Dwayne Harris, an American football wide receiver and return specialist, made his entry into the National Football League (NFL) when he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Born on September 16, 1987, in Atlanta, Georgia, Harris attended East Carolina University, where he played college football and developed his skills as a wide receiver and return specialist.
During his time with the Dallas Cowboys, Harris quickly became known for his abilities on special teams. His rookie season saw limited action, but he gradually earned more opportunities to showcase his talents. In the 2012 season, Harris began to make a name for himself as a reliable return man. He returned a punt for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles, which was a highlight of his early career. His performance on special teams was instrumental in helping the Cowboys secure field position advantages.
Harris continued to excel in the return game over the next few seasons. In 2013, he was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week twice, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic return specialist. His contributions were not limited to special teams, as he also provided depth as a wide receiver, contributing in various offensive plays when called upon.
In 2015, Harris signed with the New York Giants, where he continued to demonstrate his prowess in the return game. During his tenure with the Giants, he returned a kickoff for a 100-yard touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys, his former team, which was a standout moment in his career. Harris's ability to change the momentum of a game with his returns made him a valuable asset to the Giants' special teams unit.
Harris's career with the Giants was marked by consistent performances, but injuries began to take a toll. Despite these challenges, he remained a respected figure in the locker room and a player who could be counted on to deliver when needed. His time with the Giants came to an end after the 2017 season.
In 2018, Harris joined the Oakland Raiders, where he continued to contribute as a return specialist. One of the memorable moments during his stint with the Raiders was a 99-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos, which was the longest punt return in franchise history. This achievement underscored Harris's enduring ability to make game-changing plays on special teams.
Harris's tenure with the Raiders was followed by a brief period with the Chicago Bears in 2020. Although his time with the Bears was short-lived, he continued to bring his experience and skills to the field, contributing to the team's special teams efforts.
Throughout his NFL career, Dwayne Harris was recognized for his speed, agility, and ability to read the field, which made him a constant threat in the return game.
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