Al Harris retired as a Green Bay Packer after playing seven seasons with the team.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Al Harris gave it all he could and he knew that when it came time for him to hang it up, he would retire officially as a Green Bay Packer.

Whether there is an official date and ceremony to formally commemorate that acknowledgement doesn’t matter to him, he’s just glad he made the formal request with the franchise.

It’s been almost 3.5 years since Harris played his final game with the Packers – Nov. 22, 2009 – a freakish incident when his knee buckled in the south end zone at Lambeau Field. He would never play another down with the Packers, though he fought through a brutal rehab that offseason. Though he missed playing in 2010, the Packers recognized his many years of contributions by presenting him with a Super Bowl ring.

Distinguishable by his dreads, Al Harris endeared himself to Packers fans for his tough, physical play.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Today during a teleconference with Wisconsin reporters, Harris, who is now coaching the defensive backfield with the Kansas City Chiefs, said that his experience in Green Bay was special:

“It was (just) important for me to retire as a Packer. Just over my career I had an awesome time, but the better part of my years were in Green Bay … it was just important to me to retire as a Packer. I had a great experience in Philadelphia, great experience in Tampa and everywhere else I played, but Green Bay is a special place to play football.”

And play he did in Green Bay.

His physical style and confidence endured him to Packers fans throughout his time in Green Bay.

During his seven years with the Packers, Harris started 102 games, had four sacks, 14 interceptions, which he returned for 233 yards and two touchdowns. He had 87 passes defensed and two forced fumbles. He also had 269 tackles and 31 assists.

In all, he played 14 seasons in the league after being selected in the sixth round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Being drafted out of Texas A&M-Kingsville, Harris spent the first season of his career on Tampa Bay’s practice squad, before heading to the Philadelphia Eagles for five successful seasons. He was traded to the Packers in 2003.

He didn’t miss a game with the Packers for the next six years until he ruptured his spleen in 2008 and then suffered that serious knee injury that fateful November day in 2009.

In fact, it was the injuries late in his career that finally caught up with him.

“I knew I was on the clock. Your body can only take so much. I pushed it to the limit for so long and I was so fortunate and blessed not to miss a game. I looked at it as God telling me, ‘OK, it’s time to turn the page.’ I didn’t have any problems struggling to say, ‘Do I want to play?’ I knew exactly what I wanted to do, and that’s the path I went with.”

Though he did go on to play with the Miami Dolphins and the St. Louis Rams, he knew it was time when he when he suffered a another torn ACL, the second tim time in his right knee.

Getting into coaching was something Harris knew he wanted to do. He had spent time helping to coach his son, Al Jr., and then interned with the Miami Dolphins before finally catching on with the Chiefs this spring after they hired Andy Reid, Harris’s head coach in Philly.

“This [coaching] is what I know, and this is what I have a passion for. I didn’t want to wait around, I wanted to jump right into it. I thank [Miami head coach] Joe Philbin for giving me a shot to intern last year with them to really see if it was what I wanted to do. And I think he saw and everybody else saw that this is what I really wanted to do.

Al Harris was a leader on the Packers defense for seven years.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

“I reached out to Andy [Reid], I called to congratulate him, and I kind of let him know what I was thinking. He let me know what he was thinking and we went from there.”

So, Al Harris moves on with this new phase of his life with new enthusiasm and the knowledge that he will be forever known as a champion in Green Bay.

He always gave everything he could while on the field. In fact, he said that it was his efforts that endeared him to fans across the league, especially the Packers fans he enjoyed so much.

Here’s a quote you will love:

“The one thing you don’t want to do is you don’t want to leave the game and think that you still had something left in the tank. When you’ve emptied your tank, you’re at peace with yourself. I emptied my tank.”

Thanks, Al. We know it … and we appreciate it.

Al Harris had his way with Michael Crabtree in the Niners’ rookie season.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The news this afternoon that former Green Bay Packer Al Harris has formerly asked the Packers franchise that he wishes to retire with the team isn’t surprising, considering what he gave the team over the years and how fans feel about his time with the team.

Here’s how Packers.com made the announcement this afternoon:

Former CB Al Harris has informed the club of his decision to retire with the #Packers: pckrs.com/s5fp

Al Harris

The Packers’ aggressive and tough-as-nails cornerback, who is best known for his pick-six against the Seattle Seahawks in the famous January 2004 “we want the ball and we’re going to score” playoff game, helped lead a defensive backfield through the mid-2000s that had many highs and lows – but mostly games where the Packers disrupted the flow of opposing defenses.

