Charles Harris Bio
Charles Harris (born March 6, 1995) is an American professional football defensive end who has played in the National Football League since 2017. He played college football for the Missouri Tigers and was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Over the course of his career, Harris has also played for the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, and Carolina Panthers, and he is currently a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and listed at 253 pounds, Harris is recognized for his development as a pass rusher and his durability across multiple defensive schemes. He earned a Super Bowl championship with the Eagles after their victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.
Early Life and Background
Charles Harris was born on March 6, 1995, in Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up in the Kansas City area and attended Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, where he built the foundation that would later carry him to the college ranks. His early athletic environment in Kansas City helped shape his interest in competitive football.
During his high school years, Harris developed into a disruptive defensive player. As a junior at Lincoln Prep, he recorded 40 tackles and six sacks, and as a senior he tallied 60 tackles and 12 sacks while also contributing on offense with 15 receptions for 285 yards and five touchdowns. In addition to football, he played basketball and took boxing classes, experiences that helped sharpen his hand-eye coordination and overall athleticism.
Harris committed to the University of Missouri to continue his football career at the collegiate level. His combination of size, length, and production in high school made him one of the more sought-after defensive prospects in his recruiting class.
Path to American Football
After arriving at the University of Missouri, Harris redshirted his first year in 2013, allowing him to develop physically and adjust to the demands of Southeastern Conference football. He then appeared in all 14 games as a redshirt freshman in 2014, recording 19 tackles and two sacks while learning the team’s defensive system.
In 2015, Harris took over as a full-time starter and immediately produced, finishing the season with 56 tackles and seven sacks. His strong play continued into 2016, when he earned recognition as a Second-team All-SEC selection for the second consecutive year. Those postseason honors helped solidify his status as a top NFL prospect heading into his senior season.
Harris was invited to the NFL Combine, where he completed most drills but opted to perform the short shuttle and three-cone drill at Missouri’s Pro Day instead. He was ranked as the seventh best edge rusher by Sports Illustrated, the third best outside linebacker by ESPN, and the fifth best defensive end by analysts Bucky Brooks, Mike Mayock, and NFLDraftScout.com.
Charles Harris Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
The Miami Dolphins selected Charles Harris with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, making him one of the team’s earliest investments in edge-rushing talent. He spent his first three professional seasons in Miami, working to refine his pass-rushing technique and adjust to the speed of the professional game.
In May 2020, the Dolphins traded Harris to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2021 seventh-round draft pick. The next day, the Falcons declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, making him a free agent following the 2020 season. During his time in Atlanta, he was ejected from a Week 8 game against the Carolina Panthers after hitting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater while he was sliding.
Detroit Lions Era (2021–2023)
On March 19, 2021, Harris signed with the Detroit Lions, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. He quickly became a rotational pass rusher for Detroit, contributing on early downs and in pass-rush packages.
On March 18, 2022, Harris signed a two-year, $13 million contract extension with the Lions, a move that reflected the organization’s confidence in his role within the defensive rotation. He appeared in regular-season action throughout the agreement, though he was placed on injured reserve on November 28 during one of his seasons with the team.
Carolina Panthers Era (2024)
On September 11, 2024, Harris signed with the Carolina Panthers as a free agent, joining a defense in need of veteran edge-rushing depth. His time in Carolina was brief, as he was waived by the team on November 25.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2024–Present)
On November 26, 2024, Harris was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles, giving him an immediate opportunity to contribute to a contending defense. He made his Eagles debut on December 8, playing four defensive snaps in a 22-16 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Philadelphia waived him on December 28 before re-signing him to the practice squad on December 31.
Harris remained part of the Eagles organization through the postseason and was part of the roster when Philadelphia defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX, earning a Super Bowl championship ring.
Driving Style and Strengths
Harris is recognized for his combination of length, leverage, and hand usage at the line of scrimmage. His basketball and boxing background contributed to his lateral quickness and his comfort in one-on-one matchups, while his experience in multiple defensive schemes has made him a versatile rotational edge rusher.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Harris’s career are his selection as the 22nd overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, his two-year, $13 million contract extension with the Detroit Lions in 2022, and his Super Bowl LIX championship with the Philadelphia Eagles. He also earned consecutive Second-team All-SEC honors in 2015 and 2016 during his time at Missouri.
Charles Harris Career Wins
Charles Harris has built his reputation less on prolific sack totals and more on consistent rotational contributions across multiple NFL defenses. His most significant team accomplishment is a Super Bowl championship earned with the Philadelphia Eagles following the 2024 season.
NFL Highlights
Harris’s first NFL opportunity came as the 22nd overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2017, and he went on to appear for the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, and Carolina Panthers before landing with the Eagles. His two-year contract extension with Detroit in 2022 marked the longest financial commitment of his career to that point. He finished the 2024 season as a Super Bowl champion after Philadelphia’s victory over Kansas City in Super Bowl LIX.
Other Performances
At the college level, Harris posted 19 tackles and two sacks as a redshirt freshman in 2014 before taking over as a starter in 2015, when he recorded 56 tackles and seven sacks. He followed that with another strong season in 2016, earning Second-team All-SEC honors for the second consecutive year.
Charles Harris Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Charles Harris’s family background is limited. He was raised in Kansas City, Missouri, where he attended Lincoln College Preparatory Academy and developed into a Division I football recruit.
Personal Life
Harris has kept much of his personal life private, and verified public details about his spouse and children are not available. He has remained focused on his professional football career since being drafted in 2017.
2025 Season Performance
Charles Harris enters the 2025 season as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles organization, coming off a Super Bowl LIX championship run. His role within the defensive rotation is expected to continue as a situational pass rusher capable of playing on early downs.
After being waived and re-signed to the practice squad late in the 2024 season, Harris finished the year on a high note with a championship ring. That late-season opportunity gives him momentum heading into training camp as he competes for a defined role on Philadelphia’s defensive depth chart.
The 2025 outlook for Harris centers on consistency and availability, areas that have shaped his journeyman career. With a championship already secured and familiarity within the Eagles’ defensive system, he is positioned to compete for rotational snaps as the season unfolds.