Richard Harris

Who was Richard Harris?

Richard Drew Harris was an American football defensive end who played seven seasons in the National Football League. He was and All-American in 1970 for Grambling and was drafted in the first round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He was named All-Rookie in 1971, playing defensive end. Harris spent seven seasons as a defensive end in the NFL, the first three with the Philadelphia Eagles, the next two with the Chicago Bears and the final two with the Seattle Seahawks.

Harris joined the coaching staff of the Canadian Football League's Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2006 after spending time with both the BC Lions and Ottawa Renegades. On July 26, 2011, Harris suffered a fatal heart attack in his office at Canad Inns Stadium. Despite their coach's death, the Blue Bombers continued with their scheduled home game against the Lions two days later, winning 25-20. Prior to the game, both teams and the fans participated in an emotional tribute to Harris.