The NFL’s interception co-leader in 2019, NFL free agent safety Anthony Harris is still in shape, keeping up with the NFL season and keeping busy in his philanthropic endeavors while being an active dad.
The former Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles defensive juggernaut who led the Eagles’ secondary with 72 tackles during the 2021 NFL season, checked in with Scoop B Radio discussed the state of the NFL and whether he could still suit up in today’s NFL.
During the Q&A, Harris, 33, an undrafted free agent out of the University of Virginia in 2015 also shed light on the progression of Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. Having spent the offseason training with the Eagles team and coaching staff, he had a front row seat to it all.
You spent time coaching with the Eagles during this past training camp. Tell us how that experience was and do you have interest in coaching?
It was a great experience to be able to connect with the players whether talking to a veteran player or rookie. I just wanted to utilize my experience and my journey to be able to help other guys continue to get better. It didn’t matter if I was talking to a rookie or veteran player working to extend their career, there is a level of focus, mental toughness, and mental preparation that allows athletes to be able to execute at a high level. You have to have a certain level of physical ability in the NFL, most guys have that but to mentally process all of the information quickly and play with anticipation on game day and practice, a lot of awareness and preparation goes into that. To be a part of some of those dude’s journeys through camp was a unique process. To be involved more with preparation and see more of how the coaches work together in preparation for the day and week, it really gave me even more appreciation for the game and how Teamwork and sacrifice runs through every level of an organization. The experience has given me more information when making future decisions.
You haven’t signed with anyone. How do you deal with the itch to return?
I feel as though, throughout my training, working out both in groups with other players who are signed, as well as working out by myself, I’ve proven to myself that I’m able to play and help a team by being a difference maker.
How do you stay ready physically?
I try to focus on the things I can control and the fact that I’ve done that, it’s helped. Helping other guys with opportunities has been fulfilling as well. I still go to the gym, I still hit all Olympic lifts, speed work, position drills, mobility work and some other drills that help with my mental processing and tracking.
What has been your impression of Saquon Barkley so far this season?
I’ve been very impressed with how Saquan has started the season. Watching him over the years and seeing him in training camp, I couldn’t instantly see his playing speed and explosion from when he first came into the league. After watching him in training camp, the start he’s had so far hasn’t come to be as a surprise at all.
What plans do you have upcoming for your Anthony Harris Foundation?
My foundation and I are planning a few different events around the holidays this Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have a few specific things I want to do this fall as well, outside of the holidays as well. Something that gives a group of kinds another meaningful experience, so that they understand special moments and opportunities don’t just come around during holidays.
What’s your impression of Jalen Hurts so far this season?
Jalen is a cool dude, I support him and believe in him. He’s a guy I believe understands expectations and big pictures goals. He’s had a journey filled with a lot of adversity and expectations. I don’t know if anyone can put any higher expectations on him than himself. I believe that’s why he’s been able to overcome a lot of things along his journey. I believe he understands where he’s trying to go and where the team is trying to go. I think his own personal journey has allowed him to remember it’s all a process and you have to have a sense of urgency but you have to go through certain things to get to where you want to be and it won’t always be good moments. How you handle the day to day, the good and bad, builds character for not only a player but for a team.
I see your daughter just celebrated her first birthday, how is fatherhood treating you so far?
Fatherhood has been amazing, it’s been a major part in handling the ich, she’s a big reminder in my life for taking advantage of opportunities and maximizing time. I’ve got some much love for her and she’s added so much more purpose to how I spend my time.
What safety’s in the NFL have impressed you so far this season?
I remember catching a bit of one of the cardinals games this seasons, maybe they were playing the Titans, I can’t remember exactly, I just remember buddha Baker flashing making a lot of plays, his ability to anticipate plays really jumped out to me, he was 10-12 yards deep making Tackles for loss and you can’t do that without anticipation, conviction in your preparation and athletic ability.
What QB’s have impressed you so far this season?
CJ Stroud, seems to have picked up where he left off from last season in terms of just being calm in the pocket, making some nice throws and distributing the ball to different WRs. They’ve got a nice WR core, they’ve added a very good WR in Diggs and the flow of the offense hasn’t slowed down one bit. Seeing Jayden Daniels play and what he’s been able to do in his first few games has been impressive. I thought he’d do well, I liked his game a lot coming out of college. I believe that offense fits his game well and has helped him so far, with more experience I can see his game continuing to improve. Him utilizing Zach Ertz in the middle of the field and knowing when to run has been impressive for a young QB who has good running ability but looks to throw first.
What about Sam Darnold have you liked so far during the season?
I think Sam Darnold and that offense fits very well. He’s been around the league awhile, he has a big arm, the offensive line has continued to improve over the years, Aaron Jones is a dynamic runner and pass catcher out of the backfield, they got one of the best WRs in the NFL, a nice group of young WRs and a good WR Coach in Keenan McCardell with a ton of experience. So far Sam has shown people he can go out there and make the plays he needs to make to help his team win. I love that for him, he’s got his opportunity and so far he’s taken advantage of it.
