By Darin 
Did you know that one of the toughest, most celebrated safeties in Dallas Cowboys history was completely overlooked in the 1970 NFL Draft, which spanned a whopping 17 rounds? That improbable underdog story belongs to Cliff Harris, born on November 12, 1948, whose journey from an undrafted free agent to a five-time Super Bowl participant and a Pro Football Hall of Fame legend serves as a powerful testament to motivation and sheer grit in the face of rejection.
Cliff Harris’s arrival in the NFL defied all odds. After going unselected through 17 rounds of the 1970 NFL Draft, the safety signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent. This initial slight fueled his determination, and he quickly established himself as an indispensable part of the legendary “Doomsday Defense.” Harris did not just make the roster; he became a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ success throughout the 1970s, helping to define the franchise’s identity as “America’s Team.”
Harris played in an astonishing five Super Bowls during his career, winning two of them (Super Bowl VI and XII). He was known for his fierce hitting, exceptional speed, and unwavering leadership in the secondary, earning him the nickname “Captain Crash.” His aggressive play style and consistency garnered him numerous accolades, including being named to the Pro Bowl six times and earning First-Team All-Pro honors four times—remarkable achievements for any player, let alone one who began his career without being drafted.
His impact was profound and recognized by his peers; he was named to the prestigious NFL 1970s All-Decade Team. Despite his clear credentials, Harris had a long wait for the ultimate football honor. In a career-capping recognition of his excellence and durability, the Pro Football Hall of Fame finally selected Cliff Harris to join the ranks of football greats with a gold jacket in 2020, solidifying his legacy as one of the best safeties ever to play the game and a true symbol of perseverance.
Verified Football Accolades and Accomplishments:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2020).
- Six-Time Pro Bowl Selection.
- Four-Time First-Team All-Pro.
- Member of the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team.
- Two-Time Super Bowl Champion (Super Bowl VI, XII).
- Played in five Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys.
- Signed as an Undrafted Free Agent (1970).