On Friday, Ottawa Redblacks wide receiver R.J. Harris announced his retirement from professional football.
The 30-year-old from Würzburg, Germany, but grew up in Odenton, Maryland, caught 17 passes for 175 yards, three punt returns for 30 yards, and one missed field goal return for 16 yards in five games for the Redblacks in 2022.
“After over 20+ years I have finally came to the decision to step away from the game. From starting as a defensive end with the 1 bar face mask in youth league, to an 8-year professional career in both the NFL & CFL I can honestly say I lived my dream,” said Harris on his Instagram account. “It’s truly been a blessing and an honor to have had the opportunity to play at the highest level possible.”
Harris began his professional career signing with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He attended training camp before being released and later signed to the practice squad. Later, he was released by the Saints and signed with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad. After the 2015 season, Harris returned to New Orleans but was released following the end of training camp.
Then on February 1st, 2017, Harris made his way to Canada and signed with the Toronto Argonauts but was released three months later. Later, he signed with the B.C. Lions and played two preseason games making two catches for 47 yards and one touchdown. However, he was released after training camp. Shortly after, he signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers practice squad on June 21st, 2017, but was released nine days later.
On July 11th, 2017, Harris signed with the Ottawa Redblacks and spent the season on their practice squad. A year later, he was promoted to the active roster. In his rookie season, Harris caught 49 passes for 697 yards, two touchdowns, five kick returns for 104 yards, and six punt returns for 79 yards in 16 games.
Harris went on to play four seasons in Ottawa with 174 catches for 2,241 yards, four touchdowns, two carries for two yards, 12 kick returns for 190 yards, 19 punt returns for 183 yards, and two missed field goal returns for 39 yards in 49 games.
Collegiately, Harris played four seasons at New Hampshire (2011-14) with 310 catches for 4,328 yards, 36 touchdowns, 44 carries for 401 yards, four touchdowns, and 17 kick returns for 290 yards in 49 games for the Wildcats.
He is a two-time All-CAA First Team, College Sports Journal All-Freshman Team, All-CAA Second Team, ECAC D-I FCS All-Star, two-time All-New England Team, and All-America Honorable Mention for the College Sports Journal, Beyond Sports Network, and College Sporting News.
“To the Ottawa Redblacks. I can’t even put into words what you as an organization have done for my family and I. Accepted us as one of your own and genuinely cared and supported me & my family through the good, the bad, and ugly seasons,” said Harris.
“I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey in the least. To my teammates, coaches, trainers, front office personnel, and support staff I am forever endowed and grateful for all the relationships we built over 6 years. You all really helped shape me into the man and father I am today. For that, from the bottom of my heart I truly say, THANK YOU @cflredblacks!”
