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.

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

Early Life and High School Success

James Harris grew up in Monroe, Louisiana. His father, Nashall Harris, Sr., was a furniture maker and minister. James was nicknamed "Little Shack" because his older brother, Nashall Jr., was called "Shack." When James grew taller, the "Little" was dropped.

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

College Football Achievements

Harris played college football at Grambling State University from 1965 to 1968. Grambling State is a HBCU, which stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. As a starting quarterback for three years, he led his team, the Tigers, to a 24–5–1 record.

His coach was the famous Eddie Robinson. Harris and his teammates won or shared all four Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) titles during his time there. Harris was known for his strong passing skills. In 1967, he was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Orange Blossom Classic.

In 2023, Grambling State 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 Career Highlights

Buffalo Bills: Breaking Barriers

The Buffalo Bills drafted James Harris in 1969. He was picked in the eighth round of the Common draft. He joined another famous rookie, O. J. Simpson, in the team's offense.

The Bills made Harris the first Black player to start a season at quarterback in professional football history. This was a big step forward for the sport. Another player, Marlin Briscoe, had been the first Black player to start any game at quarterback in 1968. Briscoe later joined Harris on the Bills as a receiver.

In his first game, Harris started against the defending champion New York Jets. He played three seasons with the Bills. After 1972, Harris was released and signed by the Los Angeles Rams.

Los Angeles Rams: Playoff Success

In 1973, Harris was a backup quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams had a great season, going 12–2. In 1974, the Rams' offense was struggling. Head coach Chuck Knox decided to make Harris the starting quarterback.

In his first start for the Rams, Harris played incredibly well. 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 amazing performance earned Harris a perfect passer rating for the game.

Harris then became the Rams' main quarterback for the rest of the 1974 season. He led the team to seven wins in their last nine regular-season games. The Rams won their division title. Harris also led them to their first playoff victory since 1951, beating the Washington Redskins 19–10. This made him the first African-American quarterback to start and win an NFL playoff game.

The Rams lost the NFC Championship Game to the Minnesota Vikings. However, Harris was named to the NFC Pro Bowl team in 1974. He was also awarded the MVP of that Pro Bowl game.

In 1975, Harris helped the Rams win another division title. He became the first Black quarterback to start a season as his team's main quarterback in NFL history. He faced some injuries during this time. Despite challenges, Harris's strong play helped the Rams succeed. In 1976, his passer rating 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: Later Career

Before the 1977 season, Harris was traded to the San Diego Chargers. This move was tough for him. He felt he had done everything he could as a quarterback, but it still wasn't enough for the Rams. He was upset about losing his starting spot and being traded to a team that was rebuilding.

He started nine games in his first year with the Chargers. He played in nine games the following year, starting two. Harris last played in 1979, appearing in eight games.

Life After Playing: Front Office Career

After his playing career, James Harris moved into team management. In 1987, he started working for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a scout. He stayed there for six years.

He then joined the New York Jets as the assistant general manager for three years. 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 became the Vice President of Player Personnel for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He worked there until 2008. He also served on an NFL committee that focused on college relations.

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

Shack Harris & Doug Williams Foundation

In 2005, James 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 honors great players and coaches from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The foundation presents the BCF-HOF ceremonies every year.

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 promoting diversity and fairness 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