It has been the perfect marriage, free of conflict and stress and filled with countless memorable moments.
And the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Andrew Harris want to keep this good thing going a little longer.
The football club announced Sunday morning just as the team was heading out onto the field for the first day of training camp, that Harris – their workhorse running back and the Canadian Football League’s Most Outstanding Canadian – had signed a contract extension through the 2020 season. Harris was entering the final year of his contract in 2018.
“I’m very excited,” began Harris after practice Sunday. “When I first got here, being a part of this organization, being at home, it was a dream come true. And then to fit the mold of being one of the guys and one of the leaders on this team… it just feels good to secure myself in for a few more years.
“I wanted to come here and start creating winning ways and bring that culture and I feel like our team is going in the right direction and being a part of that is a great fit for me.”
That fit goes both ways. Harris has been a durable and productive difference maker since joining his hometown team. He is the CFL’s reigning rushing champ and set a record last year for receptions by a running back with 105.
He has 6,268 rushing yards in his career, good for 19th all-time in the CFL, with 2,0135 of those coming in his two years with Winnipeg.
“Andrew has been… I don’t want to say ‘amazing’ because you’re not amazed by the guy, the guy works extremely hard,” said Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea. “It’s expected. What he does is expected. He expects it of himself and we expect it of him. So, to have him locked him and extended for another couple years is good for our team.”
Harris turned 31 late last month, but with an increased dedication to his body and his craft, still believes he has many more miles left. His production over the last two seasons has few doubting that.
“I feel great right now and that’s part of it, too,” said Harris. “You want to be done with the game and not have the game be done with you. That was another thing you consider: how is the body feeling? And honestly, I feel great right now and I wouldn’t make the decision to extend if I wasn’t feeling great.”
Harris approached Bombers management about an extension, and the deal means he won’t have that uncertainty hanging over his head during the season.
“I wanted to get something done. I was the one kinda pushing for it,” said Harris. “I’m just happy I can focus on playing ball and not worry about what’s going to happen after this season. It’s nice to know you’re wanted and secure.”
