Steelers QB Kenny Pickett reveals what 'Franco' cadence meant
What was supposed to be a celebration of the most iconic play in Pittsburgh Steelers history ended up being a celebration of the life that was for the legendary running back and the even more legendary person, Franco Harris. Everyone inside Acrisure Stadium dealt with a ton of emotions as the Steelers retired Harris' number […]
What was supposed to be a celebration of the most iconic play in Pittsburgh Steelers history ended up being a celebration of the life that was for the legendary running back and the even more legendary person, Franco Harris.
Everyone inside Acrisure Stadium dealt with a ton of emotions as the Steelers retired Harris' number and honored his life with a special video tribute. A special energy surrounded the stadium as made evident by the Super Bowl-like response from fans in the stands following George Pickens' game-winning touchdown catch.
But fans watching on TV got to listen to a particular cadence by Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett that might've brought tears to many people's eyes. I know it brought one or two to my own.
As Pickett and the Steelers lined up in a condensed formation in fourth and one late in the first half, the rookie yelled "Franco! Franco!" before snapping the ball and converting on a QB sneak.
Naturally, many wondered what was the specific meaning of the call at the line of scrimmage. Steelers' faithful will surely be happy to learn that it did have a specific meaning and wasn't just an empty cadence.
"It was a dummy count until I said 'Franco' and it was going to be live, so it was a huge play in the game," Kenny Pickett told reporters postgame.
In essence, it let the offense know they were going to run the play and not only try to get the Las Vegas Raiders to jump.
"We had that in. It was special to convert. We had it twice. We didn't do it a second time because obviously heard it the first time, so I didn't want to do it twice. Yeah, it was cool to have that in for him this week."
The Steelers closed that drive with a field goal. A massive score in a game like Saturday's.
It was an under-the-radar moment on a very special night. That isn't lost on Pickett, who also talked about how the game was very fitting to win at the last second the game they were honoring Harris.
"I feel like you can't make it up really, how the game went, the kind of conditions it was, how we won," the Steelers quarterback told reporters. "It was incredibly special, so I don't think you could write it any better."
Featured image via Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK
