Dwayne Harris
Position: Returner
Experience: 6th Season
Pro Bowl Appearance(s): 1x (2016)
2016 Season Statistics: 14 games played, 19 kick returns, 473 yards, 24.9 yards per return; 20 punt returns, 126 yards, 6.3 yards per return
Stop me if you’ve heard this before: the New York Giants were chided for signing a player to what was labeled as an overpay of a contract. In 2015, New York handed five years and $17.5 million to Dwayne Harris—a special teams player whom the Dallas Cowboys had essentially dumped.
In 2016, just one year after he was signed to a supposed overpay of a contract, Harris has earned his first career Pro Bowl selection.
I talked to @D_Harris17 about his possible Pro Bowl selection tonight. He was truly surprised + humbled one of his two NFL dreams came true.
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) December 21, 2016
Harris plays a crucial role for the Giants as both the primary kick return man and the No. 1 punt returner. That double-duty is physically grueling and mentally demanding, yet Harris has never been one to complain.
What truly makes Harris—well, special—is that his job doesn’t end at returning kicks and punts.
Harris may be the most dynamic player on the Giants’ punt coverage team, with the speed, hands, and timing to pin opponents deep in their own territory. Many can return punts and kicks, but few can also cover them like Harris.
Congratulations to Harris, Odell Beckham Jr., Landon Collins, and Janoris Jenkins for your deserved selections to the Pro Bowl.
Must Read: Coaches and players are thinking Super Bowl
Congratulations to every other member of the Giants, as well, on what’s already been a memorable season.