Walt Harris, a cornerback known for his agility and defensive prowess, played in the National Football League (NFL) for several teams over a career spanning more than a decade. Born on August 10, 1974, in LaGrange, Georgia, Harris honed his skills at Mississippi State University, where he played college football and developed into a standout defensive player. His performance in college caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft.
The Chicago Bears picked Harris as the 13th overall selection, marking the beginning of his professional journey. During his tenure with the Bears, Harris quickly established himself as a reliable cornerback. His rookie season was marked by a strong showing, as he started in all 16 games and recorded three interceptions. Over the next few years, Harris continued to be a mainstay in the Bears' defensive lineup, known for his ability to read the game and make crucial plays.
After six seasons with Chicago, Harris moved to the Indianapolis Colts in 2002. His time with the Colts was brief, lasting only one season, but he managed to contribute to the team's defensive efforts. The following year, Harris signed with the Washington Redskins, where he played for two seasons. His experience and skill added depth to the Redskins' secondary, and he continued to demonstrate his knack for intercepting passes and defending against some of the league's top receivers.
In 2006, Harris joined the San Francisco 49ers, a move that would see him enjoy some of the most productive years of his career. During his first season with the 49ers, Harris had a standout year, recording a career-high eight interceptions. This performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection, highlighting his status as one of the league's top cornerbacks at the time. Harris's ability to anticipate the quarterback's intentions and his quick reflexes made him a valuable asset to the 49ers' defense.
Harris continued to play for the 49ers until 2008, when his career was unfortunately cut short due to a knee injury. Despite the setback, his time in San Francisco solidified his reputation as a skilled and dependable cornerback. Over his NFL career, Harris amassed a total of 35 interceptions, showcasing his talent for disrupting opposing offenses.
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