Paul Harris (American football) facts for kids

Paul Christopher Harris, Sr. is a former American football player. He was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). Paul played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings. He was chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1977 NFL draft. This happened after he played college football at the University of Alabama.

Early Life and College Football

Paul Christopher Harris was born on December 19, 1954. His hometown is Mobile, Alabama. He went to Toulminville High School in Mobile. In 2002, he was honored in the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame.

Harris played for the Crimson Tide team. This is the football team for the University of Alabama. He played from 1973 to 1976. He was a "letterman" for three years. This means he played well enough to earn a special award. In 1976, he was named second-team All-SEC. This is a big honor for college players. He earned it as a defensive end during his senior year.

Professional Football Career

The Pittsburgh Steelers picked Paul Harris in the 1977 NFL draft. He was the 159th player chosen overall. However, the Steelers decided to let him go on August 31, 1977.

The very next day, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked him up. He played in 14 games for the Buccaneers in 1977. He started two of those games. During that season, he made one sack and recovered one fumble. The Buccaneers released him in August 1978.

Soon after, the Minnesota Vikings signed him. He played in one game for the Vikings. But he was released by them in September 1978.

Harris later returned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He signed with them again in November 1978. He played in five more games for the Buccaneers that year. He had one more sack and one more fumble recovery. He was released by the Buccaneers again in August 1979.

In 1980, Harris signed with the New Orleans Saints. However, he was released by them later that same year.