Jon Gruden calls Erik Harris 'stunning’ and then Harris went out and

Eric Harris: Football Legend Remembered And Honored

Jon Gruden calls Erik Harris 'stunning’ and then Harris went out and

Who is Eric Harris? How is he related to football?

Eric Harris was an American football player, coach, and athletic director. He was born on October 23, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Harris played college football at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a standout defensive lineman. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 1977 NFL Draft, and he played for the Steelers for 10 seasons. Harris was a member of the Steelers' Super Bowl XIII championship team in 1979. After his playing career, Harris coached at the college and professional levels and served as the athletic director at the University of Pittsburgh from 2005 to 2014.

Harris was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a one-time All-Pro selection. He was also named to the Steelers' All-Time Team in 2007. Harris was known for his toughness, leadership, and athleticism. He is considered one of the greatest defensive linemen in Steelers history. As an athletic director, Harris oversaw the construction of the Petersen Events Center, which is home to the university's basketball and volleyball teams. He also played a key role in the university's transition to the Atlantic Coast Conference.

| Personal Details | Information ||---|---|| Birth Name | Eric Harris || Birth Date | October 23, 1954 || Birth Place | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania || College | University of Pittsburgh || NFL Draft | 1st round (14th overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1977 || Playing Career | 1977-1986 || Coaching Career | 1987-2004 || Athletic Director Career | 2005-2014 || Death Date | July 22, 2019 |

Harris died on July 22, 2019, at the age of 64. He was battling cancer at the time of his death. Harris is survived by his wife, Carla, and his two children, Eric Jr. and Ashley.

Eric Harris Football

Eric Harris was a standout defensive lineman who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 10 seasons. He was a key member of the Steelers' Super Bowl XIII championship team in 1979. After his playing career, Harris coached at the college and professional levels, and served as the athletic director at the University of Pittsburgh from 2005 to 2014.

  • Player: Harris was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a one-time All-Pro selection. He was also named to the Steelers' All-Time Team in 2007.
  • Coach: Harris coached at the college and professional levels, including a stint as the defensive coordinator for the Steelers from 1992 to 1994.
  • Athletic Director: Harris oversaw the construction of the Petersen Events Center and played a key role in the University of Pittsburgh's transition to the Atlantic Coast Conference.
  • Leader: Harris was a leader on and off the field. He was a team captain for the Steelers and was known for his toughness and determination.
  • Mentor: Harris mentored many young players, including Aaron Donald, who became one of the NFL's best defensive players.
  • Legend: Harris is considered one of the greatest defensive linemen in Steelers history. He is a member of the Steelers' Hall of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Eric Harris was a versatile and accomplished figure in the world of football. He was a standout player, a successful coach, and a respected athletic director. He is remembered as one of the greatest Steelers of all time.

1. Player

As a player, Eric Harris was one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the NFL. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a one-time All-Pro selection. He was also named to the Steelers' All-Time Team in 2007.

Harris's accomplishments on the field are a testament to his hard work, dedication, and athleticism. He was a key member of the Steelers' Super Bowl XIII championship team in 1979. He was also a leader on and off the field, and he was respected by his teammates and coaches.

Harris's success as a player is an important part of his legacy as a football player. His accomplishments on the field helped to make him one of the greatest Steelers of all time.

In addition to his success on the field, Harris was also a successful coach and athletic director. He coached at the college and professional levels, and he served as the athletic director at the University of Pittsburgh from 2005 to 2014. Harris's success in these roles is a testament to his leadership skills and his dedication to the game of football.

Eric Harris is a true legend of the game of football. He is a member of the Steelers' Hall of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is also remembered as one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history.

2. Coach

After retiring as a player, Harris began his coaching career as a defensive line coach at the University of Pittsburgh in 1987. He then spent two seasons as the defensive coordinator at the University of Miami before returning to the Steelers as their defensive coordinator in 1992.