What can one say about Harris – there are many good things one can point to, but personally I have to remember his last game as a Packer in 2009 against the San Francisco 49ers. I was there within feet and taking pictures from the sidelines. I made a point to focus in on Harris in that game for one reason – he was matched up for most of it with a rookie who had just joined the Niners after a holdout – a kid by the name of Michael Crabtree.

What I found amazing was Harris’s intent to welcome the rookie to the NFL – indeed he did. Harris showed no mercy at the line of scrimmage with a barrage of beatings that left Crabtree frustrated and off his game. That was Harris’s mode of operation and he was one of the best at it.

Sure, he got schooled a few times during his career – who can forget the playoff game against the Giants in 2007 when Plaxico Burress ran by, around, and through him? But by and far he had many more days that he won the battle than those where he lost.

According to Packers.com:

Al Harris moves in on a tackle of the Bears’ Matt Forte.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Harris set the Packers’ single-season record for passes defensed (tracked since 1982) with 28 in 2004, and posted 14 interceptions and 108 passes defensed during his time in Green Bay. He missed the first four games of his career in 2008 (lacerated spleen) after playing in 175 consecutive contests (163 in the regular season, 12 in the postseason). Harris also played five seasons with Philadelphia (1998-2002), one with Miami (2010) and one with St. Louis (2011).

In 7 years with the Packers, Harris started 102 games, had four sacks, 14 interceptions, which he returned for 233 yards and two touchdowns. He had 87 passes defensed and two forced fumbles. He also had 269 tackles and 31 assists.

Al Harris was not happy to have to sit out a game.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

He was the consummate Packer – understood the Packers Way and lived it. That’s why he’s coming back to retire as a Packer. He knows what it means to him as a person and what it means to us as fans.

Thanks again, Al. Welcome back. You will always be with us.

Here’s his all-time statistics:

Here’s the play we all remember:

Though New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton wasn't directly involved in the bounty scheme, he didn't stop it when he learned about it. Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

Today’s news that the New Orleans Saints players and coaches were involved in a bounty payoff system in which money was pooled and exchanged for various on field actions is disturbing … especially in light of the fact that defensive coordinator Greg Williams and head coach Sean Payton were nearly hired by the Green Bay Packers before they took over in New Orleans.

While bounties are hardly something that’s not been a part of football over the past century, today’s announcement by the league is the first such case in recent memory. Given the incredible amounts of money paid to these athletes, it’s unusual to see this type of behavior occurring in the NFL.

According to published reports, Williams is said to have helped manage the scheme and that while he wasn’t directly involved, Payton didn’t stop the action when he was told about it. Williams was a finalist for the Packers’ defensive coordinator’s job a few years back before Green Bay hired Dom Capers and Payton is known for saying he really, really wanted the Green Bay head coaching job before the Packers hired Coach Mike McCarthy.

What will happen with the Saints is not known, but the league clearly has its sights on some sort of punitive action.

League commissioner Roger Goodell will determine the appropriate punishment.

He had this to say today:

Al Harris spent 8 years with the Packers.

One of toughest players ever to don a Green Bay Packers uniform has called it quits.

Al Harris, the Packers cornerback who beat up receivers for eight years while in Green Bay, was injured in November while playing with the St. Lois Rams against the Cleveland Browns.

The Rams announced today that Harris would be retiring because of the injury. Harris confirmed that announcement when talking to the press.

“That’s just God’s way of telling me it’s time for me to turn the page,” Harris said. “I had an awesome time. I thank God for Spags giving me the opportunity to come out and I hope I left a positive impression on everybody.”

Harris had 12 tackles in nine games for the Rams this season. For his career, Harris played in 194 games and picked off 21 passes.

Harris was named second team All-Pro in 2007 and made the Pro Bowl in 2007 and 2008 while with the Packers.

He played for Green Bay from 2003-10, but was cut last November after coming off the PUP list.

He came to Green Bay from the Eagles, but also played for the Buccaneers and Dolphins.

In addition to teaming at cornerback with the likes of Mike McKenzie and Charles Woodson, Harris was known for his aggressive style, his ability to jam receivers at the line and play bump and run.

For several years, he was generally assigned to cover the opposing team’s best receiver and had many memorable games.

Probably his worst performance came in the NFC Championship against the Giants in 2007 when he was scorched by Plaxico Burress in the overtime loss.

