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Nov
4
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Posted by sf49ers
November 4, 2007 |
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Today, I decided to spotlight a player that, since last season, has performed to and beyond the call of duty. He has shown that although he is a veteran, he can still perform with the young players and that person is CB Walt Harris and here is his bio:
CAREER: NFL veteran who brings an abundance of experience and talent to the 49ers secondary…Became an immediate leader in the 49ers secondary and earned his FIRST PRO BOWL berth after finishing with a CAREER-HIGH eight interceptions…Invaluable team player who is a mentor in both the classroom and on the field…Joined the 49ers after playing first six NFL seasons in Chicago, two in Indianapolis and most recently, two in Washington…Has seen time at both left and right cornerback, tallying 761 career tackles (557 solo), 28 interceptions for 266 return yards, 155 passes defensed, two sacks, 19 forced fumbles and 12 fumble recoveries…Harris has scored five NFL touchdowns with four interceptions returned for touchdowns and one touchdown off a blocked punt.
TRANSACTIONS: Originally a first round (13th pick overall) draft choice by Chicago in 1996…Signed by Indianapolis as an unrestricted free agent from Chicago on March 18, 2002…Waived by Indianapolis on February 27, 2004…Signed by Washington as a free agent on March 18, 2004…Waived by Washington on March 10, 2006…Signed by San Francisco as a free agent on March 15, 2006.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
2006: (With San Francisco)
• Signed in the 2006 off-season to provide depth and competition at cornerback. Started 15 games at right cornerback, missing one game vs. San Diego (10-15) with a hamstring injury that he suffered during the week of practice leading up to the game.
• Finished with 71 total tackles (55 solos), a TEAM-LEADING and CAREER-HIGH eight interceptions, a team-high17 passes defensed, one sack, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
• Named to the NFC PRO BOWL team on January 25, 2007 after being selected as an alternate. Harris replaced Philadelphia CB Lito Sheppard who was unable to participate due to an injury. It was Harris’ first selection to the Pro Bowl.
• Named co-recipient of the BILL WALSH AWARD with RB Frank Gore, voted on by the coaching staff and given to the team’s most valuable player.
• Earned All-NFC honors twice during season. Was NFC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE MONTH for November after tallying 19 tackles, three interceptions and one forced fumble in the 49ers four games that month. Was first 49ers player to earn Player of the Month honors since QB Jeff Garcia was honored for the month of November in 2001. The last defensive player to be honored as NFC Defensive Player of the Month for San Francisco was Dana Stubblefied for the month of November in 1997. Was also named the NFC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK for Week 17 for his performance at Denver.
• Named one of five permanent team captains in 2006 prior to the Oakland game, along with Alex Smith, Jonas Jennings, Bryant Young, and Keith Lewis.
• Intercepted eight passes during the 2006 season, surpassing previous career high of five interceptions, which he totaled in 1997 with Chicago. Tied Green Bay’s Charles Woodson for the lead of the NFC in 2006. Marked most interceptions by a 49ers player since Tony Parrish had nine in 2003. The eight interceptions are tied for the third most in a single season by a 49er.
• Registered first sack since 1999 in the home opener at Arizona (9-10).
• Intercepted a CAREER-HIGH three passes vs. Oakland (10-8) en route to being named NFC Honorable Mention Defensive Player of the Week. Three interceptions are second to the team record of four set by Dave Baker (at L.A. Rams (12-4-60)). Four other 49ers players had three interceptions in a game: Ronnie Heard vs. Arizona (10-27-02), Rod Woodson vs. New Orleans (9-14-97), Eric Wright at Minnesota (9-8-83) and Anthony Leonard vs.Cincinnati (10-1-78).
• Inactive vs. San Diego (10-15) due to a hamstring injury suffered during the practice week.
• Picked off a deflected pass and returned it four yards vs. Minnesota (11-5). Also had three tackles on defense.
• Went on to have two more multi-interception games — vs. Seattle (11-19) and at Denver (12-31).
• At Seattle (11-19), picked off two passes, made thre tackles and had two passes defensed. First interception in second quarter resulted in an Alex Smith rushing touchdown. Second interception came in the final minutes of the game.
