Cliff Harris

Cliff Harris has transitioned from an un-drafted collegiate athlete to a Hall of Fame safety for the Dallas Cowboys and continues his impact through the energy business and charitable initiatives. After signing with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 1970, Cliff Harris went on to secure a starting position as free safety in his rookie year, a role he maintained throughout his entire 10-year NFL career. Known as ‘Captain Crash’ for his hard-hitting style, Harris was instrumental in the Cowboys’ success throughout the 1970s, forming a formidable defensive backfield alongside Charlie Waters. Together, they contributed to the team’s participation in five Super Bowls, securing two championships in Super Bowl VI (1971) and Super Bowl XII (1977).

His exceptional talent and leadership were further acknowledged when he was named to the prestigious NFL 1970s All-Decade Team. Harris concluded his impactful NFL playing career in 1980 at the age of 31. Following his retirement from professional football, Harris transitioned his focus to the energy business. He has also applied his insights to writing, authoring the book ‘Captain Crash and the Dallas Cowboys’ and co-authoring ‘Tales From the Dallas Cowboys’ with former teammate Charlie Waters.

His enduring legacy with the Dallas Cowboys was formally recognized with his induction into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2004. Further institutional recognition came in 2014 when Ouachita Baptist University honored him by naming its football stadium ‘Cliff Harris Stadium.’ In 2020, Cliff Harris received one of professional football’s highest honors with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He remains actively involved in supporting collegiate athletics through the Cliff Harris Award, an initiative that recognizes the top defensive players from smaller collegiate divisions.