When you search “Major Harris” on Google, “Is Major Harris Dead?”and “Is Major Harris Alive?” pop up as the two most popular searches. Apparently there was an R&B singer named Major Harris as well. He died in 2012. Major Harris Major Harris, our Major Harris, is still very much alive and well.
Major Harris is as big of a name in Morgantown as there is. He’s a living legend, a moment in time, a major part of Mountaineer fans’ lives. It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 30 years since Major Harris played for the Mountaineers and it’s even more difficult to understand how he hasn’t been more celebrated by West Virginia University.
Harris finished 5th in Heisman voting his Sophomore year, 3rd his Junior year and would have been the favorite to win it if he came back for his Senior year. WVU would have also likely won the National Championship if he didn’t get hurt early in a 34-21 loss to Notre Dame.
Although he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009 and the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 1999, it’s disheartening to realize that a whole younger generation of Mountaineer fans will not realize how amazing he was and how much he did for the West Virginia football program. It’s a no-brainer that his #9 jersey should immediately be retired. There is a stipulation within the WVU Athletic Department that requires a student athlete to have played all four years of their eligibility to be considered.
With all due respect to Ira Rodgers, Sam Huff and Bruce Bosley, who have had their numbers retired by WVU, Major Harris meant more West Virginia football than all three of them. The stipulation should be waived and his number should be painted on the walls beside Rodgers, Huff and Bosley, who also deserve the honor.
Harris now lives a quiet life in Pittsburgh, far removed from the spotlight he once shined in. As one of the most spectacular, important players in West Virginia football history, Major Harris should be honored and celebrated by the University that he meant so much to.