• Closed outstanding season at Denver (12-31) with three tackles, three passes defensed, one fumble recover and one touchdown. Returned second interception of the season for a touchdown in the third quarter, after picking off QB Jay Cutler’s pass and returning it 28 yards for the score.
2005: (With Washington)
• Played in 13 games with 12 starts at cornerback and collared 68 total tackles, one interception and one forced fumble.
• Recorded three tackles (two solo) and two passes defensed vs. Chicago (9-11).
• Tallied eight tackles (seven solo) vs. Dallas (9-19). Made key tackle on Dallas WR Terry Glenn late in the game on fourth down to prevent the go-ahead score.
• Inactive vs. Seattle (10-2) and at Denver (10-9) with calf injury.
• Notched seven tackles (six solo) and two passes defensed at Kansas City (10-16).
• Registered SEASON-HIGH 10 tackles (eight solo) as starting corner at New York Giants (10-30).
• Posted six tackles (two solo) and two pass deflections at Tampa Bay (11-13).
• Tied for a team-high with eight tackles (all solo) and one QB Drew Brees interception vs. San Diego (11-27).
• Did not start at St. Louis (12-4).
• Inactive at Arizona (12-11) with calf injury.
• Returned vs. Dallas (12-18) as starting cornerback and recorded three tackles (all solo).
• Had four tackles (three solo) and recovered a blocked field goal by DE Renaldo Wynn vs. New York Giants (12-24).
• Finished NFC Wild Card game at Tampa Bay (1-7-06) with five tackles (four solo) as starting cornerback.
• Played in a reserve role in NFC Divisional game at Seattle (1-14-06).
2004: (With Washington)
• Played in 16 games with two starts for the Redskins in 2004, collecting 21 tackles (12 solo) and two interceptions.
• Also large contributor on special teams, returning a blocked punt for a touchdown against Detroit (11-7).
• Ran back first interception of the season 31 yards for a touchdown vs. Cincinnati (11-14). Also had one solo tackle.
• Started at cornerback due to injuries at San Francisco (12-18) and tallied five tackles (three solo) and one interception.
• Started at cornerback vs. Minnesota (1-2-05) and made five tackles (three solo).
2003: (With Indianapolis)
• Saw action in 16 games with 15 starts at left cornerback, missing a start at Houston (12-28) with a knee injury.
• Finished season with 55 tackles, 32 solo, 12 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
• Played in 16 games for second time in eight years and had tackles in every contest. Also had eight games with at least four tackles.
• Made SEASON-HIGH six tackles (three solo) vs. Jacksonville (9-21).
• Notched five stops at Tampa Bay (10-6).
• Tied season-high six tackles (four solo) at Miami (11-2).
• Started vs. Denver (1-4-04) in AFC Wild Card game and had five stops (three solo) and one forced fumble.
• Started at Kansas City (1-11-04) in AFC Divisional game and made four stops (three solo).
• Amassed five tackles (two solo) in AFC Championship game at New England (1-18-04). Also had one interception for no yards.
2002: (With Indianapolis)
• Started first 15 games at left cornerback before missing one game with a knee injury.
• Led the team with 20 passes defensed and had 61 tackles (39 solo), two interceptions, one batted pass, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
• Had SEASON-HIGH nine tackles and one pass defensed vs. Miami (9-15).
• Made five solo tackles and second career two-interception game vs. Cincinnati (10-6).
• Notched eight stops at Pittsburgh (10-21).
• Had active day at Philadelphia (11-10), notching nine tackles, two passes defensed and one fumble recovery.
• Made five tackles (three solo) and a club season-best five passes defensed vs. Houston (12-1). Also forced one fumble.
• Compiled five tackles and a 21-yard fumble recovery vs. New York Giants (12-22).
• Recorded eight tackles in Colts playoff game at the New York Jets (1-4-03).
2001: (With Chicago)
• Saw action in 15 games with 13 starts for Chicago and had 51 tackles (49 solo), one interception and nine passes defended.
• Made SEASON-HIGH seven stops (four solo) vs. Minnesota (9-23).
