Cliff Harris

Clifford Allen Harris, born November 12, 1948, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, was an American professional football player who played safety for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League for ten seasons. He began his football career as a backup quarterback at Hot Springs High School before transferring to Des Arc High School for his senior season. Harris was offered a scholarship only to Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, after his father's college roommate persuaded head coach Buddy Benson to extend the offer; his father, O.J. "Buddy" Harris, had also played football for the school. In college, Harris developed into an accomplished defensive back, playing all of the secondary positions and serving as a quality kick returner. He was named to two All-Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference teams and was part of the 1966 AIC Football Championship team during his freshman season. He also competed in track and field and graduated with a double major that included mathematics. With the Cowboys, Harris appeared in five Super Bowls and was selected to six consecutive Pro Bowls. He retired from football at the age of 31 to focus on his work in the oil business. Harris was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.