football team (2011).
Franco Harris Career Highlights and Awards
His exceptional talent and achievements garnered numerous awards throughout his football career. Some of the highlights include:
- 4× Super Bowl Champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV)
- Super Bowl MVP (IX)
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1972)
- NFL Man of the Year (1976)
- First-team All-Pro (1977)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1972, 1975)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1972–1980)
- NFL Rushing Touchdowns Leader (1976)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team
- Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor
Franco Harris Wife
He is married to Dana Dokmanovich, and the couple has a son named Franco Dok Harris. Not much is publicly known about Dana’s early life and background. Franco Dok Harris pursued a career in politics and business, joining the family business, Super Bakery Inc.
Franco Harris Net Worth
As of the time of his passing, Franco Harris had an estimated net worth of $3 million. His wealth stems from his successful football career, various business ventures, and endorsements.
Franco Harris’ Cause of Death
The legendary football player, sadly passed away on December 21, 2022. Pittsburgh Action News 4 (via Economic Times) reported that Harris’ cause of death was determined to be natural causes, leaving behind a legacy that will always be remembered. The Hall of Fame running back was 72 years old at the time of his passing.