Cliff Harris

Clifford Allen Harris was born on November 12, 1948, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He began his football career as a backup quarterback at Hot Springs High School before moving to Des Arc High School for his senior season. Despite this, he received only one scholarship offer, from Ouachita Baptist University (OBU), where his father had also played. At OBU, Harris excelled as a defensive back and kick returner, earning two All-Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference (AIC) team selections and contributing to the 1966 AIC Football Championship team. He graduated with a double major in math and physics and was later inducted into several athletic halls of fame, including the NAIA Hall of Fame (1978), the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame (1985), and the Ouachita Athletics Hall of Fame (2003).

In 1970, despite not being selected in the NFL draft, Harris signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent. He earned a starting position as free safety in his rookie year, a role he retained for his entire 10-year career after completing his military service. Harris became known as “Captain Crash” for his hard-hitting style and was a consistent performer, contributing to the Cowboys’ success in the 1970s. Alongside Charlie Waters, he formed a defensive backfield that helped the Cowboys participate in five Super Bowls. He won two Super Bowl championships (Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII) and was selected to six consecutive Pro Bowls from 1975 to 1980.

Throughout his career, Harris recorded 29 interceptions and 16 fumble recoveries. He was also utilized as a punt and kickoff return specialist earlier in his career. His leadership and understanding of the game were highly respected by teammates and opponents. Harris was recognized with multiple All-Pro and All-NFC selections and was named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team. In 2020, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After retiring from football in 1980 at age 31, Harris shifted his focus to the energy business. He has also authored two books, “Captain Crash and the Dallas Cowboys” and “Tales From the Dallas Cowboys” (co-authored with Charlie Waters). Ouachita Baptist University honored him by naming its football stadium “Cliff Harris Stadium” in 2014, and he is involved in the Cliff Harris Award, which recognizes top defensive players from smaller collegiate divisions.