Denver Broncos: An open letter to Chris Harris Jr

Broncos Country was faced with an unpleasant reality last week when the news broke that Chris Harris Jr was not only departing Denver but would be joining the divisional rival Los Angeles Chargers.

Chris Harris shared an emotional goodbye to the city and fanbase that adores him on his social media platforms:

"“Broncos Country……. THANK YOU! It’s been an amazing 9 years. I want to thank the entire Denver Broncos organization for believing in a young, undrafted kid from Oklahoma. Thank you to my teammates, coaches and trainers for helping to make me the Super Bowl Champion, 4X Pro Bowler I am today. Thank you to the beautiful city of Denver for being home to my family and my baby girls. BIG thank you to all the broncos fans!! From Super Bowls to super lows, you always showed up and showed love. It’s hard to leave a city where we have created so many incredible memories but I am excited for a new beginning. — Strap Harris”."

Harris will remain beloved by Broncos Country, and he is one that it is so hard to say goodbye to. Fellow contributor Ty Walden and myself have come together to address Harris and his time with the Broncos.

Ty’s Letter

Dear Chris Harris Jr.,

There has not been a player in most recent history that I have grown to love than you. There could be a variety of reasons why you became one of my favorite Broncos players.

It could be the underdog story. Having come up to the NFL as an undrafted free agent with a chip on your shoulder. It could be the way you play the game. You went a little over two years without allowing a touchdown.

There could be a variety of reasons why you became one of my favorites. But I will never forget the time that you were a Bronco. One of my favorite memories was your pick-six to defeat the Chargers on my birthday. I was so excited that you helped shut the door on one of the biggest comebacks in Broncos history.

I was so glad I was in attendance to see your final interception against the Titans. I remember shouting to the crowd about how amazing you are. I wish you all the best in the rest of your career and that you remain healthy. Looking forward to seeing you twice a year starting in 2020.

Shelby’s Letter

To Chris Harris Jr,

From the perspective as a fan of the Denver Broncos, there is so much to say to a man who has been one of the faces of this defense throughout the years. You made an instant impact from the time you joined the Broncos in 2011 as an undrafted free agent, a true diamond in the rough. Your “dawg” mentality was what this team needed, and you never, ever quit.

With you, “The No Fly Zone” was born, and what an amazing ride this defense had. The likes of you and Aqib Talib have to be one of the best cornerback tandems Broncos football will ever see. As the rest of this historic secondary unit gradually departed, you stayed on and held this defense down.

Your ball-hawk mentality, your attitude, your talent and the way you put the secondary on your back is just a few reasons you became a huge fan favorite. It is only right that the last chapter of the “No Fly Zone” ends now with you.

Your pick-six against the Oakland Raiders in 2015 in a Coliseum full of Raiders fans was iconic, and it will forever be a favorite of mine.

Until you return to Denver to hopefully retire as a Bronco and eventually take your place in the Broncos Ring of Fame, best of luck on the rest of your career, except for the two times a year you will face the Broncos.