Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. is a great player, but he’s an even better person away from the field.
Let’s say Tennessee Titans wide receiver Harry Douglas actually did end Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr.’s career on Sunday in Denver’s 13-10 loss in Tennessee. Let’s pretend that this low, controversial hit by Douglas on Harris Jr. marked the end of his presence on a professional football field. Who would he be?
He’d still be Chris Harris Jr.
Maybe he’d cease to exist as a Bronco, a name constantly coming out of fans’ mouths and in the air at Mile High. Probably. Most likely. OK, yes, he would be replaced by a younger cornerback prospect primed for Denver to fall in love with.
But he’d still be Chris Harris Jr. Husband to Leah, father to Aria and Avianna, co-founder of The Chris Harris Jr. Foundation, human being of the world trying his best.
Thankfully, though, Douglas did not end Harris Jr.’s career on Dec. 11. Harris Jr. promptly tweeted out his reaction after the game saying, “Thank God for covering me cuz I thought my knee was gone.” And so, Harris Jr. the football player continues on. Harris Jr. is 27 years old and in his sixth NFL season (undrafted) out of the University of Kansas. In five seasons, he has been named a Pro Bowler twice and is a two-time All-Pro.
And so, rejoice Denver: you get to continue watching Harris Jr. play and entertain. But the point remains: football or no football, he’s the same man. That man co-founded The Chris Harris Jr. Foundation in 2013 with his wife, a foundation dedicated to helping children pegged as underdogs. In the Harris Jr.’s own words, per his website, “The Chris Harris Jr. foundation will always look at identifying groups that may be overlooked and find ways to support them and put them in the spotlight. Chris is looking forward to many years of helping Underdogs reach their potential.”
Earlier this year in May, Harris Jr. was featured in Colorado Parent.
“I am involved. I want my daughters to know that I love them and that I can protect them, and they can talk to me about things,” he told the publication of fatherhood.
And on his foundation: “I preach education first. But then I try to have fun and show them some love.”
In his hometown Tulsa, Oklahoma, Harris Jr.’s foundation holds an annual Underdog Football Skills Academy free of charge along with a Christmas charity event. Also according to Colorado Parent, Harris Jr. “has spoken out against domestic violence through the Domestic Violence Information System and has partnered with The Salvation Army and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He and Leah take children shopping, enjoy pizza parties and have provided Thanksgiving dinners to those in need.”
So if you happen to meet Harris Jr., shake his hand. Not because those are the hands that have intercepted 14 passes, tackled opponents 366 times, defended countless other passes and helped the Broncos capture Super Bowl 50 in February 2016. Shake his hand because those are the hands, his hands, that want to lift people like you, people like him, maybe children like your children, up and closer to a better reality.
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