The Pittsburgh Steelers will retire the No. 32 jersey of their legendary fullback Franco Harris during the halftime break of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders on December 24 as part of the team's 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.

The Immaculate Reception was one of the most exciting plays in the NFL history completed by Harris in the American Football Confederation Divisional playoff game between the Steelers and Raiders at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh on December 23, 1972. The Steelers were trailing 7-6 with only 30 seconds to go. Their quarterback Terry Bradshaw's pass to running back John Fuqua was defended by Raiders Jack Tatum.

However, before the ball reached the ground, Harris caught it and rushed forward to score a touchdown for the Steelers, helping the team secure one of the most incredible comeback wins in league history.

"The Immaculate Reception marked the turning point in franchise history," Steelers president Art Rooney II said. "My grandfather once was quoted saying, 'Before Franco got here, we didn't win much. Since he got here, we don't lose.' I think that sums it up pretty good. Franco's impact on the franchise would be hard to overstate."

Rooney asked the league for a home game on December 24 to hold the anniversary. The team will wear a special yellow patch on their jerseys. "I pointed out to them that we actually had the Raiders on our schedule this year, not thinking that they would actually put the Raiders in Pittsburgh that weekend," Rooney said. "So I was surprised when it happened."

Harris will become the third player in the Steelers' franchise history to have his number retired after defensive tackles Ernie Stautner (70) and Joe Greene (75).

"In my wildest dreams, I never expected it and, and it never crossed my mind," Harris said of the honor. "It just wasn't something that was top of mind. The Steelers don't retire numbers. So you don't have any thoughts about it. And so when Art mentioned it to me, I was blown away. I mean, that was a wow moment and unbelievable."

As a four-time Super Bowl winner and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player in 1975, Harris deserves to have his jersey float in the air above the Acrisure Stadium.