James Harris- From the NFL Playing Fields to the Feds

BY Staff

How has sports impacted your life?

Besides me having the physical part, from a young boy to the present it taught me many valuable life lessons, like discipline, how to be a team player, leadership skills that helped build character. If I had never reached the NFL, those skills that I learned as a young boy and young man playing sports, I feel it has made me a well rounded man, a better father, a better son and a better husband.

What inspired you to write a book?

I wanted to find a powerful way to share my life story, there are so many young men and women, that dream of being the next Michael Jordan or the next Serena William’s, but don’t make it because of the trials and tribulations of life, I’m living proof that as a young boy; now a older man, that  if you have the right mindset, perseverance and faith, you can concur anything that is thrown your way.

Tell us about your book.

It’s a compelling sports drama about two worlds that collide, I started selling drugs as early as age 7 on the streets of East St. Louis, but I defy the odds and rise to NFL stardom, my early involvement in drug dealings, continued through college and through my NFL career that  almost leads me to Federal time, but there is a twist I won’t give a way(you must get the book) but  my story will remind us that even in the face of past missteps, with faith, the journey towards redemption  is attainable of those who dare to rewrite their destines.

What keeps you motivated in such a competitive space with other authors?

Writing this book was not easy and I knew I was going to be going up against authors that have been in the book game a long time, so I had to focus on being true to myself and use my individuality as my strength to be creative. Everyone has a story to tell but in different way.

What advice would you give someone who had to overcome a hardship?

First off, Thank GOD for bringing you through whatever the hardship was. We all got a cross to bear and everyone’s journeys are different, keep the faith and keep pushing and believe that whatever you are going through, you must pray your way through!

Where does your faith fit in your world?

It started at a very young age for me, and has been with me ever since, I remember laying on the floor watching a Super Bowl game back in 1977, it was the Cowboys against the Broncos, I told my mother that I will play in the NFL and make money for the rest of my life and she told me she believed me and that I could do anything and I did just that!

James Harris takes you on a roller-coaster ride through his life from From the Fields to the Feds. Starting as early as the age of seven years old, all odds were stacked against James. Born and raised in East St. Louis, not many people make it out. Due to his quick and critical thinking, James was able to succeed on and off the field to a certain extent. With various obstacles and everything under the sun, you will enjoy this ride with James and examine how a man could live multiple lives while achieving the impossible.-Barnes & Noble (Buy the book)