Cliff Harris

Cliff Harris
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Name	Cliff Harris
Number	43
Position	Safety
Birth date	July 12, 1948
Birth place	Fayetteville, Arkansas, U.S.
Height in	11
Weight lb	190
College	Ouachita Baptist University
Draftedyear	1970
Pastteams	Dallas Cowboys (1970–1979)
Highlights	Pro Football Hall of Fame (2020), 6× Pro Bowl (1973–1978), 4× All-Pro (1974–1977)
Statlabel1	Interceptions
Statvalue1	29
Statlabel2	Fumble recoveries
Statvalue2	13
Statlabel3	Games played
Statvalue3	134

Cliff Harris

Cliff Harris was an American professional football player who starred as a safety for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League from 1970 through 1979. A six-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Harris was noted for his role in multiple Super Bowl appearances and for helping define the modern free safety role alongside teammates such as Mel Renfro and Randy White. He rose from a small-college background at Ouachita Baptist University to become a central figure on one of the NFL's most prominent franchises during the 1970s.

Early life and education

Harris was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas and raised in Hempstead County, Arkansas where he attended Blevins High School and played high school football alongside other regional athletes. After graduating, he enrolled at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, a liberal arts institution affiliated with the Baptist Convention of the state, where he competed for the Ouachita Tigers in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and developed skills that attracted attention from professional scouts. His small-college pedigree mirrored other notable players from lesser-known programs who later impacted the NFL, such as Walter Payton from Jackson State University and Jerry Rice from Mississippi Valley State University.

College career

At Ouachita Baptist University, Harris excelled as a defensive back and return specialist, earning regional honors and setting school records in interceptions and punt returns. Competing against teams from conferences like the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference, he showcased the range and instincts later identified by Tom Landry, the defensive-minded head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Harris's college performance, though at an NAIA level, attracted attention during NFL tryouts and preseason camps; his ascent paralleled other undrafted standouts such as Kellen Winslow and Warren Moon who also overcame initial scouting doubts to achieve pro success.

Professional career

Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys in 1970, Harris quickly secured a starting role in the Cowboys' secondary under defensive coordinators including Ernesto "Ernie" Zampese and strategic input from coach Tom Landry. He played in 134 games, recorded 29 interceptions and contributed to four Super Bowl appearances—Super Bowl V, Super Bowl VI, Super Bowl X, and Super Bowl XII—with two championship victories. Harris was instrumental in the Cowboys' famed "Doomsday Defense" rotation with linemen like Bob Lilly, linebackers such as Lee Roy Jordan, and fellow defensive backs like Charlie Waters. Noted for his ball-hawking instincts and intellectual approach to reading offenses, he earned six consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1973 to 1978 and multiple All-Pro honors. His career was curtailed by injuries in the late 1970s, and he retired after the 1979 season, leaving a legacy as one of the era's premier safeties.

Playing style and legacy

Harris combined anticipation, agility, and tackling technique to excel as a free safety in Tom Landry's flexible defensive schemes. He often lined up deep to prevent long completions, displayed a knack for timely interceptions, and provided run support that complemented the physical play of teammates such as Randy White and Ed "Too Tall" Jones. Analysts compared his cerebral play to contemporaries like Lester Hayes and Ken Houston, while teammates praised his preparation and film study reminiscent of other meticulous defenders, including Mel Renfro. Harris's impact is cited in discussions of safety play evolution that led to the hybrid coverage roles later embodied by players such as Ed Reed and Brian Dawkins. He is frequently included in retrospective rankings of the greatest safeties in NFL history and is honored by the Cowboys' alumni community and fan organizations.

Honors and awards

Harris's accolades include six Pro Bowl selections (1973–1978) and multiple All-Pro nods (1974–1977). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, joining other Cowboys legends like Roger Staubach and Bob Lilly. Harris is also a member of the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor and has been recognized by the Texas Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions to the franchise and to football in the region. Various publications and analyst panels have included him on all-time teams and anniversary lists honoring the best players of the 1970s era.

Personal life and post-football activities

After retiring, Harris remained involved with the Dallas community and Cowboys alumni events, participating in charity initiatives tied to organizations such as the United Way and local youth sports programs. He has worked in the private sector and appeared in media coverage about historic Cowboys teams alongside former players like Tony Dorsett and Emmitt Smith. Harris's off-field interests have included mentoring younger athletes and contributing to discussions about player safety and the historical preservation of the NFL's 1970s era. He maintains a presence in gatherings that celebrate Cowboys history and NFL milestones.

Category:1948 births Category:Living people Category:Dallas Cowboys players Category:Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees Category:American football safeties