• Tied season-high tackle numbers with seven stops (four solo) vs. Cleveland (11-4).
• Ran back thrilling CAREER-LONG 45-yard interception return for a touchdown in 24-0 victory at Detroit (12-30).
2000: (With Chicago)
• Started first 12 games before being placed on injured reserve with a right knee injury. Despite injury, finished season tied for second on team with two interceptions, including a 35-yard interception return for a score vs. Indianapolis (11-5).
• Final season tally included 52 tackles (36 solo), three tackles for losses, one forced fumble and 14 passes defensed.
• Had eight tackles (six solo) and one pass defensed at Green Bay (10-1).
• Registered seven tackles (five solo) and two passes defensed at Philadelphia (10-22).
• Notched SEASON-HIGH nine tackles (five solo) and one forced fumble vs. Tampa Bay (11-19).
• Suffered knee sprain at New York Jets (11-26) and missed rest of season.
• Placed on injured reserve (12-23).
1999: (With Chicago)
• Started first 15 games before missing vs. Tampa Bay (1-12-00) with a hamstring injury.
• Led team with 11 passes defensed and finished with 71 tackles (48 solo). Also finished with one interception and FIRST NFL SACK.
• Recovered a fumble for zero yards vs. Seattle (9-19).
• Recorded 10 tackles (eight solo) and two passes defensed vs. Philadelphia (10-17).
• Posted 11 stops and CAREER-HIGH one sack for no yards at Green Bay (11-7).
• Had productive game the following week vs. Minnesota (11-14), making 10 tackles (eight solo) and picked off Vikings QB Jeff George in overtime to secure Bears victory.
1998: (With Chicago)
• Started 14 games, was inactive vs. Baltimore (12-20) with knee injury and placed on injured reserve (12-22).
• Finished season with four interceptions and CAREER-HIGH 21 passes defensed. Also had 85 tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
• Made 10 tackles (seven solo) and had two passes defensed vs. Jacksonville (9-6).
• Recovered a fumble for zero yards at Tampa Bay (9-20) and made six tackles.
• Had three tackles and three passes defensed vs. Minnesota (9-27).
• Notched a 26-yard interception at Arizona (10-11).
• Amassed seven tackles and four passes defensed vs. Dallas (10-18).
• Returned an interception for zero yards at Tennessee (10-25). Also had five tackles and two passes defensed.
• Recorded seven tackles and snagged a two-yard interception at Minnesota (12-6).
• Picked off Green Bay QB Brett Favre pass (12-13) and returned it 13 yards for FIRST CAREER TOUCHDOWN. Also had six tackles and two passes defensed.
• Inactive vs. Baltimore (12-20) with knee injury.
• Placed on injured reserve (12-22).
1997: (With Chicago)
• Started 16 games, 15 at right cornerback and set CAREER-HIGHS with five interceptions and four forced fumbles. Also accumulated 94 tackles.
• Had CAREER-HIGH 15 tackles, two passes defensed and one interception vs. Minnesota (9-7).
• Notched nine solo stops and one pass defensed vs. Detroit (9-14).
• Had five tackles and a forced fumble at New England (9-21).
• Registered six stops on defense and one forced fumble vs. New Orleans (10-5)
• Picked off a Brett Favre pass and returned it eight yards vs. Green Bay (10-12). Also had five tackles and three passes defensed.
• Forced and recovered one fumble vs. Tampa Bay (11-23). Notched nine tackles on defense.
• Reeled in two interceptions for 22 yards and had two passes defensed at St. Louis (12-14).
1996: (With Chicago)
• Started 13-of-15 games and was named to College & Pro Football Newsweekly, Football News and PFWA All-Rookie Teams.
• Finished season with CAREER-HIGH 113 tackles (93 solo), 18 passes defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
• Had active day vs. Dallas (9-2) with 10 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery for eight yards and three passes defensed.
• Made 14 stops vs. Minnesota (9-15).
• Snagged one interception at Detroit (9-22).
• Tallied 10 tackles and blocked a field goal at Minnesota (10-28).
• Finished with one interception at Kansas City (11-17) and recovered a fumble for zero yards.
