Nigel Harris (American football) facts for kids

Nigel Harris (born December 7, 1994) is an American football player. He plays as a linebacker, a position where players stop the opposing team. Nigel is currently a free agent, meaning he is not signed to a team.

He played college football at the University of South Florida. After college, he joined the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017.

Nigel's Early Life and High School Football

Nigel Harris grew up in Tampa, Florida. He played high school football at Hillsborough High School. He was a key player for three years.

In 2010, his sophomore year, he made 95 tackles. He also had an interception and recovered a fumble. This helped his team achieve a great 10–3 record. They even reached the regional semifinals!

As a junior in 2011, Nigel continued to shine. He made 89 tackles and recovered two fumbles. His team had an impressive 11–1 record. They again made it to the regional semifinals.

In his senior season in 2012, Nigel had 117 tackles. He also rushed for 726 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. He earned several top honors for his amazing performance. Over his high school career, his team had a fantastic 30–6 record.

College Football Career

Nigel played for the South Florida Bulls at the University of South Florida. He played from 2013 to 2016.

In 2013, he played in all 12 games, starting 7 of them. He made 35 tackles and forced one fumble.

In 2014, he started all 11 games he played. He made 77 tackles and had 2 sacks. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. He also forced 6 fumbles, which was a school record!

In 2015, Nigel played in 11 games, starting 10. He made 42 tackles and had 1.5 sacks. He also caught an interception.

During his final year in 2016, he played in all 13 games, starting every one. He made 78 tackles and had 2 sacks. He also caught 2 interceptions and recovered a fumble.

Overall, Nigel played in 47 college games, starting 41 of them. He made 232 tackles, had 5.5 sacks, and caught 3 interceptions. His 8 forced fumbles during his college career ranked second in school history.

Professional Football Journey

Before the NFL Draft

Before the 2017 NFL draft, experts rated Nigel as the 70th best outside linebacker. He showed off his skills at South Florida's Pro Day.

Los Angeles Chargers

Nigel was not chosen in the NFL Draft. However, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on May 12, 2017. He played in five games for them, starting one. He made 11 tackles with the Chargers. He was later released by the team.

New York Giants

The New York Giants picked up Nigel on October 17, 2017. He was later placed on injured reserve due to a ribs injury. He was released from the team in December 2017.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Nigel joined the practice squad of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 13, 2017. A practice squad is a group of players who train with the team but are not on the main roster. He was later moved to the active roster. He was released by the Buccaneers in September 2018.

Arizona Cardinals

On September 18, 2018, Nigel signed with the practice squad of the Arizona Cardinals. He was released a couple of weeks later.

Tennessee Titans

Nigel then joined the practice squad of the Tennessee Titans on October 9, 2018. He was promoted to their active roster in December 2018.

He was later waived and re-signed to the practice squad multiple times. He signed a new contract with the Titans in January 2020 but was waived in July 2020.

Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL)

Nigel signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL (Canadian Football League) on April 12, 2021. He became a free agent in February 2023.

San Antonio Brahmas (UFL)

On October 19, 2023, Nigel signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL (now part of the UFL). He was later removed from their roster in February 2024.

Personal life

Nigel's brother, Brandon, and his cousin, Lindsey Lamar, also played college football at the University of South Florida.