Chris Harris (American football)

Chris "Hitman" Harris (born August 6, 1982 in Little Rock, Arkansas) is an American football safety for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was selected with the seventh pick of the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Louisiana at Monroe by the Chicago Bears.

Chicago Bears
As a rookie Harris won the starting role for the free safety position over Mike Green early in the season.

In the 2006 preseason, Harris made a statement to a fan, Bryan Lange, that if the Bears made the Super Bowl he would give him a ticket. In January, his statement caused a minor controversy when the Bears did in fact qualify for Super Bowl XLI. Lange stood outside of Bears team headquarters holding a sign saying "Chris Harris, you promised." Harris claimed that he was joking and would not be able to fulfill the request due to family ticket obligations. Ticket brokerage firm sitclose.com later gave Lange a ticket, quieting the controversy. Harris intercepted a pass from Colts quarterback Peyton Manning in the first quarter of the game; however, the Bears would go on to lose the game 29-17.

Carolina Panthers
Harris was traded to the Carolina Panthers on August 2, 2007 for a 2008 5th round draft pick. Harris started 15 games in 2007 with finishing with 101 tackles, and also setting a team record as he led the league with 8 forced fumbles.

In 2008, the Panthers rewarded Harris with a 4 year contract extension. He finished the 2008 season with 70 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception.

Second Stint With Bears
On April 27, 2010, Harris was dealt back to the Bears in exchange for linebacker Jamar Williams. In his first season back in Chicago, Harris recorded 70 tackles and a career-high 5 interceptions that he returned for 69 yards. In week 12, he was the first player of the season to intercept a Michael Vick pass as he picked of Vick in Chicagos endzone to help the Bears beat the Eagles 31-26. Following his performance during the 2010 season, Harris received his first All-Pro-selection.

Personal
Chris Harris is married to former stockbroker Kenetria (née Richardson) Harris. He has a twin brother, two older sisters, and a daughter.