Harris was a rookie in 1972.

Harris' outstanding performance as a rookie solidified his status in Steelers history. He rushed for 1,055 yards on 188 occasions over the course of 14 games in his first season with the team in 1972, but nobody particularly remembers his rushing yards or his 10 rushing touchdowns from that season.

Prior to being selected by the Steelers with the 13th overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft, Harris played for Penn State. Harris rushed for more than 600 yards and scored 25 touchdowns while pairing with Lydell Mitchell in the backfield each of his three seasons playing for the Nittany Lions.

At Pittsburgh International Airport, a life-size statue of him has been constructed by the Pennsylvania Sports Museum. He is a member of the New Jersey Hall of Fame as well as the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He created a baking company with his friend Mitchell after retirement. The "Pittsburgh Passion" football team, considered to be the best female football team in the world, is another team he owns.