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David Harris Football: Legendary Linebacker Analysis And Highlights

Trends January 15, 2025

Who is David Harris?

David Harris is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons. He played college football at Michigan, where he was recognized as a consensus All-American. Harris was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Harris was a key member of the Jets defense for seven seasons, starting 111 games and recording 828 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and 12 interceptions. He was named to the Pro Bowl twice, in 2009 and 2010. After leaving the Jets, Harris played for the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos.

Harris was known for his toughness, leadership, and tackling ability. He was a key part of the Jets' success in the late 2000s and early 2010s, helping them reach the AFC Championship Game in 2009 and 2010.

| Personal Details |

|---|---|| Name | David Harris || Birth Date | September 1, 1984 || Birth Place | Grand Rapids, Michigan || College | University of Michigan || NFL Draft | 2007, 47th overall by the New York Jets || Position | Linebacker || Height | 6'2" || Weight | 235 lbs |

Transition to main article topics

David Harris was a successful NFL linebacker who played for 10 seasons. He was a key member of the Jets defense for seven seasons, and he helped them reach the AFC Championship Game twice. Harris was known for his toughness, leadership, and tackling ability.

David Harris Football

Tackling machine: Harris was one of the best tacklers in the NFL during his time.
Team leader: He was a vocal leader on the Jets defense.
Pro Bowl selection: Harris was named to the Pro Bowl twice, in 2009 and 2010.
AFC Championship Game appearance: Harris helped the Jets reach the AFC Championship Game in 2009 and 2010.
New York Jets: Harris played for the Jets for seven seasons.
New England Patriots: Harris played for the Patriots for one season.
Denver Broncos: Harris played for the Broncos for two seasons.
Retirement: Harris retired from the NFL after the 2016 season.

These are just a few of the key aspects of David Harris' football career. He was a successful player who made a significant impact on the teams he played for.

1. Tackling machine

David Harris was known for his tackling ability. He was a sure tackler who rarely missed an opponent. Harris' tackling ability was one of the reasons why he was such a valuable player for the Jets. He was able to stop running backs in their tracks and prevent them from gaining yards. Harris was also able to tackle receivers and tight ends, which made him a valuable asset in pass coverage.

Sure tackler: Harris was one of the most sure tacklers in the NFL. He rarely missed an opponent, and he was able to wrap up ball carriers and bring them to the ground.
Physical tackler: Harris was a physical tackler who used his strength and size to his advantage. He was able to shed blocks and make tackles in the open field.
Versatile tackler: Harris was a versatile tackler who could make tackles in a variety of ways. He was able to tackle running backs, receivers, and tight ends.

Harris' tackling ability was a major factor in the Jets' success during his time with the team. He was a key member of the defense, and he helped the Jets reach the AFC Championship Game twice.

2. Team leader

David Harris was not only a great tackler, but he was also a great leader. He was a vocal leader on the Jets defense, and he was always willing to help his teammates. Harris was the type of player who would always put the team first, and he was always willing to do whatever it took to win.

Harris' leadership was especially important for the Jets during their run to the AFC Championship Game in 2009 and 2010. The Jets had a lot of talented players on their defense, but Harris was the one who brought them all together. He was the glue that held the defense together, and he was the one who made sure that everyone was on the same page.

Harris' leadership was also important for the Jets during their rebuilding years. After the Jets missed the playoffs in 2011 and 2012, Harris was one of the few players who remained from the team's successful run. He was a mentor to the younger players, and he helped them to learn the Jets' system. Harris' leadership was a major factor in the Jets' turnaround in 2013, when they finished 8-8 and made a run at the playoffs.

Harris' leadership was a major asset to the Jets. He was a vocal leader who was always willing to help his teammates. He was the glue that held the defense together, and he was a mentor to the younger players. Harris' leadership was a major factor in the Jets' success during his time with the team.

3. Pro Bowl selection

David Harris' Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his outstanding play on the field. The Pro Bowl is an annual all-star game that recognizes the best players in the NFL. Harris was selected to the Pro Bowl twice, in 2009 and 2010, which is a great honor for any player.

Harris' Pro Bowl selections are a reflection of his hard work and dedication to the game of football. He is a talented player who has consistently performed at a high level. Harris is a key member of the Jets defense, and he has helped them to achieve success in recent years.

Harris' Pro Bowl selections are also a source of pride for the Jets organization. It is a sign that the Jets have a talented player who is recognized as one of the best in the NFL. Harris' Pro Bowl selections are a reflection of the Jets' commitment to excellence, and they are a sign that the team is moving in the right direction.

4. AFC Championship Game appearance

David Harris was a key member of the Jets defense during their run to the AFC Championship Game in 2009 and 2010. He was a Pro Bowl selection in both seasons, and he was one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Harris' tackling ability and leadership were a major factor in the Jets' success during that time.

The Jets' run to the AFC Championship Game in 2009 was a Cinderella story. The team had finished 9-7 the previous season, and they were not expected to be a contender in 2009. However, the Jets surprised everyone by winning their first six games of the season. They finished the regular season with a 10-6 record, and they won their first playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Jets then upset the San Diego Chargers in the Divisional Round before losing to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game.

The Jets' run to the AFC Championship Game in 2010 was even more impressive. The team finished the regular season with a 11-5 record, and they won their first two playoff games against the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots. The Jets then lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game.

Harris was a key member of the Jets defense during both of their runs to the AFC Championship Game. He was a Pro Bowl selection in both seasons, and he was one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Harris' tackling ability and leadership were a major factor in the Jets' success during that time.

Harris' AFC Championship Game appearances are a testament to his outstanding play on the field. He is a talented player who has consistently performed at a high level. Harris is a key member of the Jets defense, and he has helped them to achieve success in recent years.

