Darius Harris
 | |
| No. No. 59 – Kansas City Chiefs | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Linebacker |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | January 17, 1996 Horn Lake, Mississippi, United States |
| Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight: | 238 lb (108 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Horn Lake, Mississippi |
| College: | Middle Tennessee |
| Undrafted: | 2019 |
| Career history | |
| |
| Roster status: | Active |
Darius Harris (born January 17, 1996) is an American football linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL).[1] A native of Horn Lake, Mississippi, he played college football at Middle Tennessee before signing with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2019.[2][3]
Early life and education
Harris was born on January 17, 1996, in Horn Lake, Mississippi. He excelled in multiple sports during his youth, including soccer, track and field, and football. Despite participating in various activities, his passion for football stood out. Excelling both academically and athletically, he graduated in the top 15% of his high school class in 2014. Notably, he was the sole student from his high school to receive a football scholarship to a Division I university since 2002.[4]
During his collegiate career, he made significant strides, earning recognition as a first-team All-conference Freshman linebacker during his Redshirt Freshman year. His junior year was highlighted by being named MVP of the Camellia Bowl in 2017. This achievement further solidified his prowess on the football field.[5]
College career
Harris committed to playing college football at Middle Tennessee State University. Following a redshirt freshman season, Harris earned recognition as part of the Conference USA All-Freshman team, contributing to all 13 games while engaging in defensive and special teams roles. During his junior year, Harris won the Camellia Bowl MVP award in 2017.
He continued to play for Middle Tennessee's defense over the next three seasons. Harris received various accolades during his senior year, including being named to the 1st team All-Conference USA and starting in all 14 games. Despite going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Harris joined the Kansas City Chiefs.
Professional career
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 4 in
(1.93 m) |
238 lb
(108 kg) |
34
+ 1⁄8 in (0.87 m) |
9
+ 5⁄8 in (0.24 m) |
4.70 s | 1.64 s | 2.77 s | 4.50 s | 7.52 s | 31.0 in
(0.79 m) |
10 ft 2 in
(3.10 m) |
Harris started his NFL career as an undrafted free agent signed by the Kansas City Chiefs on April 29, 2019.[6] However, a shoulder injury placed him on the non-football injury reserve list, causing him to miss the entire 2019 season, which included the Chiefs' victory in Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers.[7]
Returning to the Chiefs for the 2020 season, Harris was waived on September 5, 2020, but subsequently signed to the practice squad the following day.[8] Harris experienced fluctuations in his role with the Chiefs during the 2021 season. He was waived on October 9, 2021, and re-signed to the practice squad.[9]
Harris earned a reserve/future contract with the Chiefs on February 2, 2022. Notably, he contributed to the Chiefs' success in Super Bowl LVII, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles.[10]
In the 2022 season, Harris played in all 17 regular-season games, demonstrating his defensive prowess with 43 tackles (23 solo) and 1.5 sacks, and he also contributed to special teams. Midway through the season, the Chiefs signed Harris off the Las Vegas Raiders' practice squad on October 31, 2023. Despite his release on December 16, the Chiefs re-signed him to the practice squad three days later. On January 26, 2024, Harris was promoted to the active roster.[11]
Harris achieved his third Super Bowl championship win with the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers.[12]
On February 27, 2024, Harris re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, reaffirming his commitment to the team for the upcoming season.[13]
Philanthropy
Harris is an active philanthropist, committed to giving back to the community. He has established a foundation that organizes football camps for youth. Harris also contributes to his college and high school communities.
Personal life
Harris is in a committed relationship.
References
- ↑ "Darius Harris Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ↑ "Darius Harris Stats, News and Video - LB". NFL.com. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ↑ "Player Overview". NBC Sports. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ↑ "Darius Harris Stats, NFL News, Bio and More - USA TODAY Sports". USA TODAY. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ↑ "Darius Harris - Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker - ESPN (IN)". ESPN. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ↑ Brisco, Joshua (31 October 2023). "Chiefs Bolster Injured LB Room with Familiar Face". Sports Illustrated Kansas City Chiefs News, Analysis and More. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ↑ "Darius Harris Height, Weight, Age, College, Position, Bio - NFL". FOX Sports. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ↑ "Chiefs news: Darius Harris re-signs with Kansas City". Arrowhead Addict. 1 November 2023. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ↑ "Darius Harris - Football". Middle Tennessee State University Athletics. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ↑ "Former Horn Lake High football player Darius Harris making fourth Super Bowl appearance". WREG.com. 8 February 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ↑ Sweeney, Pete (19 December 2023). "Chiefs bring linebacker Darius Harris back to practice squad". Arrowhead Pride. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ↑ "OSDB - Darius Harris - Kansas City Chiefs". OSDB. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ↑ Sweeney, Pete (31 October 2023). "Chiefs bring back linebacker Darius Harris ahead of Week 9 vs. Dolphins". Arrowhead Pride. Retrieved 3 April 2024.