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‘He felt like he was with us tonight’: Emotional Kenny Pickett says Steelers felt Franco Harris helped them win last-minute 13-10 comeback against Las Vegas Raiders
The Pittsburgh Steelers honored Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris all night on Christmas Eve when they defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 13-10.
It began before the game when the Steelers’ roster and coaching staff elected to wear Harris’ jersey for the game, continued with the retirement of his number 32 that had been planned before his passing, and then again when quarterback Kenny Pickett credited him with helping the team to a comeback win in the final minutes.
‘It’s an incredibly special night. Obviously I dedicated this game to Franco,’ Pickett said after the game.
Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws the ball during the first quarter against the Los Vegas Raiders
‘You know we all wore his jersey tonight and felt like he was with us tonight. And definitely on that last trip he saw Najee [Harris] making some plays, so it’s really special.’
Pickett is referring to when Harris made several big plays on the final drive that would give Pittsburgh the lead, including converting a short pass for a 19-yard gain.
The drive would eventually end with Pickett hitting fellow rookie George Pickens with a 14-yard touchdown pass that left just 46 seconds on the clock.
Najee Harris carries the ball against Los Vegas Raiders On her way to a comeback victory
George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a touchdown with 46 seconds remaining
However, the Steelers’ halftime ceremony left fans upset as the television coverage cut to a commercial just before showing the Steelers’ tribute package to Harris played throughout the stadium.
One fan said on Twitter: ‘WAAAITTTT…. no no no no no,’ wrote one fan. “Why is the NFL Network cutting off during the Franco Harris tribute at the stadium?”
“Another viewer was more upset and wrote: ‘Absolutely pathetic job from NFL Network, going to commercial during Franco Harris tribute.'”
A different fan said: ‘Shame on you for not letting us see the Franco Harris video.
“Cutting to commercials was absolutely disrespectful to Franco and the Pittsburgh family. I’m not a fan of Pittsburgh, but I really wanted to see the tribute video. Where the hell is your Christmas spirit?
It seemed to be universally agreed among fans that it was an unpleasant move to show the commercials at such a sensitive time.
Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II, left, Franco Harris’ wife Dana, center, and their son Dok attend a ceremony to retire Harris’ jersey number 32 at halftime of