Alabama football gets a new voice as former RB Damien Harris steps into sideline reporting role for 2024
Damien Harris, one of the top running backs in Alabama football's recent program history, will return to the Crimson Tide this season. While his days of playing on the gridiron are now behind him, he will be part of the Crimson Tide's football broadcasts for the upcoming season as a sideline reporter.
Harris will feature on Crimson Tide Sports Network (CTSN) as Christian Miller's replacement. He will join Chris Stewart (play-by-play), analyst Tyler Watts and engineer Tom Stipe on the broadcasts.
Besides a change to their gameday broadcasts, the Crimson Tide also announced a key change to their 'Hey Coach' show that airs on CTSN. Instead of airing on Thursdays during the Nick Saban Era, it will now air on Wednesdays with new coach Kalen DeBoer.
The first show will air on August 14, with DeBoer making his first appearance on the show as the Crimson Tide's new coach on August 28.
Damien Harris retired from the NFL this year
Although he started out as Derrick Henry's backup when he came to the Crimson Tide as a freshman, Damien Harris became an incredible running back after earning a place in the starting line-up during his sophomore season in 2016.
Harris stood out as the Crimson Tide's top running back during his NCAA football career. He ranks eighth on the Crimson Tide's all-time list for career rushing yards (3,070) while recording 23 touchdowns in his college football career, helping the Crimson Tide win the CFP national championship in 2015 and 2017.
While he was eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft, Harris committed to the Crimson Tide and played out his senior season in 2018. That year, he rushed for 876 yards and recorded nine touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors for his efforts that year.
He realized a dream when the New England Patriots made Harris the 87th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. However, injuries plagued his stint with the seven-time Super Bowl champions, which ended in 2023 when he signed a $1.7 million deal with the Buffalo Bills.
He played just six games for the Bills last year, with a concussion and a neck injury hampering his season. This March, Harris announced his retirement from pro football at just 27 years of age.
Harris' new role with the Crimson Tide's broadcasts guarantees his presence in the football world. Whether he will return to the gridiron as a player or not, only time will tell.