Defensive line coach Tommy Brasher and
secondary coach Al Harris both bring proven success to KC, but they
also bring two vastly different histories. By the time Harris was
drafted by the Bucs in 1997, Brasher had already logged 15 seasons as
a defensive line coach in the NFL. Brasher's career began as an
assistant at Arkansas in 1970- four years prior to the birth of
Alshinard Harris in Pompano Beach, FL.
Harris spent 14 seasons as a cornerback
in the NFL, playing mostly with Philly and Green Bay. That's right-
four years with Andy and seven with John Dorsey. With the Packers,
Harris started 102 games and reached the Pro Bowl in '07 and '08. In
2009, Al blew his knee out and dramatically altered his future career
path. Harris tore a lot of sciencey-sounding acronyms in his left
knee and immediately had it surgically reconstructed. Al has fought
to rehab the blown left knee ever since. During the 2010 season,
Harris signed a 1-year deal with the Dolphins, but after just three
games he suffered a season-ending hamstring injury. Shortly after
being placed on the Injured Reserve, he was released. So, Al went
back to the rehab program, this time for a blown hammy. He healed up
fast, and only seven months after being released from Miami, Harris
agreed to terms with the Rams. Nine games into his first season in
St. Louis, Al's career was dealt its final blow when he tore the
anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. After all that fighting
to get back, Harris' season was ended early once again. This wouldn't
keep him out of the league for long, though; Harris interned as a
coaching assistant in Miami that following season. The work he did
there, as well as his determination and affection for the game were
enough to convince Reid and Dorsey to give him his first job as a
full-time secondary coach. Along with his veteran knowledge from the
DB position, Al brings a proven work ethic to a secondary with Pro
Bowl-caliber youngsters on the roster. Although his work is being
overseen by Emmitt Thomas, this tough, battle-wizened vet will get
every chance to put his mark on the Chiefs secondary in 2013.
Facing adversity with toughness is
definitely one the things these two men have in common. In 2001,
Tommy Brasher received the Ed Block Courage award for his impressive
determination shown during his fight against cancer. Brasher spent
most of the '01 season battling to recover from surgeries in which 67
lymph nodes and a malignant tumor in one his salivary glands were
removed. And oh, by the way, he continued to coach, and the Eagles
defense ranked 2nd overall that year. As Tommy battled
through life-threatening illness, his team ranked 7th in
sacks, and his student, defensive tackle Corey Simon, recorded the
second most tackles from any defensive lineman in the league. A
strong mentality based on toughness and iron will is vital to
creating a powerhouse defense. You can bet your ass Tommy Brasher
will bring that to Kansas City.
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