His most memorable game also came in a playoff game. It was his pick-six off quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in the famous “we want the ball and we’re gonna score” game against the Seahawks that cemented him in Packers lore and helped make him one of the most popular players of that era.

With his flowing dreads and his flashing smile, Harris was always a positive influence in the locker room and among the public.

A class act, Harris was thought of so highly among the Packers coaches and administrators that they presented him with a Super Bowl ring last spring.

Another Al Harris may not come along in quite some time. He will be missed but has also left us with many memories.

Thanks, Al

Jordy Nelson led the Packers with 104 yards, 93 of which came on a single touchdown reception. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The Packers turned in an painfully boring 24-3 win over the St. Louis Rams today where probably the most excitement came when AJ Hawk jumped up from a sack and extended his middle finger toward the Packers bench.

Odd situation which most likely will be one of the first questions asked about

More on that in a later post.

In fact, the biggest news came out of Detroit just after the Packers had sewn up their win … the 49ers did the Packers a huge favor by knocking off the Lions 25-19, propelling the Packers into sole possession of the NFC North and left them as the only unbeaten team in the league.

That all came after the Packers had long left the field and had taken their showers.

But it helped put an exclamation point another solid day for both the Packers’ offense and defense.

Again the Packers defense was gashed early, bending but not breaking. The defense continually stiffened when the Rams ventured into Packers territory with a mix of a solid running game and a proficient passing effort by Sam Bradford.

The play of the game came when  Jordy Nelson beat former Packers cornerback Al Harris down the left sideline, juked the safety, and ran 93 yards for a touchdown.

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Al Harris always came ready to play when he manned the corner for the Packers. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Al Harris, Brady Poppinga and Josh Gordy will all get the man hugs, fist bumps, high fives and smiles from their former Green Bay Packers teammates today prior to the Packers and St. Louis Rams, but after that it’s time to play ball.

Harris, the most popular of the former three Packers, will probably get the most welcomed greeting from Packers fans, but Poppinga also had several successful years with the team. Both won Super Bowl rings with the team last year.

“I spent eight years there,” Harris to the the St. Louis Post-Dispatch earlier this week. “Had a great time. A lot of snaps. But today is today, and we’ve got to prepare like that.”

Harris gets a shot at his old team today, as will Poppinga, who is a starting linebacker for the Rams. Harris gets on the field because of devastating injuries in the Rams’ defensive backfield.
Harris was cut in the middle of last season after coming off the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. He spent some time with the Miami Dolphins, was injured again and signed on with the Rams this past spring. (more…)

Justin Stine of Ramblin' Fan talks about the St. Louis Rams and their chances against the Packers on Sunday.

Justin Stine, the editor of the  St. Louis Rams’ Fansided page Ramblin’ Fan, took time out of his busy schedule to sit down and answers questions presented him by Lombardiave.com. He provides an interesting look at this Sunday’s match-up between the Packers and Rams.

Our Q&A is documented as follows:

1. The Rams have to be one of the biggest disappointments so far this season after nearly making the playoffs last year. Can you pinpoint any particular reasons why the Rams have risen so quickly and fallen nearly as fast?

Honestly, we are scratching our heads here about why the Rams have been so bad. Injuries has been a big part of it on defense, but the offensive line has been an absolute enigma. They are a group of highly paid, high draft picks and proven performers who suddenly can’t block anyone. Part of it is a change in system that is causing Sam Bradford to hold the ball longer, but there’s no excuse for the way this line is playing. Oh, and our receivers and tight ends can’t catch the football. That’s been another major problem.

See the remainder of the Q&A after the jump …

Hey and don’t forget to Like us on Facebook and follow us via Twitter.

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Today, we move on to target another St. Louis team – the Rams. The Packers play host to the team that has underachieved this season, the team that has multi-millionaire Sam Bradford as their QB and former Packers great cornerback Al Harris.

But there’s other news, too, such as Mason Crosby being named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week … though it’s interesting what Pro Football Talk calls him in their headline … check out the page below.

In fact, we’ll take you for a spin around the Internet today to see what’s being said about the Packers, starting off with jsonline.com, which has a nice spread about Al.

Enjoy your day, take a look at what we have here and beyond the jump and hey, don’t forget to Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

Clipped from: www.jsonline.com (share this clip)

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Though he rehabbed the knee for nearly an entire year, he just wasn’t ready to join the team … the Packers had no choice but to cut him. It was a sad day for the popular Packers cornerback and Packers fans.

