{{Short description|American football player (born 1990)}} {{for|other people with a similar name|Eric Harris (disambiguation)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}} {{Infobox NFL biography | name = Erik Harris | image = Erik Harris.JPG | caption = Harris with the Oakland Raiders in 2017 | current_team = | number = 41, 30, 25, 23, 35<ref name="Pfa">{{cite web | url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/players/h/harr05240.html#gsc.tab=0 | title=Erik Harris | publisher=Pro Football Archives | accessdate=11 April 2026}}</ref> | position = Safety | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1990|4|2}} | birth_place = Los Angeles, California, U.S. | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 2 | weight_lbs = 225 | high_school = New Oxford<br>(New Oxford, Pennsylvania) | college = California (PA) (2008–2011) | undraftedyear = 2012 | pastteams = * Hamilton Tiger-Cats ({{CFL Year|2013}}–{{CFL Year|2015}}) * New Orleans Saints ({{NFL Year|2016}}) * Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders ({{NFL Year|2017}}–{{NFL Year|2020}}) * Atlanta Falcons ({{NFL Year|2021}}–{{NFL Year|2022}}) * San Francisco 49ers ({{NFL Year|2023}}) | pastcoaching = * Gulf Breeze (FL) (2025–present) <br />Head coach | status = | statlabel1 = Total tackles | statvalue1 = 267 | statlabel2 = Forced fumbles | statvalue2 = 1 | statlabel3 = Fumble recoveries | statvalue3 = | statlabel4 = Pass deflections | statvalue4 = 28 | statlabel5 = Interceptions | statvalue5 = 5 | statlabel6 = Defensive touchdowns | statvalue6 = 2 | cfl-archive = https://web.archive.org/web/20151008022947/http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/5895 | pfr = HarrEr00 }} '''Erik Harris''' (born April 2, 1990) is an American former professional football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at California (PA). He was a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL, and the New Orleans Saints, Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, and San Francisco 49ers of the NFL. Harris is known for playing many positions, including free and strong safety, halfback (which has an entirely different meaning than the American football halfback), cornerback, weakside linebacker and strong-side linebacker.
==Early life== Harris was born in Los Angeles, California. When Harris was two months old, his parents separated and he moved to Baltimore with his mother. Harris and his mother moved to Pennsylvania when he was in the fifth grade. He attended New Oxford High School in New Oxford, Pennsylvania.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Erik Harris - 2011 Football |url=http://calvulcans.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1790 |access-date=August 8, 2014 |publisher=calvulcans.com}}</ref><ref name="A">{{Cite web |date=July 23, 2014 |title=A few minutes with Erik Harris |url=http://www.thespec.com/sports-story/4647088-a-few-minutes-with-erik-harris/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301034405/http://www.thespec.com/sports-story/4647088-a-few-minutes-with-erik-harris/ |archive-date=March 1, 2016 |access-date=February 5, 2016 |publisher=thespec.com}}</ref>
He attended California University of Pennsylvania, playing safety for the Division II California Vulcans football team.<ref name="Sun">{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Zach |date=February 3, 2016 |title=Former New Oxford star signs with NFL's Saints |url=http://www.eveningsun.com/story/sports/2016/02/03/former-new-oxford-star-signs-nfls-saints/79764290/ |access-date=April 22, 2016 |publisher=Hanover Evening Sun}}</ref> In four college seasons, he made 231 tackles on defense. He was a First-team All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) selection in 2010. He was a Second-team All-PSAC selection in 2011.<ref name=Ticats/>
==Professional career== ===Pre-draft=== Harris was rated the 90th best strong safety in the 2012 NFL draft by NFLDraftScout.com.<ref name="draft" /> Harris was not drafted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ex DII walk on worked at potato chip factory before Raiders |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/ex-dii-walk-on-worked-at-potato-chip-factory-before-raiders/ar-BBWtExr?ocid=spartandhp |access-date=November 9, 2019 |publisher=msn.com}}</ref>
{{NFL predraft | height ft = 6 | height in = 1 7/8 | weight = 226 | dash = 4.57 | ten split = 1.65 | twenty split = 2.70 | shuttle = 4.48 | cone drill = 6.96 | vertical = 31.5 | broad ft = 9 | broad in = 2 | bench = 23 | note = All values from California (PA) Pro Day<ref name="draft">{{Cite web |title=Erik Harris |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=121031&DraftYear=2012 |access-date=September 5, 2017 |website=DraftScout.com}}</ref> }}
