James "Shack" Harris facts for kids

James Larnell "Shack" Harris (born July 20, 1947) is a former American football player and team executive. He played as a quarterback in the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, and San Diego Chargers.

Harris made history in 1969 as the first Black quarterback to start a season opener in either the AFL or NFL. In 1974, he became the first Black quarterback to start an NFL playoff game. After his playing days, Harris worked in the front office for several NFL teams. He was part of the Baltimore Ravens team that won Super Bowl XXXV.

Early Life and Nickname

James Harris grew up in Monroe, Louisiana. His father, Nashall Harris, Sr., was a furniture maker and minister. James was the youngest of his siblings.

His older brother, Nashall Harris, Jr., was called "Meshach." This nickname eventually turned into "Shack." James, being the younger brother, was called "Little Shack." When his older brother joined the Army, James grew very tall. So, his family dropped "Little" from his nickname, and he became known simply as "Shack."

Harris went to Carroll High School in Monroe. He led his football team to a state championship in his sophomore year. His team also had two perfect seasons. He was named to the all-state football team twice. James was also a straight-A student and played on the school's baseball team.

College Football Success

Harris played college football at Grambling State University from 1965 to 1968. Grambling State is a historically Black college or university (HBCU). He was a starter for three years, leading the Tigers to a 24-5-1 record.

He was coached by the famous Eddie Robinson. Harris and his teammates won or shared all four Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) titles during his time there. Coach Robinson specifically trained Harris to be a strong passer. Harris broke many passing records at Grambling. In 1967, he was named MVP of the Orange Blossom Classic.

In 2023, Grambling honored Harris by renaming its football field. It is now called the "James "Shack" Harris and Doug Williams Field at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium." This honors two of the university's most famous football players.

Professional Football Journey

Buffalo Bills Years

The Buffalo Bills drafted Harris in the eighth round of the 1969 Common draft. He joined fellow rookie O. J. Simpson in the starting lineup. The American Football League (AFL) was more open to Black players than the NFL at the time. The Bills made Harris the first Black player to start a season at quarterback in professional football history.

Harris was only the second Black player in the modern era to start any game as a quarterback for a pro team. Marlin Briscoe, of the AFL's Denver Broncos, was the first in 1968. Briscoe later joined the Bills and played as a receiver.

In his first game, Harris played against the defending champion New York Jets. He was later replaced by Jack Kemp. Harris played three years with the Bills. He was released by the team in 1972 and then signed with the Los Angeles Rams.

Los Angeles Rams Highlights

In 1973, Harris was a backup to John Hadl as the Rams made the playoffs. In 1974, the Rams' offense was struggling. Coach Chuck Knox decided to make Harris the starting quarterback. In his first start for the Rams, Harris played amazingly. He completed 12 of 15 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for a touchdown. The Rams won easily, 37–14. This performance earned Harris a perfect passer rating for the game.

Harris led the team to seven wins in their last nine regular-season games. He helped them win their second straight NFC Western Division title. They also won their first playoff game since 1951, beating the Washington Redskins 19–10. This made Harris the first African-American quarterback to start and win an NFL playoff game. The Rams lost the NFC Championship Game to the Minnesota Vikings. Harris was named to the NFC Pro Bowl team in 1974 and was the MVP of that game.

Harris led the team to another division title in 1975. He became the first Black quarterback to start a season as his team's main starter in NFL history. He faced some injuries, and the Rams used other quarterbacks. Despite this, Harris's strong arm helped the team succeed.

In 1976, Harris continued to deal with injuries. The Rams used three quarterbacks that year. Harris had a great game against the Miami Dolphins, throwing for 436 yards. However, injuries continued to be a problem. Coach Knox eventually decided to go with another quarterback, Pat Haden, for the rest of the season. Even though Harris was benched, his 89.6 passer rating that year was tied for the highest in the NFC. This was the first time a Black quarterback led his conference in that category.

San Diego Chargers and Retirement

Harris was traded to the San Diego Chargers before the 1977 season. He was upset by the trade. He felt that the Rams organization did not fully accept him as a quarterback, but rather as a "black quarterback." He lost some of his passion for the game.

He played nine games in his first year with the Chargers. He played in nine more games the following year. Harris last played in 1979, appearing in eight games. He officially retired from playing football after the 1981 season.

Front Office Career

In 1987, Harris began working in the front office for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was a team scout for six years. Then, he joined the New York Jets as the team's assistant general manager until 1996.

From 1997 to 2003, Harris was the Director of Pro Personnel for the Baltimore Ravens. During his time there, the Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV. In 2003, Harris moved to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He served as the Vice President of Player Personnel until 2008. He also worked on an NFL committee about college players.

In 2009, the Detroit Lions hired Harris as a Senior Personnel Executive. He helped with all areas of player personnel. Harris officially retired from the NFL on February 27, 2015.

Shack Harris & Doug Williams Foundation

In 2005, Harris and Doug Williams started the Shack Harris & Doug Williams Foundation. This foundation helps establish the Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCF-HOF). The BCF-HOF ceremonies are held every year by their foundation.

Personal Life

James Harris is married to Vickie. They have four children: Lisa, James, Ashley, and Aaron.

Honors and Awards

• Black College Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2012
• Featured in "Field Generals: Third and a Mile: The Trials and Triumphs of the Black Quarterback," ESPN, 2007
• Grambling Legends Hall of Fame
• Historical Marker: James "Shack" Harris, Grambling, Louisiana.
• Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame
• Most Powerful African Americans in Sports, Black Enterprise, 2005
• National Quarterback Club Hall of Fame
• Onyx Awards of Achievement in Sports, Onyx Magazine, 2023
• Paul "Tank" Younger Award, "for his efforts to promote diversity and equity in sports," Fritz Pollard Alliance, 2006
• Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame
• Top 50 Most Influential Minorities, Sports Illustrated, 2003 and 2004

See also

• List of American Football League players
• Racial issues faced by black quarterbacks