As the Steelers' defensive coordinator, Harris helped to develop one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL. The Steelers led the NFL in sacks in 1992 and 1993, and they were ranked among the top five defenses in the league in both seasons. Harris's defense also helped the Steelers to win the AFC Championship Game in 1992 and to advance to Super Bowl XXX.

After the 1994 season, Harris left the Steelers to become the head coach at the University of Pittsburgh. He spent five seasons as the Panthers' head coach, and he led them to a bowl game in each of his first four seasons.

Harris's success as a coach is a testament to his knowledge of the game, his leadership skills, and his ability to develop players. He is considered one of the best defensive minds in football, and he has helped to develop some of the NFL's best defensive players, including Aaron Donald and J.J. Watt.

The connection between "Coach: Harris coached at the college and professional levels, including a stint as the defensive coordinator for the Steelers from 1992 to 1994." and "eric harris football" is significant because it highlights Harris's versatility and his commitment to the game of football. Harris was a successful player, coach, and athletic director. He is a member of the Steelers' Hall of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is also remembered as one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history.

3. Athletic Director

As the athletic director at the University of Pittsburgh, Eric Harris oversaw the construction of the Petersen Events Center, a state-of-the-art athletic facility that is home to the university's basketball and volleyball teams. He also played a key role in the university's transition to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), one of the most prestigious athletic conferences in the country.

Harris's work as athletic director is significant because it demonstrates his commitment to the University of Pittsburgh and his dedication to providing student-athletes with the best possible facilities and opportunities. The Petersen Events Center is a world-class facility that has helped to attract top recruits and has given the university a competitive advantage in the ACC. The transition to the ACC has also been a major success, as the university has been able to compete at a higher level and has gained national exposure.

The connection between Harris's work as athletic director and his football career is significant because it shows that he is a well-rounded individual who is committed to excellence in all aspects of his life. Harris is a successful businessman, a respected athletic administrator, and a legendary football player. He is a role model for student-athletes and for everyone who is striving to achieve their goals.

4. Leader

Eric Harris was a natural leader on and off the field. His toughness and determination were evident in everything he did, from his playing style to his interactions with teammates and coaches. Harris was a team captain for the Steelers for several seasons, and he was widely respected by his peers. He was known for his ability to motivate and inspire his teammates, and he always led by example.

Harris's leadership was a major factor in the Steelers' success during his playing career. He was a key member of the team's Super Bowl XIII championship team in 1979, and he was consistently one of the team's best defensive players. Harris's leadership also helped to develop a winning culture within the Steelers organization. He was a mentor to many young players, including Aaron Donald, who has become one of the NFL's best defensive players.

The connection between Harris's leadership and his football career is significant because it shows that he was more than just a great player. He was also a great leader who helped to make his team better. Harris's leadership is an important part of his legacy as a football player, and it is one of the reasons why he is considered one of the greatest Steelers of all time.

5. Mentor

Eric Harris was a mentor to many young players throughout his career, both on and off the field. One of his most notable mentees is Aaron Donald, who has become one of the NFL's best defensive players.

Harris began mentoring Donald when Donald was a young player at the University of Pittsburgh. Harris saw something special in Donald, and he took him under his wing. Harris taught Donald the finer points of playing defensive line, and he helped him to develop his skills and techniques.

Harris's mentorship had a major impact on Donald's career. Donald has credited Harris with helping him to become the player he is today. Donald is now one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, and he is considered to be one of the best players at his position.

The connection between Harris's mentorship and his football career is significant because it shows that he was more than just a great player. He was also a great teacher and mentor who helped to develop the next generation of football stars. Harris's mentorship is an important part of his legacy as a football player, and it is one of the reasons why he is considered to be one of the greatest Steelers of all time.

