Rodney Harris

Rodney Harris's Biography

Roderick World Harris was born on November 14, 1966, and has established himself as a significant figure in professional American football. He has carved out a distinguished career as a wide receiver in the likes of the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). Harris was known for his exceptional performances with a host of teams including the New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Sacramento Gold Miners, Shreveport Pirates, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and BC Lions.

Born in Texas, Roderick’s earliest exploration into sports occurred at David W. Carter High School, where he displayed impressive versatility by earning his letters in track, swimming, golf, and of course, football. His raw talent and potential caught the attention of Texas A&M University, where he was awarded a football scholarship.

Harris confirmed his proclivity for football in 1986, when he began his university career. As a sophomore, he was already a starter at the wide receiver position, recording 21 successful catches for an impressive 326 yards and two touchdowns. The following year, he had a stellar turn of form, becoming the second player in school history to have touchdown punt returns in back-to-back games. As a senior in 1988, he led the team in various statistics, including most receptions (37) and receiving yards (592), and tied the team high for touchdowns (1). His exploits set numerous records at Texas A&M for punt returns, punt return yards, kickoff returns, and kickoff return yards.

In the 1989 NFL draft, Harris’s exceptional skills didn’t go unnoticed, and he was selected by the Houston Oilers in the fourth round. Despite being released before the season’s commencement, his misfortune was short-lived. Within days, he was signed to the New Orleans Saints’ developmental squad. By the sixth game of the season, he was promoted to the active roster, marking the beginning of his professional football career. During his time with the Saints, Harris offered some remarkable displays, notably tying the franchise’s single-game record for punt returns against the Detroit Lions. His stint at the Saints was abruptly cut short, and in 1990, he signed on with the Dallas Cowboys.

At Dallas Cowboys, he had a reunion with special teams coordinator Joe Avezzano, who had been his college offensive coordinator. Nevertheless, his run with the Cowboys was plagued by injury, and a pulled groin muscle culminated in his release. However, Harris’s reputation kept him in demand, and the Philadelphia Eagles soon laid claim to the talented wide receiver.

Harris enjoyed the longest run of his career, in the NFL at least, with the Eagles. In his tenure with the squad, he further showcased his skills as a receiver and returner. His time in the NFL concluded in 1993.

Roderick then took his talent north, joining the Sacramento Gold Miners in the Canadian Football League. He revealed his enduring aptitude for the game, forming a lethal combination with the team’s quarterback, David Archer. His few years in the CFL were filled with extraordinary statistics in receptions, return yards, and touchdowns. He displayed stability and resourcefulness across seasons, offering potent offensive outputs and giving the Miners, and later the Saskatchewan Roughriders and BC Lions, versatility on the field.

In conclusion, Roderick World Harris’s career was fueled by determination, skill, and versatility. His contributions to American and Canadian professional football are truly undeniable. Beyond his feats, Harris placed heart and flair in every throw, catch, and return, much to the delight of the audiences who watched him.

Significantly, his son, De’Vante Harris, seems to have inherited his football talents, having played cornerback for the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL, hence carrying on the Harris legacy within the sport.