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Today we celebrate James ‘Shack’ Harris. Harris played a major role in shattering racist myths about the ability of Black players to thrive at the QB position.
He was the first Black QB to start a season opener, and start and win an NFL playoff game.
#BlackHistoryAlways
He was the first Black QB to start a season opener, and start and win an NFL playoff game.
#BlackHistoryAlways
Despite a stellar career at Grambling, which he led to three @theswac titles in the late 1960s, Harris was encouraged by pro scouts to switch positions to be drafted higher. Harris refused. He would be drafted by Buffalo in the eighth round.
James ‘Shack’ Harris was also the first Black quarterback to play in the Pro Bowl and be selected Pro Bowl MVP.
Harris had a successful second career as a player-personnel official.
He helped build the Ravens’ 2001 Super Bowl team. He was also a VP of player personnel for the Jaguars and a senior personnel adviser with the Lions.
He helped build the Ravens’ 2001 Super Bowl team. He was also a VP of player personnel for the Jaguars and a senior personnel adviser with the Lions.
“It’s unfortunate that Shack has not gotten the recognition he so rightly deserves. Because when we talk about pioneers at the quarterback position … I say that the James Harrises of the world are the true pioneers.” – Doug Williams on James 'Shack' Harris
