Packers cornerback promises he’ll return next season. Jack Bechta
On Sunday night I was having dinner in Tampa with my client, Stylez G. White, when my phone lit up with the message, “Packers.” I knew it wasn’t good and that it had something to do with my client Al Harris.
A team executive gave me the news: “It looks like Al may have torn his ACL,” he said. A sinking feeling came over me, and I lost my appetite. I couldn’t believe it -- Al isn’t supposed to get hurt. He’s only missed four games in his 13-year NFL career.
APPackers CB Al Harris, defending San Fran's Michael Crabtree, tore his ACL on Sunday afternoon.
I texted Al, who called me right back and with a steady voice told me what had happened. We discussed some reconstructive medical options and decided to use this week to do our due diligence and make a plan of attack. Then Al said, “I’m going to be back in six months, Jack.”
My response was that that was an aggressive estimate. “Well, that’s my plan,” he said, “and I’m going to play three to four more years. This injury wasn’t in my plan. Playing a few more years is.”
We frequently talk about cutting-edge workouts and supplements, 20-year vet and Pro Bowler Darrell Green, nutrition, offseason workouts and recovery. Al is obsessed with career longevity and the mind’s power to heal the body.
When he lacerated his spleen last season, he healed faster than expected and did it with a plan. So here’s a guy who has a season-ending injury and within two hours is already focusing on his medical and rehab plans. That’s Al Harris.
Early in Al’s career, I used to talk to him about getting career-ending injury insurance. He would snap at me, telling me he would never need it. He also insisted that we never talk about injuries or getting hurt ever again. He explained that he uses positive visualization along with hard work to stay strong and healthy. He never thinks about things that have negative scenarios.
In the last two years in Green Bay, usually right before camp, Al asked his general manager to never judge him on his age, only on his play. So anyone who wants to focus on his age had better take a look at the tape. I promise you’ll see Al Harris at his signature right cornerback spot on opening week next season.
Follow me on Twitter: jackbechta
After bouncing around for the first 8 games, it seems the Pack had finally hit their defensive stride in the 'Boys and yesterday's game. Losing players the likes of A. Kampman and A. Harris certainly sets it back. Our prayers and thoughts go out to both players. May they heal with all Godspeed.
Best of luck to Al Harris and Brett Favre - two of the best at their positions and two veteran players who play the game like it should be played. You're right Kenny, karma's a bitch. Keep checking over your shoulder because I'm sure you've earned a ton of the bad kind.
Quality Viking post. Sad to say that's a typical Viking fan.
Don't worry, man, karma will come in the form of a Favre season-ending interception.
Godspeed, Al.
typical classless minesotta jagoff, i hope brett doesnt tear his! NOT
Sorry Kenny, Al never took a cheap shot on Peterson. Funny how it's only the Minnesota fans that think it was dirty.
Get better Al. The Packers NEED you at CB!
Oh no! They killed Kenny -- the bastards!
What a great attitude for a great player!! Best of luck on your healing journed. But you better tell Al, that when he recovers and is ready to play 3 or 4 more seasons--it probably won't be for the Packers because we know what Ted and Mike do with "mature" players who still have the juice--they give our best to the Vikings.
Hey Jack, I hope you're right about Al being the starter at right corner next year. I've heard some people say Al is a little over-rated because he doesn't have top end speed. This injury isn't going to help squash that arugment. Personally I think it's nice to have a solid bump and run cover guy because it seems to throw a lot of receivers off their game, and Al is one of the best at it. Plus, I love the way he jaws with receivers. I don't know if you watched the game yesterday but you should have seen the way Al was lighting up Crabtree. I was so pissed when Crabtree caught that TD pass on Al. I wanted him to shut Crabtree down. And actually he would have if the ref would have called the slight push-off Crabtree used to get open on that catch. It was just enough to get Al out of the way.
I think Al's current contract will help keep him from being traded....I assume you were the one who negotiated it. It was a good idea to have a front loaded contract. If I remember correctly Al is due 2.5 million next year. For a corner of Al's caliber that's very reasonable.
Looks like he'll have plenty of free time to spend with his family.....and Yolan and Cruise
Good luck Mr. Harris. I was at that game and my heart sank with about 70,000 other hearts. I believe you will be back and stronger. Just so you know, there are a lot of fans who love you. A big burly guy behind me made the comment Sunday, after you prevented a reception. "I love that man." A lot of us are wishing you the best.
Your fan,
Jim
vikings fans = douche bags.
good luck Al, packer country is gonna miss you
Kenny h:
Saw you extended Gargumel for some more HCing fun; good luck getting rid of him after #4 hangs em up and ceases to interview himself.
Sincerely,
-Deanna Favre
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Al Harris.
1)l Vikings Fans Are Dumb. 2) Farve lovers are nothing more than Vikings Fans..refer to #1...You can't be a Packer fan and love Brett Farve That makes you a Viking Fan!...I'm just saying!
I was SO glad to hear that Al will Be back for a couple more years...Such a awesome man to watch play...I've said it before..YOU CAN"T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN!!!
Al Harris is a true pro and outstanding corner. What a great attitude for someone who's just torn his acl. He's been an All-pro a number of times and I look forward to him and his stellar play next season.
