PITTSBURGH – Talk to the residents of this blizzard-battered town about Franco Harris. And even as they huddle against the angry winter winds blowing sub-freezing temperatures across the hills of Allegheny County, they will take their time and gladly explain that Franco Harris’ name is still worth, well, gold.
As in Black and Gold.
They will tell you that Harris (pictured far right opposite then-Senator Barack Obama) began to sculpt his venerated career with what is simply known as the “Immaculate Reception” — one of the most famous and improbable plays ever in the NFL — but it is also a legacy whose rich narrative is still being written today in business, politics and philanthropy.
One of the main anchors of the original Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty of the 1970s, Harris has continued to astound sports fans and businesspeople alike with his profound post-NFL business life. Here at the popular Art Tavern in the Strip District, where they were serving liquid warming agents to offset the achingly cold elements outside, every patron rolling out spoke with mentioned the name “Franco” as one of the pillars and contributors to Pittsburgh’s football lore.
“It began with the ‘Immaculate Reception’ and has gone on to this day,” says Art Tavern owner Arthur Jefferies.
“Franco! Franco!” came the alcohol-enhanced, high-decibel testimonies from a pair of women at the bar who overheard Jefferies‘ interview.
It’s not necessary, however, to ask the local residents what they think. The statue of Harris at the Pittsburgh International Airport is confirmation enough of what the throngs of Steelers fans think of the large but nimble-footed running back from Penn State and South Jersey. Words aren’t required when Harris has just been announced (in January 2011) as the latest inductee into the New Jersey Hall of Fame alongside the likes of Queen Latifah and actor Bruce Willis.
But, what in the name of Magic Johnson has enabled Harris to prosper after his sports career when most get tackled by financial hardship, monster-slammed by bad investments and strike out trying to transition into retirement? Like Johnson and former football great Jessie Armstead (who has a $100 million Honda dealership in northern New Jersey), Harris had a plan for his life that extended well beyond sports.
Harris’ many business ventures include his 16-year-old Super Bakery Inc., which sells nutritionally enriched bakery goods to schools and hospitals. The tops of the Super Donut boxes are noted for its MVP image — Most Valuable Person — which pays homage to athletes who are active off the field.
Now Harris has come out with SilverSport, a sports and fitness business, that sells “SilverMats” and “SilverTowels” that offer anti-odor and anti-micro bacterial protection for locker rooms and gyms.
Moreover, Harris, who alongside the Steelers beloved Rooney family dynasty, was very involved with the Democratic party of Pennsylvania and instrumental in helping Barack Obama carry the state in 2008.
It is quite evident that Harris is as passionate and adept at business today as he was goring defenses in the 1970s. –terry shropshire
