Franco Harris is well known for his outstanding career in the National Football League, one so productive that it earned him a 1990 induction into The Pro Football Hall of Fame. During his years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris set the standard for NFL running backs - big, fast and agile with explosive cutback ability. He established many team and league records, played in nine Pro Bowls, and led the Steelers’ charge to four Super Bowl victories. Franco was named MVP of Super Bowl IX. His “Immaculate Reception” in the final seconds of the 1972 AFC playoff game against the Oakland Raiders is widely onsidered to be the greatest individual play in NFL history.
Following his successful career in the NFL, Harris completed his college degree in Food Service and Administration. He started out in the early 1980’s with a small distribution company called Franco’s All Naturèl, focusing on high quality, natural products. This is where and how Harris learned the business, driving thousands of miles, meeting with potential customers, c-store chains and distributors. He warehoused, sold, promoted and sometimes even delivered Franco’s FROZEFRUIT and his other all-natural products. In 1990 Harris established Super Bakery (re-named R Super Foods in 2006) with the goal of making it the leader in bakery nutrition.
Under Harris’ leadership, Super Bakery has sponsored many community events, including the national MS Walk-a-Thon and The Greater Las Vegas After-School All-Stars. The company is also active in various school programs promoting kids’ health and nutrition. Franco served as Chairman of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports for eight years under Pennsylvania Governor Robert P. Casey (1987-1995). In addition to his community involvement, Franco has given talks and been published on the subject of health and transition issues facing retired NFL players. He spends a lot of time reading and researching current food trends and innovations, as well as serving as a member of the Advisory Board of the Penn State Center for Food Innovation. Recently, Super Bakery entered the organic foods arena with its line of organic and functional breads, called Super Breads, which are leading the company to new market opportunities.
Harris has received numerous honors throughout his life, including a distinguished alumnus award from Penn State University, the Whizzer White Humanitarian Award, NFL’s “Man of the Year” award, The American Academy of Achievement “Golden Plate Award”, and the National Urban League’s Whitney M. Young Award. In 1997 he was honored as the National Multiple Sclerosis Volunteer of the Year, and in the spring of 2001, Franco was honored as the Penn State School of Hotel, Restaurant, Recreation Management Alumnus of the Year. In October of 2005, Penn State honored him as an Alumni Fellow, the highest honor conferred by the Penn State Alumni Association.
Born March 7, 1950 at Fort Dix, New Jersey, Franco grew up in Mount Holly as one of nine children. He was a three-sport star at Rancocas Valley High School and received a football scholarship to Penn State University, graduating in 1972 with a B.S. in Food Service and Administration.
Franco Harris, NFL Hall of Famer and entreprenuer, is available through IMG Speakers Bureau for speaking engagements. Franco Harris is also available for corporate hospitality events, meet and greets, corporate meetings and events, business seminars and much more. Please contact IMG Speakers at 212-774-6735 or speakers@imgworld.com for more information on booking Franco Harris.
