NFL and HBCU Legend James 'Shack' Harris Presented George Halas Trophy to Rams

Harris played for the Los Angeles Rams from 1973-76 seasons.  

The Buffalo Bills initially drafted Harris in the seventh round of the 1969 NFL Draft. He later became the first black quarterback to open a season as the starter for an NFL franchise with the Buffalo Bills.  

Marlin Briscoe of the Denver Broncos was the first black quarterback to start an NFL game.

Ironically in 1974, Harris won his debut game with the Rams and defeated the San Francisco 49ers, 37-14. He was voted to the 1974 Pro Bowl and earned MVP honors for that all-star game.

He played his collegiate football for Grambling State University and the legendary head coach Eddie Robinson from 1965-68.

Harris was a record-setting quarterback for the G-Men and won four SWAC titles under Coach Rob.

James "Shack" Harris became an astute talent evaluator and served as Director of Pro Personnel for Baltimore Ravens. His scouting and personnel moves helped the franchise win Super Bowl XXXV.  

Doug Williams and James "Shack" Harris are the co-founders of the Black College Football Hall of Fame and HBCU Legacy Bowl and Career Fair. The inaugural HBCU Legacy Bowl will take place on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 3 PM CT in Yulman Stadium on Tulane University's campus.