Get healed up quick Al. You've been the face of the franchise to me these last three years and it wouldn't be the same without you. You're the last of the old school shut down corners, so get better.
The game needs you.
Guys, this is an Al Harris story. Not a Vikings or Brett Favre story. He/they have earned enough publicity this season.
Jack, just tell Al to be ready for camp. That gives him about 7.5 months. Worry about being healthy and ready but healthy first.
He may want to reconsider that insurance after he is repaired, rehabilitated and ready.
Stylez, now why didn't I think of that as a name for my kid?
Thanks for the update. And all the best Al, we know you will come through. Toughest guy on the team. We will be sending some positive energy your way too. Get better man! No one can doubt you after last season's spleen laceration. You are the MAN! You mean a lot to a lot of people. We are with you!
I was really, really hoping that our season would come down to a playoff with the Vikings and was salivating at the opportunity to watch Al and Charles get some "Karma picks" on #4 to end the the vikings season. Al Harris is a consumate professional, and a model player for the league, and also my favorite packer. Im going to still wear my #31 with pride on every sunday. AL YOU ARE THE BLOODY BEST AROUND AND I CANT WAIT TO WATCH YOU START WEEK ONE IN THE GREEN AND GOLD IN 2010.
Al Harris is one of my favorite all time players. I will miss his presence out there but know he will be back. All good thoughts to this great player and special human being
Sorry to see Al go down. Now it is time for Bush to man up. Go Pack ...Get 'em on Thanksgiving!
Harris is a class guy off the field as well. If he loses a step coming back from the ACL tear, I'd love to see him move into a safety position. Like Woodson, Harris is an extremely intelligent player and a fearless tackler. Most corners couldn't make the switch to safety because they don't want the contact required in run support. Harris has shown his big hit ability, such as his solid, thigh high take down of the Vikings' Adrian Peterson a couple of seasons ago.
ACL tear would be too good for Favre. He deserves worse.
Best of luck Al!
Al will be back. His visualization and positive thoughts will be made into reality. He is really an inspiration for young people. His whole career is a testimony for positive thinking.
get well Al-----but then retire-----your cover is getting worse and worse
good luck, al. all you need to know about this guy happened last year when he asked the medical staff if they could take his lacerated spleen out, so he could get back to the field faster. warrior to the max. as a diehard packer fan, we will miss you. god speed.
and, yes, all viking fans are douche bags.
Goodluck to al and his recovery and I have know him like my whole life of living in fl and hope to see you up and running again
real classy kenny
" was really, really hoping that our season would come down to a playoff with the Vikings and was salivating at the opportunity to watch Al and Charles get some "Karma picks" on #4 to end the the vikings season."
I've been drooling over the idea of a third shot at brent in purple. Woodson and Williams would have to grab a couple of INTs for Al. And I know I'm dreaming now, but how great would it be to see Favre's last pass of the season be an INT to Jarret Bush!!
^^^ Won't be holding my breathe for that one. He got burned a couple times against the Lions. Jarret Bush is horrible. Needs to leave the Packers and never come back.
Come on, Al, you have to come back to the Packers and get that Super Bowl ring. That's my wish this Christmas...you, Charles and DD.
Have a speedy recovery and God Bless.
What else would you expect from Vikings fans? Is there any lower life form in the US?
Wil be waiting for your return. you have the right frame of mind to heal. YOU are missed! Hugs to you. I'm a big fan... & you know the ole saying "good things come to those who wait"
hgh
Packers fans everywhere missed you yesterday afternoon Al. Jarrett Bush simply can't handle his business out there. And I don't think it's fair to Josh Bell to toss him into the game for his first action all day with 3 seconds left and the game on the line. He should have been given more of a chance to prove he can cover better than Bush. Now McCarthy won't look at it objectively and the only thing he'll be thinking is Bell cost the Packers the game. Who knows if we'll ever find out if Bell is better than Bush now.
Awesome to hear that you will be back!!!!! I knew you would you're such a dedicated team player. The packers are lucky to have you!! Would like to keep up with your sons progress but can't seem to find it on the internet. Thanks for the great past season can't wait till next year 2010 will rock! Pam
I absolutely LOVE Al Harris, and almost cried when I heard he was out for the season, this really makes me happy that hes planning on playing for another few years!
I cant wait to see him back on the field next season, wearing the green and gold!
I will totally be getting tickets to some games next year. I love seeing him play. =)
Get Well Soon Harris!!!!!
We miss you!
No one else plays the conerback quite like you. =)
YO MR HARRIS HOPE YOU GET BACK IN THE GAME THEY WONT HAVE THE SAME VIBE WITHOUT YOU I KNOW YOUR SON AL HARRIS JR. I KNOW HIM BECAUSE MY COUSIN JOSH IS HIS HOMEBOY
Wats good al miss u out on the field ur the reales God bless.
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Nov 23, 2009
11:34 AM
Best of luck to Al Harris - hope he's back next year so Brett Favre can burn him for a couple more touchdown passes - LMAO !!!! Karma's a beoch Al when you try to take out AD's knee with a cheap shot!