Former Bear Of The Day: Walt Harris | Bearsbacker.com

Today we'll take a look at former Bears corner back Walt Harris.

Harris was drafted by the Bears back in 1996 in the first round out of Mississippi State. He played six seasons with the Bears (1996-2002), in which he played in 72 games. He made 364 tackles, one sack, 13 interceptions, and forced eight fumbles during that time. Harris was a starter during those six seasons and he was a very talented corner back.

He left the Bears after the 2001-2002 season for Indianapolis, where he appeared in 31 games, making 99 tackles, forcing two fumbles and two interceptions in two seasons. He then moved on to Washington, where he played two quick seasons, piling up 75 tackles, and three interceptions in 29 games. In 2006, he signed with San Francisco, where he has played in 46 games, making 174 tackles, forcing five fumbles and fifteen interceptions so far. 2006 was clearly his best pro season, because he was voted to the Pro Bowl for the first time. He had eight interceptions and forced fumbles that season. Unfortunately, Harris tore his ACL in training camp this season and he was put on the IR.

At age 35, Harris' career might be dwindling down, but he has to be proud of what he has accomplished. He's played in almost 200 games, making almost 800 tackles, forcing 17 fumbles and 35 interceptions (four returned for touchdowns). Who knows if he can be a starter in this league again, but I'm sure the 49ers would like to have him back next season, especially after what they saw from showboating Dre Bly last week.

I wish the Bears kept Harris around for more seasons, but Harris had his success in other places. Harris was definitely one of my favorite players, when he was on the Bears. I hope he gets another shot to become the starting cornerback for a team in the NFL, if San Francisco doesn't bring him back.

Good luck Walt.

Jake Perper is the creator of http://www.bearsbacker.com/ and also covers the Bears for http://www.nfltouchdown.com/ and http://mvn.com/fromthemidway/