Orien Harris facts for kids

Orien J. Harris (born June 3, 1983) is a former professional football player. He played as a defensive tackle, a position where players try to stop the opposing team's offense. Orien was chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2006 NFL draft.

He played college football at the University of Miami. There, he was part of the amazing 2001 National Championship team. Many people think this team was one of the best college football teams ever! Orien also played for several other NFL teams, including the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. Later, he played for the Virginia Destroyers in the United Football League (UFL) and helped them win the UFL Championship in 2011.

Early Life and High School Success

Orien Harris was born in Mount Vernon, New York. When he was in fourth grade, his family moved to Delaware. He was a fantastic student and athlete at Newark High School in Delaware.

At Newark High, Orien and his older brother, Kwame, won many state championships in football. Orien was considered one of the best defensive line players in the country by The Football News. As a senior, he was named Delaware's Gatorade Player of the Year. He also won Lineman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards. In his senior year, he made 130 tackles and helped his team achieve a perfect 12–0 record. They also won the 2000 Division I State Championship.

College Football Career

After high school, Orien went to the University of Miami to play football. He was the first athlete from Delaware to get an athletic scholarship to Miami. During his time there, he made 11 sacks and 159 tackles.

In 2005, his senior year, Orien played in 12 games. He made 40 tackles and was recognized as an honorable mention All-ACC player. As a junior, he started every game as a defensive tackle. He was even voted the team's Defensive Lineman of the Year. He made 55 tackles that year and was chosen for the First-team All-ACC by Rivals.com.

Professional Football Journey

Before being drafted into the NFL, Orien showed off his strength and speed at special events for scouts. He could bench press 355 pounds!

Playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers picked Orien Harris in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL draft. He officially joined the team in July. He was later moved to their practice squad, which is a group of players who train with the team but aren't on the main roster.

Time with the Cleveland Browns

In December 2006, Orien was signed by the Cleveland Browns to their main team. He played in two games during the 2006 season. He did not record any specific stats in those games.

Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints

Orien later spent some time on the practice squad for the Buffalo Bills in 2007. In December 2007, the New Orleans Saints signed him to their active roster.

Cincinnati Bengals (First Time)

The Cincinnati Bengals picked up Orien in August 2008. He played in 14 games for the Bengals that year, starting one. He made 14 tackles during this time. He re-signed with the Bengals in March 2009.

St. Louis Rams and Detroit Lions

In May 2009, Orien was traded to the St. Louis Rams. A couple of months later, in July 2009, he was traded again, this time to the Detroit Lions. He was with the Lions for a short period.

Cincinnati Bengals (Second Time)

Orien returned to the Cincinnati Bengals in October 2009. He played in four games for them that year, making seven tackles. He was released by the Bengals in September 2010.

Virginia Destroyers and Championship Win

In 2012, Orien played for the Virginia Destroyers in the United Football League (UFL). He played in four games and made 10 tackles. He helped the Destroyers win the UFL Championship Game in 2011, which was a big achievement!

Personal Life

Orien Harris is the younger brother of Kwame Harris, who also played professional football as an offensive tackle. Orien is married to Alexandra Jackson, who is a singer and musician. Alexandra's father, Maynard Jackson, was the first African-American mayor of Atlanta.