"Next time they put me in, they'll never take me out" - Franco Harris' 'Welcome to the NFL moment' was a game changer in league's history

We lost Franco Harris this year on December 20th, just three days before the 50th anniversary of one of the greatest NFL moments of all time. He scored a touchdown on a play remembered as the 'Immaculate Reception' on December 23, 1972. It sealed his fame and launched the Pittsburgh Steelers on a run that would result in four Super Bowls in a decade.

Franco Harris' reputation, on the other hand, began with his first NFL game. Based on his own recollection, the rookie running back had three days of practice before being put into preseason. He was astounded by the caliber of professional football. But if it was a surprise, there was more to come when the regular season began.

They faced the Oakland Raiders, who were largely considered one of the league's most physical teams. He only gained 28 yards on 10 carries and did not score a touchdown. The following game was a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, and he did not score either, earning only 35 yards in 13 attempts. In his first two games, he averaged fewer than 3 yards per attempt. Due to his performance, he was not used in the third game of the season against the St. Louis Cardinals.

But it was his commitment to see things through that made his reputation begin from the moment he stepped into the NFL. He promised himself that he would return stronger, and memorably quipped later in life that he told himself.

"The next time they put me in, they'll never take me out."

He returned to the fourth game and carried for 16 yards on three attempts. His output was now greater than 5 yards per attempt. This would lead to his "Welcome to the NFL" moment the following week against the Houston Oilers in Week 5 of the 1972 season.

He rushed 19 times for 115 yards and scored his first NFL running touchdown. He averaged over six yards per attempt. It was also his first game with more than 100 rushing yards in the NFL. He fulfilled his promise to himself and became undroppable.

How did Franco Harris' moment change the NFL?

If Franco Harris had not had that game against the Houston Oilers, he might not have gotten another chance. However, the first-round pick of that draft would go on to rush for over 1,000 yards and score 11 touchdowns during the season.

Franco Harris was named to his first Pro Bowl and won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. And, of course, in the playoffs that season, he scored an 'Immaculate Reception' touchdown against the same Oakland Raiders who he faced in his first ever NFL game. He made it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame after his retirement as well.