Daily Links: “Frenchy” Remembers Franco; Steelers Troll Kurt Warner

“Frenchy” Fuqua remembers Franco Harris and the Immaculate Reception and the Steelers trolled Kurt Warner in his broadcast booth.

🏈 Ryan Recker of WTAE shared rare footage of fans in and around Three Rivers Stadium on the day of the Immaculate Reception.

🏈 John “Frenchy” Fuqua reflects on Franco Harris, 50 years of friendship and the Immaculate Reception.

🏈 The Steelers had a photo of Santonio Holmes’ Super Bowl XLIII-winning touchdown catch outside the broadcast booth to greet former Arizona Cardinals quarterback and current NFL Network color commentator Kurt Warner.

The @steelers welcoming me to the booth with this shot right outside… Thanks a lot for the memory, Haha!! pic.twitter.com/1H8JdE1hnZ

— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) December 23, 2022

🏈 Franco Harris’ son, Dok, said the beauty of his father is apparent in so many people’s stories. “My dad had such a personal relationship with so many people, the city, this country, all over the world. And a lot of people are hurting and a lot of people are mourning, and they really are all family.”

🏈 The Steelers will host a public funeral viewing for Franco Harris at Acrisure Stadium on Tuesday.

🏈 Saturday, on Sunday NFL Countdown, Sam Borden tells the story of how Franco Harris and Phil Villapiano created an everlasting friendship because of the Immaculate Reception. The Harris and Villapiano families gathered at the Immaculate Reception memorial on Friday in honor of the 50th Anniversary.

🏈 A Steelers fan in Johnstown paid tribute to Franco Harris with the Steelers Polka song.

🏈 Ike Taylor said Franco Harris and the 1970s Steelers set the standard for the organization. “You always wanted to get to Super Bowls like them … without them, there wouldn’t be a Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty.”

🏈 Mike Tomlin also said the standard that is the Pittsburgh Steelers was born on the Immaculate Reception. “They expected to compete for and win world championships moving forward. And we are so thankful that the standard has been set for us in the effort of (Franco Harris) and his teammates. We try to honor them daily with our approach to business and we’re just honored and thankful to be a part of that awesome fraternity.”

📅 On this date in 1921, Steelers Hall of Fame tailback Bill Dudley was born in Bluefield, Virginia. Dudley was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1942 NFL Draft and led the NFL in rushing as a rookie. He enlisted with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Nicknamed “Bullet Bill,” Dudley returned to the Steelers in 1946 and led the NFL in rushing once again. A three-way player, he also led the league in interceptions and punt returns. In 1947, the Steelers traded Dudley to the Detroit Lions.

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STEELERS DRAFT DIGEST

Penn State center Juice Scruggs will enter the 2023 NFL Draft, he announced on Friday. Scruggs will play in the Rose Bowl. On the year, he allowed only 1 sack in 341 pass-blocking snaps according to Pro Football Focus and only allowed one single pressure over the team’s last six games. Scruggs has a chance to be an interesting Day 3 option for teams with his athleticism and proven stout technique.

BYU QB Jaren Hall will declare for the 2023 NFL Draft, he announced on Friday. Hall was a productive talent that made his money out of structure with wow plays with his athleticism. He was named to the first-team All-Independent Team in 2022, and racked up 52 touchdowns to 11 interceptions in his entire career. Hall could be a lottery ticket pick on day three for a team looking for a backup with some upside.

Luke Easterling of The Draft Wire conducted a two-round mock draft, and there were plenty of interesting results for the Steelers. They landed standout Northwestern OT Peter Skoronski in the first round, which would be considered a win by most for the Steelers.

“Rebuilding this offensive line has to be the top priority for the Steelers in the offseason, and it has to start with finding a franchise left tackle,” Easterling wrote. “Skoronski might not have the size and length teams would prefer at the position, but he’s a blocker with a track record of success against top talent, giving Pittsburgh an immediate upgrade.”

In the second round, the Steelers followed it up by drafting Baylor NT Siaki Ika with the Bears’ pick and SMU WR Rashee Rice with their own pick. Those positions do not seem crazy, although not selecting a cornerback within those first three picks does seem somewhat unlikely.

Illinois RB Chase Brown declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, he announced on Friday. Brown was a Doak Walker Award Finalist and a second-team All-American this season as he amassed 1643 yards on the ground, the second most in the nation. He scampered for 100 or more yards 10 of the 12 games the Illini played in 2022. Brown has a chance to be day two pick when it is all said an done.

AROUND THE NETWORK

 Farrell: Comparing the Pitt quarterback in and out of the transfer portal.

 Why do the Penguins have such an abysmal overtime record?

 Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla keeps it real after Boston’s big win.

 Penn State’s 2023 recruiting class finished in the Top 15 of all three recruiting services’ rankings.

 A reunion with Andrew McCutchen might make sense for the Pirates