The Fort Dix-born son of an American WWII vet and his Italian war bride. Star running back for Penn State in the early 70s. Drafted by the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers, and soon "Franco's Italian Army" (in the stands of Three Rivers Stadium) became part of the colorful show during the Steelers' years of dominance, alongside "The Towel", the on-field "Steel Curtain" defense, and the "dumb yokel" Terry Bradshaw, etc. The legend was cemented by the Immaculate Reception.