The NFL Nov 10, 2024; Munich, Germany; The NFL shield logo at midfield during the 2024 NFL Munich Game at Allianz Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Even as the league takes stride after stride to increase player safety, the NFL is known as one of the most violent sports in the world. However, it’s also a community where lasting relationships are forged between players, coaches, and fans.

That’s why it’s always sad when we have to say goodbye to one of our own. Unfortunately, that’s what happened on Tuesday.

According to Pro Football Talk, Chick Harris, who was in the NFL for 33 years as an assistant coach, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 79.

Harris started coaching at Colorado State in 1970. He would then go on to Long Beach State and finally, the University of Washington, where he was staffed for two Rose Bowl Champion Huskies’ teams.

Harris got his break in the NFL from Chuck Nox, who hired him while he was with the Buffalo Bills. Harris stood by Knox’s side for more than 14 seasons. After their stint in Buffalo, the pair went to work for the Seattle Seahawks and St Louis Rams.

With the Rams, Harris served one season as the Rams’ offensive coordinator.

Harris was on the Carolina Panthers staff for their inaugural season in 1995 and followed Panthers head coach Dom Capers to the Houston Texans in 2002. Harris finished his career in Houston in 2014.

Hopefully, Harris’ friends and loved ones are given as much time as they need to deal with the tragic news.

About Qwame Skinner

Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.