Bills RB Damien Harris: ‘The Stars Just Aligned' to Sign with Buffalo
Sometimes, things work out exactly how they were meant to. For Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris, joining the team this offseason was one of those times.
Harris spent the first four years of his career with the New England Patriots, but bolted for the division-rival Bills in March. Even though Harris has known the Bills as a rival for his career, he felt they were the perfect fit for him when looking for a new home.
"I feel like the stars just aligned," Harris said on One Bills Live. "I say that with all the history I have here in Orchard Park, not having to go too far, staying in the division. You know, it almost felt like the stars just aligned for me to be here. Once the deal was done, I felt very fortunate to be joining another great organization."
If Harris plays as well for the Bills as he played against them, they're in for a treat. The former Alabama Crimson Tide running back played against Buffalo four times with New England, rushing for 364 yards and five touchdowns in those games. He has three 100-yard games against the Bills, and his average of 91 yards per game is his highest against any opponent he has played multiple times.
Apparently, the Bills weren't the only AFC East team interested in Harris. He mentioned that he also received interest from the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets throughout his free agency process, but he decided the Bills were the team for him.
"I'm familiar with all the teams in our division, playing against these teams multiple times," Harris said. "I definitely think that factored into what brought me here. We keep going back to it but the familiarity with me playing here, playing against the Bills and just how those games went and how I played and so on and so forth. I think that all of that together was all a part of the plan and ultimately led me here."
Harris joins a crowded running back room in Buffalo with second-year player James Cook and fellow free-agent pickup Latavius Murray. As long as he has a place in the offense, though, Harris will do everything he can to help the team succeed.
"I think what excites me most is just knowing that I have a role," Harris said. "Everybody has a role, and everybody's role is different. You mentioned our other backs and we've got a lot of great backs, we've got a lot of great players in general, but we've got a running back room full of a lot of great players. Everybody's going to have a role, and I know I have my role."
You can follow Jonathan Alfano on Twitter at @JonAlfano_News
Thanks for reading our SI-powered coverage of your Buffalo Bills ... Bills Mafia!
You're a member of Bills Mafia hungry for more Buffalo coverage? Read here.
