Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Harris Jr. has been labeled arguably as the best cornerback in football. At least during the 2014 season he was. However, it appears that he is going to have to continue to improve in the eyes of his peers.
The NFL Top 100 list completed on Wednesday. And while we saw names like Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, and Von Miller on the list to name a few Broncos players, the list missed one key player on the defensive side of the football. Chris Harris Jr. was left off of the list.
How does the NFL Top 100 list work? The list is based upon how other NFL players view their performances not only during the previous season, but how they will perform the following season.
If that is the case, then why is Chris Harris Jr. not on the list? He is a young player whom earned his starting cornerback job through his hard work and performance on the field. Looking back at his 2014 season, he did not allow a single touchdown to be thrown his way. To some, he might have unseated Richard Sherman as the best shutdown corner, at least for the 2014 season.
Even former Bronco Duke Ihenacho voiced his displeasure at the NFL Top 100 list snubbing Chris Harris Jr.
Its a joke that C. Harris didn't make #NFLTop100 even though he's arguably the best corner in football. Numbers don't lie. Film dont either.
— Duke Ihenacho (@DukeIhenacho) July 2, 2015
This is just another prime example of how Chris Harris Jr. is playing the underdog role. No matter how much he proves to the league time and time again, he is overlooked by many and appreciated by few for what he has done on the field as well as off of it. The Broncos know what they have with Chris Harris Jr. and I believe it is only a matter of time before the rest of the league takes notice. But all that is important is that all of Broncos Country is behind him. And they will remain behind him for the duration of his time and career as a football player.
.@ChrisHarrisJr has always proved doubters wrong.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 8, 2015
Watch Pt. 1 of his underdog story: [http://t.co/iKQ3pHbFRT] http://t.co/BcaiZwpab8
Chris Harris Jr. has been playing this role for his entire life. From the time he has started playing sports, everyone overlooked him. He only had one scholarship offer to play college football and even went undrafted after his career at Kansas University was completed despite his accolades as a defensive back. He was one of the most successful defensive players in the history of the Kansas Jayhawk program.
Chris Harris Jr. has had quite a decorated career with the Denver Broncos so far. However, it is something that not a lot of people outside of the Broncos organization and fanbase talk about. But I know that he will continue to work hard and prove to the rest of them what they have been overlooking for so long.