Did Major Harris Play Pro Football? A Tale of Two Leagues (and a Whole Lot of “What Ifs”)
So, you want to know if Major Harris played pro football? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because this story is about as wild as a Mountaineer’s game-winning touchdown run.
The short answer is: Yes, Major Harris played pro football, but not in the NFL. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Raiders in 1990, but instead of joining the silver and black, he opted to play north of the border in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Now, you might be thinking, “Why would a guy who was drafted by an NFL team choose to play in Canada?” Well, there are a few reasons.
First, Harris was drafted in the 12th round – that’s like getting picked last in a schoolyard game. The odds of a 12th-round pick making an NFL roster are about as good as finding a four-leaf clover in a field of dandelions.
Second, the CFL was (and still is) known for its high-flying, pass-happy offense. For a quarterback with Harris’s skills, the CFL was a much more appealing opportunity to showcase his talent.
So, off to Canada he went, where he played for the BC Lions. Did he make the CFL his own? Not quite. He played for one season, and then, well, things got interesting.
After his Canadian adventure, Harris bounced around a bit, playing in the Arena Football League (AFL) and some other semi-pro leagues. It’s a bit like a college football player trying to find a new dorm after graduation – you’re searching for that perfect fit.
Now, here’s where the “what ifs” start to creep in. What if Harris had played for the Raiders? What if he had stuck with the CFL? What if he had found a team that truly appreciated his talent?
It’s impossible to know for sure, but one thing’s clear: Major Harris is a legend. His college career was nothing short of spectacular. He led the West Virginia Mountaineers to unprecedented heights, thrilling fans with his electrifying runs and pinpoint passes.
But his pro career, well, that’s a bit more complicated. It’s a story of missed opportunities, unexpected twists, and a journey that led him to a different kind of success.
So, did Major Harris play pro football? Yes, he did, but not in the way we all expected. He didn’t become an NFL superstar, but he carved out a unique path for himself, playing in different leagues and leaving his mark on the game in his own way.
Now, let’s delve into the details a little bit more, shall we?
The College Football Star:
Major Harris wasn’t just a college quarterback; he was a phenomenon. He led West Virginia to a 23-4-1 record in his final two seasons, including a memorable Sugar Bowl victory over Alabama in 1989. He’s still the only quarterback in NCAA history to throw for over 3,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 yards in the same season. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist twice, and he’s considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in West Virginia history.
The NFL Draft: A Tick of the Clock:
The 1990 NFL Draft was a bit of a letdown for Harris. His talents were undeniable, but the scouts were skeptical. They questioned his height (he’s 5’11”, which is considered short for an NFL quarterback), and they worried about his ability to adapt to the more complex NFL offenses. He was drafted in the 12th round, which is like being the last kid picked for the team. It’s a reality check for any athlete who dreams of playing in the NFL.
The CFL: A New Stage, New Opportunities:
Instead of joining the Raiders, Harris took a chance on the CFL. The league was known for its wide-open offenses and its emphasis on scoring. Harris was a perfect fit for this style of play, and he thrived in his one season with the BC Lions. He learned a new system, adapted to a different style of football, and proved that he could still play at a high level.
The AFL: A Different Kind of Football:
The Arena Football League is a high-scoring, fast-paced game that’s played indoors. It’s a different world from the NFL, but it also provides an opportunity for players to showcase their skills. Harris played in the AFL from 1992 to 1996, and he had some success, leading his teams to playoff appearances.
Life After Football: A New Chapter:
Major Harris is now a coach and a mentor, working with young athletes and sharing his passion for the game. He’s living proof that football is more than just a game; it’s a journey. He may not have played in the NFL, but he’s still making a difference in the world of football.
The “What Ifs”: A Game of Imagination:
It’s easy to wonder what could have been. What if Harris had played for the Raiders? What if he had stayed in the CFL? What if he had found the right team at the right time? These are questions that will always linger. But one thing’s for sure: Major Harris is a true football legend, and his story is a reminder that success comes in all shapes and sizes.
So, there you have it. Major Harris played pro football, but not in the way we all expected. He carved out his own path, and he left his mark on the game in his own way.
And that, my friends, is a story worth remembering.