Chris Harris Jr. recalls the struggles of being an undrafted free agent

By now, you know that Denver Broncos two-time Pro-Bowl corner Chris Harris Jr. went undrafted when he came out of the University of Kansas in 2011, but did you know he also got one of the smallest signing bonuses of that UDFA pool? Harris got just $2000 from the Broncos.

The standout was on ESPN program “Highly Questionable” on Thursday afternoon and he talked about that experience as he began his career.

“Just going undrafted and then we had the lockout, having to sit out that whole time, not knowing what team you’re going to go to, not being able to communicate with the NFL and also having everybody tell you you aren’t going to make it, to give up on your dream,” he remembered of the time shortly after he graduated. “I signed the lowest signing bonus with the Broncos that year and I was the only undrafted player to make the team.”

13 undrafted Broncos got a larger signing bonus than Harris that year. Adam Grant, an offensive tackle out of Arizona got six-times more money than the now two-time all-pro. Grant nor any of the other 12 UDFAs that received a bigger bonus than Harris have ever played a down in the NFL.

“I can remember the only thing I bought was a Playstation 4,” Harris remembered of his measly bonus. “That was the only thing I bought. I always would take tons of food home from the facility to make sure I never had to spend any money.

“Man, I used to take home three plastic to-go plates every day just to make sure I had enough food,” he added. “I’d fill my backpack full of Gatorade and water. They said we could take as much as we want so I used that to my advantage and took advantage every day.”

Another thing Harris Jr. took advantage of was his opportunity on the field. Every day. He took full advantage of it, to the tune of making the team, earning a contributing role, being named to the all-rookie team, becoming a starter, becoming an all-pro, becoming one of the best corners in the NFL and when that rookie contract was up, he signed a five-year, $42.5 million dollar deal.

The signing bonus on that one was a little more than the first one. 5,000 times more to be exact ($10 million).