Nick Harris

Nicholas John Harris (born July 23, 1978 in Avondale, Arizona) is an American football punter for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of California, Berkeley where he set the NCAA record for career punting yardage.

He has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions.

Early years

Harris attended Westview (Ariz.) High School where he earned National Coaches’ Association All-America honors as a senior with 42.3-yard punting average. He Also earned prep all-state honors as a linebacker and saw action on offense as a receiver and a rusher. He was also an All-state prep soccer player as well.

College

Harris played college football at the University of California, Berkeley, where he averaged 42.3 yards per punt, and his 13,621 total yards was an NCAA record. His 322 career punts is also an NCAA record. In 1999, as a Senior, he had a 44.7 yard average. In 2000, he was consensus All-American. He had Cal’s fastest 10-yard dash (1.77 seconds) and second-fastest 20-yard shuttle time (4.17). Harris graduated with a bachelor’s degree in American studies and later with a master’s degree in education.

Professional career

Denver Broncos

Harris was drafted in the 4th round by the Denver Broncos, where he was later waived.

Cincinnati Bengals

In 2001, the Bengals signed him off of waivers. He was released during the 2003 season.

Detroit Lions

The Lions signed Harris October 14, 2003 as a replacement for the injured John Jett and he established himself as the Lions punter for the remainder of the season. In 2005, he was named the Special Teams MVP by The Detroit Lions Quarterback Club, the official booster club of the Lions. On September 3, 2011, Harris was released by the Detroit Lions in favor for Ryan Donahue.

Jacksonville Jaguars

On October 11, 2011, he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Personal

Harris is married to his college sweetheart, Heather. They have four children: a son, Drew; a daughter, Halle; and twin daughters Brooke and Kate. He also has a twin brother, Chris. Harris has been involved in several of the Lions' charity programs and events.

Stats

2008 season

Overall