David Harris is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was born on January 1, 1984, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and attended the University of Michigan, where he played college football for the Wolverines.
Harris was selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a key player on the Jets' defense, starting in all 16 games in his rookie season and recording 127 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. He continued to be a consistent performer for the Jets over the next several seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2009 and being named the team's MVP in 2011.
Throughout his career, Harris was known for his toughness, intelligence, and ability to read and react to opposing offenses. He was a reliable tackler and a strong run defender, but also had the speed and agility to cover tight ends and running backs in pass coverage. He was a respected leader in the Jets' locker room and was often called upon to make pre-snap adjustments and communicate with his teammates on the field.
In 2015, Harris signed a three-year contract extension with the Jets, but his production began to decline in the following seasons. He was released by the team in June 2017 and signed with the New England Patriots a few weeks later. He played in all 16 games for the Patriots in 2017, recording 79 tackles and one sack, and helped the team reach Super Bowl LII, where they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.
After the 2017 season, Harris became a free agent and did not sign with another team. He officially announced his retirement from the NFL in February 2019, ending a ten-year career that included 164 games played, 1,110 tackles, 36 sacks, and six interceptions.
Off the field, Harris was known for his philanthropic work and community involvement. He established the David Harris Foundation in 2008, which provides scholarships and other resources to underprivileged youth in Michigan and New York. He also participated in various charitable events and initiatives throughout his career, including the NFL's Play 60 program and the United Way's Hometown Huddle.
Overall, David Harris was a highly respected and productive player during his time in the NFL. He was a key contributor to the Jets' defense for many years and played an important role in the Patriots' Super Bowl run in 2017. His toughness, intelligence, and leadership made him a valuable asset to any team he played for, and his philanthropic work off the field further cemented his legacy as a positive influence on and off the gridiron.
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