Early years

Harris attended Dollarway High School. He accepted a scholarship from the University of Louisiana-Monroe, where he played as a wide receiver and tight end. He was a part of the 1987 NCAA Division I-AA championship team.

Professional career

Green Bay Packers

Harris was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round (102nd overall) of the 1990 NFL Draft. In 1992, he became a full-time starter until the seventh game of the season and still registered 55 receptions. The next year despite missing 4 games, he tallied 42 receptions, finishing second on the team in receiving behind Sterling Sharpe for the second year in a row.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On June 22, 1994, Harris signed a 4-year, $7.6 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a restricted free agent, becoming the NFL's highest-paid tight end by annual average salary. Although the Packers had the option, they eventually decided not to match the offer.

In his first season, injuries limited to only 9 games. In 1995, he would have a career year with 62 receptions for 751 yards. After Tony Dungy became the team's head coach, he installed a run-oriented offense and his production declined over the next two years.

Tennessee Oilers / Titans

On March 11, 1998, he signed as a free agent with the Tennessee Oilers. In 1999, the Titans made it to Super Bowl XXXIV, in which Harris started, although they would lose to the Kurt Warner-led St. Louis Rams.

Dallas Cowboys

Harris signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent on March 17, 2000. He was given Michael Irvin old number #88.

Although he was just expected to replace backup Eric Bjornson and complement tight end David LaFleur, after wide receivers Joey Galloway and Raghib Ismail were lost for the season, Harris became an integral part of the offense, lining up at different positions, while finishing first on the team in touchdown catches (5), second in receptions (39) and third in receiving yards (306). In 2001, LaFleur was waived injured and he became the team's starter at tight end.

After completing two years of a four-year contract, Harris was released by the team on February 28, 2002 to "create salary cap room". This effectively ended his NFL career.

Personal life

In October 1996, Harris purchased KPBA (1270 AM), a Christian radio station operated by a local Baptist church. By 1999, he would expand his media holdings to three radio stations, all playing a Christian radio format.

In June 2001, Jackie Harris and his wife Letrece were honored for their "commitment to downtown Pine Bluff" as Small Business Persons of the Year by the Greater Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]