Wayne Harris Former Star Center of...

Carroll Wayne Harris was born in Hampton, Arkansas on May 4, 1938. He established himself as a dominant force in both college and professional football, earning accolades for his exceptional play.

✦ College Career

Harris made his mark as a center for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks from 1958 to 1960. He was a key player for the Razorbacks, earning All-American honors for his outstanding performance on both sides of the ball. In 1960, his senior year, Harris recorded 174 tackles, which remains a single-season record for Arkansas. He led the Razorbacks to an 8-3 record and a Southwest Conference title. His college achievements include being named to the All-Southwest Conference team in 1959 and a Second-team All-American in 1960.

✦ Road to the Pro Game

Although drafted by the Boston Patriots of the American Football League (AFL), Harris chose to play in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

✦ Football Legacy

Harris's legacy is defined by his remarkable career in the Canadian Football League with the Calgary Stampeders. He played for the Stampeders from 1961 to 1972, primarily as a linebacker. Harris was a dominant defensive player, renowned for his toughness and skill.

He won the CFL's Most Outstanding Lineman Award a record four times (1965, 1966, 1970, 1971) and was a CFL All-Star nine times. Harris played in three Grey Cup finals, winning in 1971, where he was named the Grey Cup Most Valuable Player.

His contributions to football have been recognized through numerous honors, including inductions into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1976. He is considered one of the greatest linebackers in CFL history.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

✦ Grey Cup champion (1971)

✦ Grey Cup MVP (1971)

✦ 4× CFL's Most Outstanding Lineman Award (1965, 1966, 1970, 1971)

✦ Second-team All-American (1960)

✦ First-team All-SWC (1959)

✦ Canadian Football Hall of Fame (1976)

✦ College Football Hall of Fame (2004)