Rams Iconic with James Harris: The Trailblazing Journey of a Legendary Quarterback

TLDRJames Harris, the first black quarterback to start and win an NFL playoff game, recounts his journey from turning down a scholarship offer to switching positions to becoming a trailblazer in the league. He shares how Coach Eddie Robinson at Grambling State University played a pivotal role in his decision to pursue his dream of playing quarterback. After being drafted by the Buffalo Bills and facing challenges, Harris eventually found success when he joined the Los Angeles Rams and became the starting quarterback in 1974.

Key insights

🏈James Harris turned down a scholarship offer to switch positions and pursued his dream of becoming a quarterback.

🏆Harris became the first black quarterback to start and win an NFL playoff game.

💪Coach Eddie Robinson at Grambling State University had a significant influence on Harris's decision to stay committed to playing quarterback.

🔀Harris faced challenges and uncertainty during the draft process, but persevered and eventually signed with the Buffalo Bills as a seventh-round pick.

✨Harris found success when he joined the Los Angeles Rams and became the starting quarterback in 1974.

Q&A

Why did James Harris turn down a scholarship offer?

—Harris turned down a scholarship offer because he wanted to pursue his dream of playing quarterback and that position was being changed for him at Michigan State University.

Who was Coach Eddie Robinson?

—Coach Eddie Robinson was the legendary football coach at Grambling State University who played a pivotal role in Harris's journey as a quarterback.

What challenges did James Harris face during the NFL draft process?

—Harris faced challenges during the draft process, including being passed over in the early rounds and the uncertainty of being selected as a quarterback.

When did James Harris become the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams?

—James Harris became the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams in 1974.

What was James Harris's impact as a trailblazing quarterback in the NFL?

—James Harris made history as the first black quarterback to start and win an NFL playoff game, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of black quarterbacks.

Timestamped Summary

00:07James Harris, the first black quarterback to start and win an NFL playoff game, joins Rams iconic.

03:45Harris discusses his decision to turn down a scholarship offer and pursue his dream of playing quarterback.

08:10Coach Eddie Robinson's influence on Harris's decision to stay committed to playing quarterback.

09:58Harris's experience during the NFL draft process and his eventual signing with the Buffalo Bills.

12:10Harris's journey to becoming the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams in 1974.

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