As a Player, Being Sent to Another Team Isn't Always a Fun Process - @ChrisHarrisNFL

by ChrisHarris on Mar 19, 2010 12:01 PM EDT Comment 33 comments

Here we are right in the middle of offseason - the time of year when players are drifting this way and that way, landing new jobs, in new cities, for new teams. As a player, it's a wild experience to go through, and I would know, because I've been one of those guys who's made a move from one market to another.

I'll be honest with you... When you're told by management that you're going to another team, it can be a devastating blow. Of course, I can't speak for everybody and say that the same reaction is felt by all players facing this situation, because different moves have different circumstances, but, for me personally, I was none too pleased.

I felt like I was doing everything right in Chicago, because I was playing some pretty good ball. I started a couple years, started in the Super Bowl, got an interception in the Super Bowl -- all seemed well. My first two seasons with the Bears were great, but when I entered the next season's training camp and was told... "Hey -- You're gone -- We just traded you," ...I gotta admit that it was a pretty bittersweet moment.

You know what? <Haha> I wouldn't even say that it was bittersweet. I was really upset!

You gotta realize that I was a young guy when this happened. I was just going into my third year in the league and didn't really understand that the NFL could work like this. I had never gained an appreciation for the business side of the game - all I saw was football, football, football. I was real green and simply could not believe that the Bears had actually let me go.

I had really good friendships with the guys on the team, people in the community, my neighbors, etc. I was truly enjoying myself in Chicago. But, when I got the bad news, all I could think was...

"Dang. They don't want me anymore."

Finally, after a lot of frustration, I realized something...

The Bears hadn't released me. They traded me. I was about to go to a team that did want me.

Even though it had finally clicked that I was still wanted by somebody, I still felt so uneasy about the entire situation that I was almost in tears. I didn't know what to expect from the move I was about to make. I was about to leave my comfort zone, enter a new situation, settle down in a city I was unfamiliar with, and live among people I didn't know.

But look at me now. I can reflect back on that transition and thank God that everything worked out for the best. I've come to Carolina, been given opportunities to showcase my talents, become a starter, and stayed a starter. Ya know... God worked it out the way it was supposed to work out.

But yeah, man... When I was told that I was being bounced from the Bears, I was angry as hell (Ha!). I was confused over my loss of a city and team that I loved. But now - of course - I couldn't be happier to have come to Charlotte to become a Carolina Panther. I love this city; I love my teammates ; and I love playing for all the great people who work upstairs. Everyone who works for this organization and is a fan of this organization is very loyal, just like God knew they would be. He had a plan for me and I'm sooooo glad I followed it.

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Chris...

If I’ve learned anything, it’s that when God closes one door, he usually opens another. And quite often, it’s a better one. You’ve just got to have the faith to walk through it.

Given that, always believe in yourself. Know you’re one of the best at what you do. You’re also a veteran leader on our defense. And the Panthers are darn lucky to have you and the physical presence you bring in every game. Business decision or not…it’s worked out well for you, I think.

But that’s just my two-cents,
—Neil

by NSpicer on Mar 19, 2010 12:07 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

This times a thousand Chris

I’ve had a similar experience, my parents are missionaries, and they moved me and my brother and sister away from all the people we loved in North Carolina and took us to a culture that is very different. However, it all worked out for the best. I have grown tremendously as a person, and met people that have really influenced me for the better. God always works things out, you just have to trust him. I thank the Lord you are a Panther every time you step out onto that field. :D

Jake Delhomme, QB Carolina Panthers, 2003-2009.

120 TDs+16000+ passing yards=Good

89 INT's+27 lost fumbles=Bad

Most comeback wins since 2003=Priceless

by Flowing Willow on Mar 20, 2010 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions

I've grown as a person also

But honestly I still can’t see why we came here.

This sig is dedicated to those cut in the 2009 purge.

by chinchillas sword on Mar 20, 2010 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Things aren't always evident at first.

Sometimes I find myself thinking about things that happened years ago only to then fully realize just how much it impacted my life from that point forward. We seldom recognize our own changes immediately being we do not observe ourselves from the third perspective as we do others and they do us.

by D-Ranged1 on Mar 20, 2010 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions

We're glad you got traded here too, Chris

Though based on your play over recent years, I’m sure the Bears have regretted making that move – but we’re glad they did because we’re glad to have you in black and blue knocking the out of people every Sunday.

