PHOTOS BY KARL ROSER, COURTESY: THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS | THE LATE STEELERS GREAT FRANCO HARRIS IS PICTURED WITH HIS SUPER BOWL IX RING. THIS RING WILL BE SHOWCASED, ALONG WITH FOUR OTHERS, IN A NEW INSTALLATION AT THE WESTERN PA. SPORTS MUSEUM IN THE STRIP DISTRICT.

Die-hard Steelers fans have another opportunity to honor the late legend Franco Harris with a new exhibit at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum in the Strip District. 

Just ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, the museum, which is part of the Heinz History Center family of museums, announced the new installation will open Friday, Feb. 10, at 1212 Smallman St. It is part of the center’s Super Steelers exhibit.

Harris’ rings from Super Bowls IX, X, XIII and XIV, along with a “Ring of Excellence” given to him by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, will be on display through January 2024. Franco was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990 and is one of 10 players from the Steelers’ 1970s Super Bowl teams to have received the sport’s highest honor.

Steeler Nation was rocked to its core when Harris unexpectedly passed away on Dec. 20, 2022, days before the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. He was 72.

“As we continue to remember the remarkable life of Franco Harris, we thank his wife, Dana, and son, Dok, for sharing these important artifacts with the community,” said Anne Madarasz, director of the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, in a press release. “Franco was a driving force behind the Steelers’ four Super Bowl championships during the 1970s, and this new addition to the Sports Museum’s exhibit is fitting as we honor his iconic career and legacy.”

The exhibit also includes his jersey from Rancocas Valley Regional High School in New Jersey, his NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and his “Franco’s Italian Army” helmet, which were unveiled this fall to commemorate the golden anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.