He played college football for the Mississippi State Bulldogs and was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 1996 NFL draft with the 13th overall pick.

Harris was also selected to represent the National Football Conference (NFC) in the 2007 Pro Bowl, in place of injured Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard.

Harris blocked an extra point in a 17-16 LaGrange High School victory against Colquitt County in the 1991 AAAA state championship game, a win that led LaGrange High School to be named national champion by USA Today.

That season, he was ranked third in SEC and fifth in nation with six interceptions, led the team with 12 passes defensed, and recovered two fumbles and blocked two kicks.

As a four-year letterman, he shares the Mississippi State career interception record with Johnthan Banks at 16.

[1] In his rookie season, Harris made 13 starts and recorded a career-high 113 tackles along with two interceptions and two forced fumbles.

By the time the 1998 season started, Harris was a firmly established member of the team and a consistent starter.

[2] Harris missed the entire 2009 football season after tearing his ACL in 49er organized team activities (OTAs).

[3] Harris attended LaGrange High School and was All-America honorable mention by USA Today.