As long as the Panthers don't trade for Michael Vick or draft Tim Tebow, my sanity (what's left of it, at least) will remain intact for 2010.

My Panthers Blog
My Twitter Page

by bwsmith25 on Mar 19, 2010 12:08 PM EDT reply actions

okay I put [ bleep ] for humor and it got deleted

I don’t know why, but oh well.

As long as the Panthers don't trade for Michael Vick or draft Tim Tebow, my sanity (what's left of it, at least) will remain intact for 2010.

My Panthers Blog
My Twitter Page

by bwsmith25 on Mar 19, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions

We're glad to have you here in Carolina Chris

It just wouldn’t be the same without “The Hitman” playing Center Field.

Not only are you a great player, you’re a leader, and the kind of example other players should look up to. We appreciate all your contribution to this blog, and all your charitable work in the Charlotte area and beyond.

Oh, btw, I finally got that jersey you sent me framed! Me and my girlfriend worked on it last weekend… I think it turned out awesome. But decide for yourself…

Now I just gotta get some really strong wall anchors to hang it… but you can rest assured, I am NEVER trading that jersey!

by Tater596 on Mar 19, 2010 12:20 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Well done Tater!

I’m jealous as hell!

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Mar 19, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Me too...

As long as the Panthers don't trade for Michael Vick or draft Tim Tebow, my sanity (what's left of it, at least) will remain intact for 2010.

My Panthers Blog
My Twitter Page

by bwsmith25 on Mar 19, 2010 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions

+1 to that sentiment

Though I have a framed autographed photo from Chris for donating to Haiti… but that jersey is awesome

Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
I also blog the Panthers at www.realbitsofpanthers.com

by James The Aussie on Mar 19, 2010 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions

I have a Mike Minter audograph

But my brother got the Mike Minter audographed shirt.:( I need to get more player audographs.:(

This sig is dedicated to those cut in the 2009 purge.

by chinchillas sword on Mar 19, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions

pics?

by ClaytonFire on Mar 19, 2010 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Good Grief. That is awesome.

"Once again the trousers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn

by Revshawn on Mar 19, 2010 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions

i would probably be tempted to take it out of the case and wear it around the house all the time and tackle my cat and such

by ieatcrayons on Mar 19, 2010 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions

lol - wear it to work and be like Terry Tate, the office linebacker

As long as the Panthers don't trade for Michael Vick or draft Tim Tebow, my sanity (what's left of it, at least) will remain intact for 2010.

My Panthers Blog
My Twitter Page

by bwsmith25 on Mar 19, 2010 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

"Once you put on #43, you can tackle anything."

by D-Ranged1 on Mar 19, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions

I doubt you could bring down my cat

She’s the size of Kemo.0_o

This sig is dedicated to those cut in the 2009 purge.

by chinchillas sword on Mar 19, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions

The 43 empowers you to do all things.

by D-Ranged1 on Mar 19, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions

True!

But what if I shaved 43 on the cat.

This sig is dedicated to those cut in the 2009 purge.

by chinchillas sword on Mar 20, 2010 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Then that would be one bad ass cat and we'd definitely need pictures.

by D-Ranged1 on Mar 20, 2010 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

Damn, that’s awesome.

by Neilicus on Mar 20, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Chris, were you mad at what you were traded for?

I’ve always wondered when a player is traded if they’re upset at what they were valued at. It seems like players can get rewarded with contracts, pro bowls etc. but when the rubber meets the road a trade is the only true way of finding out how valuable a player is across the league.

Personally, when the Panthers acquired your talents for a 5th round pick I thought it was a giant steal. Obviously, you were a 6th round pick and was traded for a 5th so you improved your prospective ‘worth’ while in the NFL, but clearly a player of your caliber is worth a lot more than a 5th round pick.

Just wondering how you felt at the time.

Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
I also blog the Panthers at www.realbitsofpanthers.com

by James The Aussie on Mar 19, 2010 12:48 PM EDT reply actions