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Earlier this week, the Broncos’ Chris Harris Jr. got some great and well earned news: he’ll be joining a host of other Jayhawks greats in his alma mater’s ring of fame.
In 2007, Harris stepped in as a Freshman and immediately became an important part the Jayhawks’ best team in 40 years. He produced 41 solo tackles, 24 assists, and 2 interceptions to help his team surge to a 12-1 record and an Orange Bowl victory over Virginia Tech.
One of the best phone calls I’ve had the honor of making in my life—Congrats to Todd, along with Chris and Larry—in going into the Ring of Honor!! #RockChalk pic.twitter.com/cU5b21nUz5
— David Beaty (@beaty_david) July 9, 2018
Four of his teammates departed for the NFL after that season, including fellow future Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib. And while the Jayhawks began to fall off as talented players moved on, Harris continued to grow into his role as a defensive playmaker for the team.
The Ring of Honor is adding some familiar names!!
— Kansas Football (@KU_Football) July 9, 2018
Harris Jr. Reesing. Brown.
Adding to the Ring of Honor in 2018: https://t.co/zSwG8WUyY0 pic.twitter.com/9LX41uQXlR
After four seasons and 50 games of delivering consistent performance, Harris turned his attention to the NFL... and promptly got snubbed. His name was never called in the 2011 NFL Draft. But John Elway called with the offer of a chance to prove everyone wrong. And three Pro Bowls, an All Pro nod, two Super Bowl appearances, and Super Bowl 50 victory later, Chris Harris has certainly done that. One of the Jayhawks’ best has become one of the Broncos’ and the NFL’s best.
Harris will reap additional awards from those organizations in due time. I can guarantee you here and now that he’ll take his well-earned place in the Broncos’ Ring of Fame someday. But for now, the opportunity to recognize his achievements belongs to the only other team whose uniform he’s worn in the last 11 years: the KU Jayhawks.
— Kansas Football (@KU_Football) July 9, 2018
The face @ChrisHarrisJr made when he found out he was going in the Ring of Honor pic.twitter.com/B6gNPiFuJ5
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