High praise for Al Harris
Posted: Jan. 23, 2010
In a press call last week, Deion Sanders was asked to name four defensive backs, two cornerbacks and two safeties, that he considered the best at the position in the last decade.
"Oh, my God, that is tough, my man," Sanders said. "OK. (Baltimore's) Ed Reed (is) a safety for certain, and (Denver's) Brian Dawkins would be the other safety. I would have to say at the cornerback it would have to be (Denver's) Champ Bailey because of the body of work he's put in, the body of work. I know (New York Jets') Darrelle Revis and (Green Bay's) Charles Woodson, they are superb corners, but the body of work Champ Bailey has laid, he has a tremendous foundation."
As for the other corner?
"Yeah, that would probably be Charles Woodson," Sanders said. "No, no, (Green Bay's) Al Harris.
"Al Harris, his first Pro Bowl was last year," Sanders said. "Doesn't talk . much. He doesn't say much. Very underrated. . This guy over the last several years would be the best corner in the game. Only guy that took a man, the top receiver, top opposing receiver on the opposing team man-to-man each game.
Flip side, the reason Charles Woodson had a rebirth from Oakland is because when he went to Green Bay. He was taking a second receiver and got his confidence back. Then he was able to overtake Al and take the top receiver. That's why Charles is Charles now, but Al Harris has been the best corner over probably the last several years."
In the decade of the '90s, Sanders was the top cornerback in football, playing in eight Pro Bowls. Twice he was NFL defensive player of the year.
He was named to the NFL '90s All-Decade Team.