He signed a contract with the Dolphins near the end of last season and finished out the season with that team.

The good news is that Harris, though 36 years old, is going to give it another try. According to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Harris signed a one-year deal to join the St. Louis Rams.

After originally entering the league as a sixth-round draft pick of the Buccaneers in 1997, Harris played for the Eagles from 1998 to 2002 and the Packers from 2003 to 2009. His style of bump and run and aggressive play endeared him to Packers fans and it was his interception of Matt Hasselbeck in the 2003 overtime playoff game in Green Bay that will be remembered as his greatest moment … and probably one of the most exciting plays in Packers history.

We wish Al the best. He’s a classy guy who deserves nothing but the best. We hope he makes the Rams’s squad and rebounds to be a contributor.

Follow lombardiave on Twitter …

Jay Cutler, Mark Sanchez and Tony Romo are three of the league's most overrated quarterbacks. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

So now that we must wait until at least Monday for any more news about whether we we are going to have an NFL season, I thought I’d take a few potshots of my own and focus on three of my “favorite” players.

So, here we go…

Jay Cutler, Tony Romo, Mark Sanchez …

Just what do they have in common?

Well, other than the fact that they play for NFL teams in the three biggest markets, to me they are three of the league’s most overrated players. (more…)

It's time for Charles Woodson, Nick Collins and the rest of the 2010 Green Bay Packers to pay a visit to the White House. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

There have been volumes written about the negative impacts of the NFL lockout- the loss of face time between players and coaches through OTAs and such, but not much written about the celebratory aspects … The fact that last season’s Super Bowl-winning Green Bay Packers have been locked out of the fun.
Team quarterback Aaron Rodgers said in an interview with media last week in preparing for a golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, Calif., that it hasn’t been an issue for the players.  (more…)

Percy Harvin came out in support of the Vikings of the idea that the Vikings entertain the thought of pursuing a contract with Plaxico Burress. Raymond T. Rivard

This is just way too tempting to resist.

As if the Minnesota Vikings veterans haven’t learned their lesson from the Brett Favre saga … now they move on to another retread veteran to boost them to a Super Bowl … Plaxico Burress.

With Vikings veterans chiming in this week … a topic today of our colleague Dan Zinski’s over at The Viking Age … it seems the players in Minnesota are chiming in with a chorus of “yeah mans” to their wants and needs to get former inmate Plaxico Burris into their camp. (more…)

Donald Driver and Aaron Rodgers might not be doing body bumps tonight at the Super Bowl championship ring presentation tonight, but no doubt they will be celebrating. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Today is the day of envy … Every player in the the NFL will be facing toward Green Bay, Wisconsin.
That’s because in a special closed door ceremony open only to members of the team the presentation of the Super Bowl rings will take place.
It’s the holy grail of football … The penultimate prize that every player seeks but only a select few will realize. (more…)

Donald Driver looks good in any Packers uniform, including last year's 1929 throwbacks. Driver would also look really good in the NFL Hall of Fame. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The Hall of Fame is a familiar venue for players who have worn the green and gold … Or the blue and gold, depending on the era.
Only those despicable Chicago Bears have more individual players inducted into the Hall than the Packers despite the Packers’ significant advantage in numbers of team championships. (more…)

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Both Aaron Rodgers and Jared Allen will be at the golf tourney, so they should be ready for some interesting questions. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

What are your plans the week of July 12-17?
Well, if you’re lucky enough to be a sportswriter at the Tahoe Daily Tribune in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., like my friend and former colleague, Doug Etten, you might be making plans to attend the American Century Championship at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. (more…)

Eighth Circuit Court of appeals Judge Kermit Bye has kicked off to the team made up of the players and owners and expects them not to fumble.

After oral arguments were completed today in court, Bye encouraged the two sides to get back to the table and continue to negotiate and come to an agreement as soon as possible. (more…)

The uncertainty of playing in the NFL has been exacerbated for players like former Louisville QB Adam Froman who has been working out with former Packer Brian Brohm.

The chances of an undrafted football player making an impact is not great.
But if you consider how the NFL lockout has dragged on the past couple of months, the possibility for these players making any kind of difference diminishes with each passing day. (more…)

Are the Packers ready for a featured appearance on HBO's "Hard Knocks?"

I guess it’s time to weigh in on the possibility of the Green Bay Packers being the centerpiece of the HBO series “Hard Knocks.” (more…)