Leonard Harris (American football) facts for kids

Leonard Harris, born on November 27, 1960, is a former American football player. He was a talented wide receiver, catching passes from quarterbacks, and also a kick returner, running back kicks after they were punted or kicked off. He played for several teams during his career, including the Houston Oilers and the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL). He also played in another league called the United States Football League (USFL) for the Denver Gold.

Leonard Harris's Football Journey

Leonard Harris started his professional football career in the mid-1980s. He played for teams in different leagues, showing his skills as both a receiver and a return specialist. A wide receiver's main job is to run specific routes and catch passes. A kick returner tries to gain as many yards as possible after an opponent kicks the ball.

Early Career in the USFL

Before joining the well-known NFL, Leonard Harris played for the Denver Gold. This team was part of the United States Football League (USFL). The USFL was a professional football league that played during the spring and summer months. It was active from 1983 to 1985. Harris played for the Denver Gold during the 1984 and 1985 seasons.

Playing in the National Football League

After his time in the USFL, Leonard Harris moved to the National Football League (NFL). The NFL is the biggest professional American football league. He played for a few different NFL teams during his career.

Time with the Houston Oilers

Leonard Harris spent most of his NFL career with the Houston Oilers. He played for the Oilers from 1987 to 1993. During these years, he was an important part of their offense. He helped the team by catching passes and making big plays. The Oilers were known for their exciting, fast-paced offense during this time.

Other NFL Teams

Before his long run with the Oilers, Harris had a brief time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1986. He also spent some time with the Washington Redskins in 1987, though this was mostly during the offseason or as a practice squad member. After leaving the Houston Oilers, he played his final NFL season with the Atlanta Falcons in 1994.

What is a Wide Receiver?

A wide receiver is an offensive player in American football. Their main role is to catch forward passes from the quarterback. They run specific routes to get open and avoid defenders. Receivers need to be fast, agile, and have good hands to catch the ball.

What is a Kick Returner?

A kick returner is a special teams player. Their job is to catch kickoffs or punts from the opposing team. After catching the ball, they try to run it back as far as possible. The goal is to set up their team's offense in a good starting position. They need to be quick and good at dodging tackles.