Franco Harris is a Hall of Fame American football player best known for his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Harris was born in Fort Dix, New Jersey. His father, who was African-American, met his Italian mother in Italy at the end of World War II. Harris went to Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey, and then attended Penn State University. While playing for the Penn State Nittany Lions, Harris served primarily as a blocker for the Nittany Lions' All-American running back Lydell Mitchell.