5. New York Jets

David Harris' seven seasons with the New York Jets were a major part of his football career. He was a key member of the Jets defense during that time, and he helped them to achieve success. Harris was a Pro Bowl selection in 2009 and 2010, and he was one of the best linebackers in the NFL during his time with the Jets.

Harris' time with the Jets was also important for his personal development. He became a leader on the team, and he was a mentor to the younger players. Harris was also a role model for the Jets fans, and he was known for his hard work and dedication to the game of football.

Harris' seven seasons with the Jets were a successful period for both the player and the team. He was a key member of the Jets defense, and he helped them to achieve success. Harris also became a leader on the team, and he was a role model for the Jets fans.

6. New England Patriots

David Harris' one season with the New England Patriots was a brief but impactful chapter in his football career. After spending seven seasons with the New York Jets, Harris signed with the Patriots in 2017 as a free agent.

Leadership: Harris was a veteran leader on the Patriots defense, providing guidance and support to younger players.
Versatility: Harris played multiple roles in the Patriots' defense, including middle linebacker, outside linebacker, and special teams.
Experience: Harris brought a wealth of experience to the Patriots, having played in 10 NFL seasons prior to joining the team.
Playoff Success: Harris helped the Patriots reach Super Bowl LII, where they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Harris' one season with the Patriots was a valuable experience for both the player and the team. He provided leadership, versatility, and experience to the Patriots' defense, and he helped them reach the Super Bowl. Despite only playing for one season in New England, Harris made a significant contribution to the Patriots' success.

7. Denver Broncos

David Harris' two seasons with the Denver Broncos were a significant chapter in his football career. After spending seven seasons with the New York Jets and one season with the New England Patriots, Harris joined the Broncos in 2018 as a free agent.

Harris' time with the Broncos was marked by his continued leadership and steady play on the field. He started 16 games in both of his seasons with the team, and he recorded over 100 tackles in each season. Harris also contributed to the Broncos' defense with his ability to generate turnovers, forcing multiple fumbles and recovering multiple interceptions.

Harris' experience and leadership were also valuable assets to the Broncos. He was a mentor to the younger players on the team, and he helped to improve the communication and chemistry of the defense. Harris' presence on the field also helped to stabilize the Broncos' defense, which had struggled in the years leading up to his arrival.

Overall, Harris' two seasons with the Denver Broncos were a successful period for both the player and the team. He was a key contributor to the Broncos' defense, and he helped them to improve their performance on the field. Harris also provided leadership and mentorship to the younger players on the team, and he helped to create a more positive and productive atmosphere within the defense.

8. Retirement

David Harris' retirement from the NFL after the 2016 season marked the end of a successful and impactful football career. Over the course of his 10 seasons in the league, Harris established himself as one of the top linebackers in the NFL, earning Pro Bowl honors twice and helping his teams achieve postseason success.

Leadership and Mentorship: Throughout his career, Harris was known for his leadership and mentorship abilities. He was a vocal leader on the field, and he took pride in helping younger players develop their skills and reach their potential.
Tackling and Defensive Prowess: Harris was renowned for his tackling ability and overall defensive prowess. He was a sure tackler who rarely missed an opponent, and he had a knack for making big plays in.
Team Success: Harris played a significant role in the success of the teams he played for, including the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Denver Broncos. He helped the Jets reach the AFC Championship Game twice, and he was a key member of the Patriots' Super Bowl-winning team in 2016.
Durability and Longevity: Harris' retirement after the 2016 season marked the end of a remarkable 10-year NFL career. He played in 144 regular season games and started 135 of them, showcasing his durability and longevity in a physically demanding sport.

David Harris' retirement from the NFL marked the end of an era for the veteran linebacker. However, his legacy as a leader, a fierce competitor, and a key contributor to team success will continue to inspire future generations of football players.

FAQs about David Harris' Football Career

David Harris, a former American football linebacker, had a successful 10-season NFL career. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about his football journey:

Question 1: What teams did David Harris play for?

David Harris played for three teams during his NFL career: the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Denver Broncos.

Question 2: What was David Harris's position?

David Harris played the linebacker position throughout his football career.

Question 3: How many Pro Bowl selections did David Harris receive?

David Harris was selected to the Pro Bowl twice, in 2009 and 2010, recognizing his outstanding performance as a linebacker.

Question 4: What was David Harris's role in the New York Jets' success?

David Harris was a key member of the New York Jets defense, helping them reach the AFC Championship Game twice, in 2009 and 2010.

Question 5: When did David Harris retire from the NFL?

David Harris retired from the NFL after the 2016 season, ending a remarkable 10-year career.

These FAQs provide a brief overview of David Harris's football career, highlighting his accomplishments, team affiliations, and contributions to the sport.

Transition to the next article section: David Harris's football career was marked by his leadership, tackling prowess, and dedication to the game. His impact on the teams he played for and the recognition he received as a Pro Bowl selection are testaments to his exceptional abilities and contributions to the sport.

Conclusion

David Harris' 10-year NFL career was marked by his exceptional talent, leadership, and dedication to the sport. As a linebacker, he showcased his prowess as a fierce tackler and a key contributor to his teams' defensive success.

Harris' impact extended beyond his on-field performance. He served as a mentor to younger players, fostering their development and instilling in them the values of hard work and perseverance. His leadership qualities were instrumental in shaping the culture of the teams he played for.

David Harris' legacy extends beyond his individual accolades and team accomplishments. He represents the epitome of a true professional athlete, consistently demonstrating integrity, sportsmanship, and a commitment to excellence. His contributions to the game of football have left a lasting mark, inspiring aspiring players and fans alike.