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The James Harris story: a long, painful road

Originally Published: February 12, 2007
By William C. Rhoden | Special to ESPN.com

Third and a mile: the struggle for black quarterbacks.

EDITOR'S NOTE: William C. Rhoden's new book, "Third and a Mile: The Trials and Triumphs of the Black Quarterback," an oral history, is now available from ESPN Books. This excerpt from Chapter 5 examines the fitful start to the 12-year NFL career of James Harris, who was drafted in the eighth round by the Buffalo Bills after an outstanding career at Grambling from 1966-68.

James Harris: They didn't draft ...

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