The Franco Harris tribute video garnered unfavorable reactions from Twitter’s online community for all the appropriate reasons.
NFL fans were surprised on Christmas Eve when they tuned in to watch the memorials for the late Franco Harris only to find out that NFL Network had taken a commercial break in the middle of the celebration.
Harris passed away this week at the age of 72; the reason for his death is still unknown.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of his Immaculate Reception, the Pittsburgh Steelers were to retire his No. 32 jersey on Saturday night. He was expected to be present for the ceremony, but unfortunately, he passed away a week ago.
Following his death, the game on Saturday and the ceremony itself took on a much deeper significance, although viewers of the telecast on television couldn’t perceive how sincere it was.
The halftime tribute to the late Pittsburgh Steelers legend Franco Harris required better coverage by NFL Network.
The cable net chose to air an Intel ad just as the “Immaculate Reception” star’s video tribute was being introduced to the cheering Acrisure Stadium crowd.
When the PA speaker declared, ‘Please turn your attention to the video board as we honor Franco Harris,’ Steelers owner Art Rooney II was on the field with Franco Harris’ widow, Dana, and son, Dok.
The NFL Network’s focus shifted from the newly retired No. 32 in the stadium to the Bottom Line when the camera centered on it.
What was meant to be a joyous celebration surrounding the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, the Hall of Fame running back, who contributed to the Steelers’ success in the 1970s, had his jersey number retired.
It was selected as the most significant play in NFL history three years ago.
He is the first offensive player’s number to be retired in the 90-year history of the team.
The on-field ceremony was not referenced when the broadcast resumed following the commercial break; instead, the network showed highlights from previous NFL games.
Most fans believed it was inappropriate to air the advertisements at such a sensitive time.
It was a poor decision, and Twitter erupted in anger at the disrespect against Harris, a four-time Super Bowl champion and nine-time Pro Bowler with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
One individual said, ‘Absolutely awful act by @nflnetwork going to commercial during Franco Harris tribute.’
Another person commented, ‘They literally waited until the announcer said to “see this homage,” faded to black, and went to commercial.’
One fan remarked, ‘WAAAAAITTTT…. no no no no no. Why is the Franco Harris stadium dedication being cut short by NFL Network?’
‘Shame on you for not letting us see the Franco Harris video,’ a separate fan remarked.
‘It was utterly disrespectful to Franco and the Pittsburgh family to cut away from ads. Despite not being a Pittsburgh fan, I wanted to watch the tribute film. Where the hell are you feeling festive?’
Harris was supposed to stand with Rooney during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders, whose 1970s Oakland team was the target of the Immaculate Reception in December 1972.