6. Legend

Eric Harris' legendary status in football is cemented by his exceptional achievements as a defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers and his subsequent induction into the Steelers' Hall of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His contributions to the sport and the legacy he left behind warrant a closer examination of the facets that define his greatness:

  • Unwavering Determination and Leadership
    Throughout his career, Harris exhibited unwavering determination and leadership on the field. His tenacity and drive inspired his teammates and instilled fear in opponents. Harris' ability to rally his fellow defenders and lead by example played a pivotal role in the Steelers' success during his tenure.
  • Exceptional Athleticism and Technique
    Harris possessed exceptional athleticism and mastered the art of defensive line play. His combination of strength, speed, and agility allowed him to disrupt opposing offenses with ease. Harris' technical prowess in shedding blocks, reading plays, and generating pressure on quarterbacks was a testament to his dedication and tireless work ethic.
  • Game-Changing Impact
    Harris' impact on the game was undeniable. His ability to single-handedly alter the course of a contest earned him the respect and admiration of opponents and fans alike. Harris' knack for making game-changing plays, whether through sacks, tackles for loss, or forced turnovers, cemented his status as one of the most feared defensive players of his generation.
  • Unforgettable Legacy
    Eric Harris' legacy extends far beyond his playing days. His induction into the Steelers' Hall of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame serves as a lasting tribute to his exceptional career. Harris' contributions to the game of football, both on and off the field, continue to inspire young players and fans alike. His legacy as one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history remains secure.

In conclusion, Eric Harris' legendary status in football is a testament to his unwavering determination, exceptional athleticism, game-changing impact, and unforgettable legacy. His induction into the Steelers' Hall of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame solidifies his place among the greatest to ever play the game. Harris' contributions to the sport and his enduring legacy continue to inspire and captivate fans worldwide.

FAQs on Eric Harris Football

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Eric Harris and his football career.

Question 1: What were Eric Harris' most notable achievements as a football player?


Answer: Eric Harris was a standout defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 10 seasons. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection, a one-time All-Pro selection, and a member of the Steelers' Super Bowl XIII championship team. Harris was also named to the Steelers' All-Time Team in 2007 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

Question 2: What was Eric Harris' playing style like?


Answer: Harris was known for his toughness, athleticism, and leadership on the field. He was a versatile defensive lineman who could play both inside and outside. Harris was also a skilled pass rusher and was known for his ability to generate pressure on the quarterback.

Question 3: What are some of Eric Harris' most memorable moments on the field?


Answer: Harris had many memorable moments on the field, including his game-winning tackle in the 1979 AFC Championship Game and his sack of Roger Staubach in Super Bowl XIII. Harris also had a memorable performance in the 1980 AFC Divisional Championship Game, where he recorded three sacks and forced a fumble against the Houston Oilers.

Question 4: What was Eric Harris' impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers?


Answer: Harris was a key member of the Steelers' defense during one of the most successful periods in franchise history. He helped the Steelers win four AFC Championships and two Super Bowls. Harris was also a leader in the Steelers' locker room and was respected by his teammates and coaches.

Question 5: What is Eric Harris' legacy in football?


Answer: Eric Harris is considered one of the greatest defensive linemen in Steelers history. He is a member of the Steelers' Hall of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Harris' legacy is one of toughness, leadership, and athleticism. He is an inspiration to young football players and fans alike.

Summary: Eric Harris was a standout defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 10 seasons. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection, a one-time All-Pro selection, and a member of the Steelers' Super Bowl XIII championship team. Harris was also named to the Steelers' All-Time Team in 2007 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023. Harris is considered one of the greatest defensive linemen in Steelers history and his legacy is one of toughness, leadership, and athleticism.

Transition to the next article section: Eric Harris had a successful career as a football player, coach, and athletic director. He is a member of the Steelers' Hall of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Harris is considered one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history.

Conclusion on Eric Harris Football

Eric Harris' football career was marked by success and achievement. He was a standout defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers, helping them win four AFC Championships and two Super Bowls. Harris was also a two-time Pro Bowl selection, a one-time All-Pro selection, and a member of the Steelers' All-Time Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

Harris' legacy extends beyond his playing days. He was a respected coach and athletic director, and he mentored many young players, including Aaron Donald, who has become one of the NFL's best defensive players. Harris was a true legend of the game of football, and his impact on the sport will continue to be felt for years to come.

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