===Hamilton Tiger-Cats=== Harris was signed by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on April 11, 2013.<ref name="Ticats">{{Cite web |date=April 11, 2013 |title=Ticats add five To defence |url=http://ticats.ca/article/ticats-add-five-to-defence |access-date=August 8, 2014 |publisher=ticats.ca }}{{Dead link|date=February 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> He played in 45 games for Hamilton, making 79 defensive tackles and 27 special teams tackles. He caught a touchdown on offense and recorded three interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 5, 2016 |title=Erik Harris CFL profile |url=https://www.cfl.ca/players/erik-harris/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205171009/http://www.cfl.ca/players/erik-harris/ |archive-date=February 5, 2016 |access-date=February 5, 2016 |publisher=CFL.ca}}</ref>
===New Orleans Saints=== On February 2, 2016, the New Orleans Saints signed Harris to a reserve/future contract after a recommendation by Delvin Breaux, who had played with him while on the Tiger-Cats. Harris agreed to a three-year, $1.62 million contract.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 2, 2016 |title=Saints Sign CFL Linebacker Erik Harris |url=http://neworleans.suntimes.com/new-orleans-saints/7/126/332607/saints-sign-cfl-linebacker-erik-harris |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203160403/http://neworleans.suntimes.com/new-orleans-saints/7/126/332607/saints-sign-cfl-linebacker-erik-harris |archive-date=February 3, 2016 |access-date=February 3, 2016 |publisher=neworleans.suntimes.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Triplett, Mike |date=February 3, 2016 |title=Saints sign Delvin Breaux's former CFL teammate, Erik Harris |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/20684/saints-sign-delvin-breauxs-former-cfl-teammate-erik-harris |access-date=December 14, 2016 |website=ESPN}}</ref> Joel Erickson of ''The Advocate'' noted that Harris was a CFL linebacker but that he had the ability to play as an NFL defensive back. After former Saints safety Rafael Bush signed with the Detroit Lions, New Orleans announced that Harris would play safety.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2016 |title=Saints deploying Erik Harris at safety |url=http://blogs.theadvocate.com/blackandgold/2016/03/14/saints-see-cfl-import-erik-harris-as-safety/ |access-date=March 18, 2016 |publisher=theadvocate.com |archive-date=March 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318170124/http://blogs.theadvocate.com/blackandgold/2016/03/14/saints-see-cfl-import-erik-harris-as-safety/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> On October 10, 2016, Harris sustained a torn ACL during practice and was placed on the injured reserve list October 13, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Katzenstein, Josh |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Saints S Erik Harris recovering from 'disappointing' season-ending knee injury |url=http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2016/10/saints_s_erik_harris_recoverin.html |website=NOLA.com}}</ref> He finished his rookie campaign with one solo tackle in four games.
Throughout training camp in 2017, Harris competed to be the starting free safety against Vonn Bell and Rafael Bush after the role was left vacant by the departure of Jairus Byrd.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saints Sign Rafael Bush |url=https://whodatdish.com/2017/03/30/saints-sign-rafael-bush/ |access-date=July 28, 2020 |website=whodatdish.com|date=March 30, 2017 }}</ref> On September 2, 2017, the New Orleans Saints waived Harris.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 2, 2017 |title=New Orleans Saints make 37 roster moves |url=http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-1/New-Orleans-Saints-make-37-roster-moves/772dc16b-7962-4363-b7a8-85db4dd37f90 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007170254/http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-1/New-Orleans-Saints-make-37-roster-moves/772dc16b-7962-4363-b7a8-85db4dd37f90 |archive-date=October 7, 2017 |website=NewOrleansSaints.com}}</ref>
===Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders=== ====2017 season==== On September 5, 2017, the Oakland Raiders signed Harris to a one-year, $630,000 contract.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2017 |title=Raiders Sign Harris, Woodson-Luster |url=http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Raiders-Sign-Harris-Woodson-Luster/2a074fd8-aacb-4bc5-8f11-33e73eec5f2c |website=Raiders.com}}</ref> Harris was initially signed to provide depth after rookie Obi Melifonwu was placed on injured reserve. Head coach Jack Del Rio named Harris the primary backup free safety, behind Karl Joseph, to start the 2017 regular season. Harris appeared in 15 games in 2017, primarily on special teams, and finished the season with five combined tackles (four solo).
