Dwayne Harris

Dwayne Lenard Harris, born on September 16, 1987, in Atlanta, Georgia, established himself as a prominent wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL) over a career spanning several years. His athletic journey began at Tucker High School in Tucker, Georgia, where he excelled as a quarterback, earning recognition as one of the best quarterbacks in the southeast by Prep Star Magazine and leading his team to a 10-1 record in his senior year. Harris continued his collegiate career at East Carolina University, where he left an indelible mark by setting school records for receptions with 268 and receiving yards totaling 3,001. During his time at East Carolina, he became the first player in the university’s history to achieve over 100 receptions in a single season, reaching 101 receptions as a senior. He also became the second player in school history to surpass 6,000 career all-purpose yards, accumulating 6,380 yards throughout his tenure. Harris additionally recorded 102 kickoff returns for 2,374 yards, ranking second in school history for this achievement. His collegiate performance earned him significant recognition, including being named to the Conference USA first-team twice, winning the C-USA Special Teams Player of the Year in 2009, and securing the C-USA Most Valuable Player award in 2010. These achievements highlighted his versatility and impact on the field, paving the way for his professional career.

Harris was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his professional football career. Throughout his NFL career, he played for several teams, including the Dallas Cowboys (2011–2014), New York Giants (2015–2017), Oakland Raiders (2018–2019), Houston Texans (2020)*, and Chicago Bears (2020). He was notably recognized for his contributions on special teams and as a wide receiver. A significant career highlight includes his selection to the Pro Bowl in 2016, a testament to his high level of play. Harris also demonstrated his exceptional skills as a return specialist by recording a 99-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in Week 16 of the 2018 season, which stands as the second-longest punt return in NFL history. This play earned him recognition as the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. His impact as a kick and punt returner led to multiple NFC Special Teams Player of the Week awards and made him one of the most respected special teams players in the league. Harris’s career progression showcased his adaptability and consistent performance across various teams and roles, leaving a legacy as a specialist dedicated to his craft.