Tuff Harris facts for kids

Tuff Chester David Harris, born on January 23, 1983, is a former American football player. He played as a safety, which is a defensive position. Tuff joined the Miami Dolphins in 2007 after not being chosen in the main draft, which is called being an "undrafted free agent." He played college football for the University of Montana from 2003 to 2006.

Harris also played for other teams during his career. These included the New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He even played for the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League.

Early Life and Sports Talents

Tuff Harris was born in Crow Agency, Montana. He grew up in Lodge Grass, Montana, a place also known as the Valley of the Chiefs. Tuff is a member of the Crow Nation, an Indigenous tribe.

His parents, Jerry and Melody Harris, were excellent in track and field. They even helped coach at Lodge Grass High School. Tuff's sister, Jerilyn Harris, was a state champion in running races. She won the 100, 200, and 400-meter dashes.

High School Sports

While at Lodge Grass High School, Tuff was a multi-sport athlete. He played football, basketball, and baseball. He also ran track, just like his parents and sister. His mother was an assistant coach for the track and field team.

After his second year, Tuff's family moved to Colstrip. He continued playing football, basketball, and track for the Colstrip Colts. In 2001, Tuff set a new state record for all high school classes in Montana. He achieved this in the 100-meter dash.

College Football Career

After finishing high school in 2002, Tuff Harris went to the University of Montana. He became a four-year starter as a cornerback for the Montana Grizzlies football team.

During his time there, he set several school and Big Sky Conference records. These records were for returning punts. He had the longest punt return, the most return yards in one game, and the most yards in a single season.

Professional Football Journey

Tuff Harris had a journey through several professional football teams. He started with the Miami Dolphins and then moved to other teams.

Miami Dolphins (First Time)

After the 2007 NFL draft, Tuff Harris was not drafted by any team. However, the Miami Dolphins signed him as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2007. This means they signed him even though he wasn't picked in the draft.

He was later released by the team on September 1, but then re-signed to their practice squad. A practice squad is a group of players who train with the team but are not on the main roster. Tuff was promoted to the active roster on November 14. He played his first NFL game on December 30 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Dolphins released Tuff Harris again on April 24, 2008.

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints signed Tuff Harris on May 27, 2008. However, he was released by the team on July 30. This was because of ankle injuries he had.

Tennessee Titans

Tuff Harris then signed with the Tennessee Titans on August 19, 2008. He was released on August 29 but re-signed to their practice squad on September 1.

On November 22, he was moved from the practice squad to the active roster. This happened after two other cornerbacks, Reynaldo Hill and Eric King, were placed on injured reserve. Being on "injured reserve" means a player is hurt and cannot play for a while.

The Titans released Tuff Harris on September 4, 2009.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Tuff Harris joined the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad on September 7, 2009. He was then signed to the active roster on January 6, 2010. The Steelers released Tuff Harris on August 8, 2010.

Personal Life

Tuff Harris is married to Mary (Hasselberg) Harris. Mary is from Staples, Minnesota. They met while both were attending the University of Montana. Mary was playing golf, and Tuff was on the football team.

Tuff is an official member of the Apsaalooke Nation, also known as the Crow Tribe. He also has Northern Cheyenne heritage.