COLLEGE:
• Was four-year letterman at Mississippi State, holding school interception record with 16 picked passes.
• Broke up 37 passes in career and earned All-Southeastern conference honors final three seasons.
• Named first-team All-SEC selection at left cornerback as a senior. Also had four interceptions and eight passes defensed. Invited to play in Senior Bowl.
• Was AP and Coaches first-team All-SEC while starting every game at cornerback as a junior and finished ranked third in SEC and fifth in nation with six interceptions. Also led team with 12 passes defensed and recovered two fumbles and blocked two kicks.
• Emerged as a starter freshman season at left cornerback and also started at free safety.
PERSONAL:
• Born Walter Harris (8-10-74) in LaGrange, GA.
• Attended LaGrange (GA) High School and was All-America honorable mention by USA Today.
• Helped the team compile a 34-6 record in his final three years.
• Also ran track as a hurdler at LaGrange.
• Married to Trina. Couple resides in Atlanta with three children: Courtney, London and Summer.
HARRIS’ NFL STATISTICS:
|
YEAR
|
TEAM
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GP
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GS
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TACKLES
|
SOLO
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ASST
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SACKS
|
YDS
|
PD
|
INT
|
YDS
|
TD
|
FF
|
FR
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YDS
|
|
1996
|
CHI
|
15
|
13
|
113
|
93
|
20
|
0.0
|
0.0
|
18
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
2
|
2
|
8
|
|
1997
|
CHI
|
16
|
16
|
94
|
75
|
19
|
0.0
|
0.0
|
19
|
5
|
30
|
0
|
4
|
1
|
0
|
|
1998
|
CHI
|
14
|
14
|
85
|
65
|
20
|
0.0
|
0.0
|
21
|
4
|
41
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
|
1999
|
CHI
|
15
|
15
|
71
|
48
|
23
|
1.0
|
0.0
|
11
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
|
2000
|
CHI
|
12
|
12
|
58
|
36
|
16
|
0.0
|
0.0
|
14
|
2
|
35
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
|
2001
|
CHI
|
15
|
13
|
70
|
47
|
23
|
0.0
|
0.0
|
9
|
1
|
45
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
0
|
|
2002
|
IND
|
15
|
15
|
61
|
39
|
22
|
0.0
|
0.0
|
20
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
2
|
21
|
|
2003
|
IND
|
16
|
15
|
55
|
32
|
23
|
0.0
|
0.0
|
12
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
|
2004
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WASH
|
16
|
2
|
21
|
12
|
9
|
0.0
|
0.0
|
6
|
2
|
31
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
|
2005
|
WASH
|
13
|
12
|
68
|
55
|
13
|
0.0
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0.0
|
8
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
|
2006
|
SF
|
15
|
15
|
71
|
55
|
16
|
0.0
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6.0
|
17
|
8
|
84
|
1
|
5
|
2
|
0
|
|
NFL
|
TOTALS
|
162
|
142
|
761
|
557
|
204
|
1.0
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6.0
|
155
|
28
|
266
|
4
|
19
|
12
|
29
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ADDITIONAL STATISTICS:
Blocked Field Goal Recovery—13-yard touchdown off a blocked punt at Detroit (11-17-2004)
Blocked Punts—1— 2004 at Detroit (11-17-2004)
Punt Returns—1—2000 (1-14 yards)
HARRIS’ CAREER HIGHS
Total Tackles - 15 vs. Minnesota (9-7-97)
Passes Defensed - 5 vs. Houston (12-1-02)
Interceptions — 3 vs. Oakland (10-8-06)
Interception Yards - 70 at Denver (12-30-06)
Long Interception Return — 45T at Detroit (12-30-01)
Sacks - 1 (two times) Last at Arizona (9-10-06
Forced Fumbles - 1 (19 times) Last at Seattle (12-14-06)
Fumble Recoveries - 1 (12 times) Last at Denver (12-30-06)
NFL HONORS:
Pro Bowl - 2006
NFC Player of the Month — 2006 (November)
NFC Defensive Player of the Week — 2006 (Week 17)
All-NFC (Pro Football Writers of America) - 2006
Bill Walsh Award - 2006
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