====2018 season==== Harris entered training camp as a backup safety and competed to be a primary backup against Obi Melifonwu, Marcus Gilchrist, Shalom Luani, Dallin Leavitt and Tevin Mitchel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Jeff |date=August 3, 2018 |title=Report: Raiders S Erik Harris undergoes surgery on finger |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/oakland-raiders/Article/Raiders-S-Erik-Harris-undergoes-surgery-on-fractured-finger-per-report-120355650/ |access-date=July 28, 2020 |website=247sports.com}}{{dead link|date=April 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Head coach Jon Gruden names Harris the primary backup strong safety, behind Karl Joseph, to begin the 2018 NFL season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 4, 2018 |title=Raiders announce their official depth chart for the 2018 season |url=https://raiderswire.usatoday.com/2018/09/04/raiders-announce-their-official-depth-chart-for-the-2018-season/ |access-date=July 28, 2020 |website=raiderswire.usatoday.com}}</ref> On October 28, 2018, Harris earned his first career start and recorded a season-high six solo tackles during a 42–28 loss against the Indianapolis Colts. In Week 14, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles (four solo) as the Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24–21. On December 16, 2018, Harris recorded three solo tackles, deflected two passes, and made his first career interception during a 30–16 loss at the Cincinnati Bengals. Harris made his first career interception off a pass by Bengals' quarterback Jeff Driskel, that was originally intended for John Ross.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Cincinnati Bengals - December 16th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201812160cin.htm |access-date=July 28, 2020 |website=pro-football-reference.com}}</ref> Harris made 49 combined tackles (36 solo), seven pass deflections, and two interceptions in 16 games and four starts.
====2019 season==== On March 8, 2019, the Raiders signed Harris to a two-year, $5 million contract that included $1.07 million guaranteed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gantt, Darin |date=March 8, 2019 |title=Raiders extend safety Erik Harris |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/03/08/raiders-extend-safety-erik-harris/ |website=Pro Football Talk |publisher=NBC Sports}}</ref> Harris entered training camp slated as a backup safety after the Raiders drafted Johnathan Abram in the first round. Head coach Jon Gruden retained Harris as the primary backup strong safety, behind Karl Joseph, to start the season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2019 |title=Raiders Depth Chart 2019: Oakland's passing game could change with potential Antonio Brown suspension looming |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/raiders-depth-chart-2019-oaklands-passing-game-could-change-with-potential-antonio-brown-suspension-looming/ |access-date=July 28, 2020 |website=cbssports.com}}</ref>
Harris became the starting free safety in Week 2 after Johnathan Abram was placed on injured reserve after tearing his rotator cuff during the Raiders' season-opening 24–16 victory against the Denver Broncos.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schrock |first=Josh |date=November 7, 2019 |title=Erik Harris' Two-Interception Night Sparks Raiders' Win Vs. Chargers |url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/erik_harris__two-interception_night_sparks_raiders__win_vs__chargers_bay/2085669/ |access-date=July 28, 2020 |website=nbcbayarea.com}}</ref> In Week 2, Harris earned his first career start and recorded two solo tackles during a 28–10 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. On September 29, 2019, Harris made seven combined tackles (six solo), a pass deflection, and returned his first career interception for a touchdown during a 31–24 win at the Colts. Harris intercepted a pass attempt by Jacoby Brissett, that was intended for wide receiver Zach Pascal, and returned it for a 30-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter. <ref>{{Cite web |date=September 29, 2019 |title=Raiders use fast start, interception return to beat Colts |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128030 |access-date=September 29, 2019 |website=ESPN}}</ref> On November 7, 2019, Harris made one tackle and intercepted two passes by Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers during a 26–24 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers on ''Thursday Night Football''. Harris intercepted a pass that was intended for tight end Hunter Henry for a 56-yard touchdown during the first quarter.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 7, 2019 |title=Raiders rally to beat Chargers 26-24 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127907 |access-date=November 7, 2019 |website=ESPN}}</ref> He finished the 2019 NFL season with 68 combined tackles (59 solo), eight pass deflections, three interceptions, and two touchdowns in 16 games and 14 starts.
====2020 season==== Harris was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Raiders on December 21, 2020,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Simmons, Myles |date=December 21, 2020 |title=Raiders place Erik Harris on COVID-19 list |work=NBCSports.com |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/12/21/raiders-place-erik-harris-on-covid-19-list/ |access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref> and activated on January 1, 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Simmons, Myles |date=January 1, 2021 |title=Raiders activate Erik Harris off COVID-19 list |work=NBCSports.com |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/01/01/raiders-activate-erik-harris-off-covid-19-list/ |access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref>
===Atlanta Falcons=== [[File:Washington Football Team at Atlanta Falcons (3 October 2021) JMG 4221 1 (51555503980).jpg|thumb|right|225px|Harris covering Washington Football Team wide receiver, Terry McLaurin, in 2021.]] On March 19, 2021, Harris signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2021 |title=Falcons Sign LB Brandon Copeland and S Erik Harris |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-sign-lb-brandon-copeland-and-s-erik-harris |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}}</ref> He entered the 2021 season as the Falcons' starting free safety. Harris suffered a torn pectoral in Week 14 and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. He finished the season with 64 tackles and eight passes defensed through 12 starts.
