Hall of Fame

James "Shack" Harris

  • Class
  • Induction
    1994
  • Sport(s)
    Football
  • Grambling State
  • James “Shack” Harris was a legendary quarterback at Grambling State University in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) from 1965 to 1968, leading the Tigers to four consecutive SWAC championships.
  • He was selected in the 8th round of the 1969 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills and became the first African-American quarterback to start a season opener for the Los Angeles Rams in 1974.
  • In recognition of his outstanding collegiate achievements and lasting impact on SWAC athletics, Harris was inducted into the SWAC Hall of Fame.