On March 25, 2022, Harris re-signed with the Falcons on a one-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|title=Falcons re-sign safety Erik Harris to one-year contract|url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-re-sign-safety-erik-harris-to-one-year-contract|author=Blair, Scott|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|date=March 25, 2022}}</ref>
===San Francisco 49ers=== On November 28, 2023, Harris was signed to the practice squad of the San Francisco 49ers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=49ers Sign Cornerback and Safety to Practice Squads|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-sign-cornerback-safety-practice-squad-kemon-hall-erik-harris|website=49ers.com|date=November 28, 2023|access-date=December 1, 2023}}</ref> He signed a reserve/future contract with San Francisco on February 13, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|title=San Francisco 49ers Sign Nine Free Agents|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/san-francisco-49ers-sign-nine-free-agents-gutierrez-robinson-hawkins|website=49ers.com|date=February 13, 2024|access-date=February 13, 2024}}</ref> He was released by the 49ers on August 7.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 7, 2024 |title=49ers Sign a Wide Receiver and Running Back, Release a Safety and More |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-sign-a-wide-receiver-and-running-back-release-a-safety-and-more |access-date=2025-07-27 |website=49ers.com}}</ref>
==Coaching career== On June 30, 2025, Harris was hired to serve as the head football coach at Gulf Breeze High School in Gulf Breeze, Florida.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Former NFL Veteran, Erik Harris, Is Named As The New Head Football Coach At Gulf Breeze|url=https://www.si.com/high-school/florida/former-nfl-veteran-erik-harris-is-named-as-the-new-head-football-coach-at-gulf-breeze-01jz0ze70m4d|access-date=November 22, 2025|website=si.com|language=en}}</ref>
==NFL career statistics== {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" ! colspan="2"| Legend |- | '''Bold''' | Career high |}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- !rowspan="2"| Year !rowspan="2"| Team !colspan="2"| Games !colspan="5"| Tackles !colspan="5"| Interceptions !colspan="4"| Fumbles |- ! GP !! GS !! Cmb !! Solo !! Ast !! Sck !! TFL !! Int !! Yds !! TD !! Lng !! PD !! FF !! FR !! Yds !! TD |- ! 2016 !! NOR | 4 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2017 !! OAK | 15 || 0 || 5 || 4 || 1 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2018 !! OAK | '''16''' || 4 || 49 || 36 || 13 || 0.0 || 2 || 2 || 22 || 0 || 21 || 7 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2019 !! OAK | '''16''' || '''14''' || '''74''' || '''64''' || 10 || 0.0 || 1 || '''3''' || '''145''' || '''2''' || '''59''' || '''8''' || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2020 !! LVR | 14 || 12 || 61 || 44 || 17 || 0.0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 5 || '''1''' || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2021 !! ATL | 12 || 12 || 64 || 46 || '''18''' || '''0.5''' || '''3''' || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || '''8''' || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2022 !! ATL | 14 || 1 || 13 || 7 || 6 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! 2023 !! SFO | 3 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- ! colspan="2"| !! 94 !! 43 !! 267 !! 202 !! 65 !! 0.5 !! 7 !! 5 !! 167 !! 2 !! 59 !! 28 !! 1 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 |}
==Personal life== Harris is married to Theresa Harris, whom he met in New Oxford High School. They have four children: Ellis, Esme, and twin sons, Isaiah and Elijah, who were born in the summer of 2013. As of July 2025 he is the head coach for the Gulf Breeze High School football team in Gulf Breeze Florida.<ref name="A" />
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{commons}} *[http://www.justsportsstats.com/footballstatsindex.php?player_id=harrieri003 Stats Crew profile] *[http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=121031&draftyear=2012&genpos=SS NFL Draft Scout] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20140809065113/http://www.ticats.ca/roster/show/id/5895 Hamilton Tiger-Cats profile]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Harris, Erik}} Category:Living people Category:1990 births Category:Sportspeople from Adams County, Pennsylvania Category:Players of American football from Adams County, Pennsylvania Category:Players of American football from Los Angeles Category:American football defensive backs Category:Canadian football defensive backs Category:California Vulcans football players Category:Hamilton Tiger-Cats players Category:Atlanta Falcons players Category:New Orleans Saints players Category:Las Vegas Raiders players Category:Oakland Raiders players Category:San Francisco 49ers players Category:Players of Canadian football from Los Angeles