Al Harris suffers torn ACL by Brad Biggs November 22, 02009

Al Harris has been lost for the season with a torn ACL

Written by Biggs: Al Harris suffers torn ACL by Brad Biggs November 22, 02009

The Green Bay Packers paid a high price in their victory over the San Francisco 49ers this afternoon at Lambeau Field.

Veteran cornerback Al Harris has been lost for the season with a torn ACL, according to a league source.

Harris, who turns 35 next month, was injured in the fourth quarter. He was running in coverage with 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree when he went down. Harris was taken by cart to the locker room.

Harris and Charles Woodson have been one of the strengths of the Packers’ defense, and he’s been a model of durability throughout his career. Harris missed four games last season with a spleen issue, but had played in 16 games in five previous seasons for Green Bay.

In Harris’ absence, the Packers will likely have to rely more on Tramon Williams. He wasn’t the only serious injury concern for the team either. Pass rusher Aaron Kampman went down in the third quarter with a left knee injury. His knee buckled, and he made it to the sideline before taking a cart to the locker room.

Written By: BradBiggs

National Football Post

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Biggs-Al-Harris-suffers-torn-ACL.html

 

Wishing On Stars – Monday Nov. 9th 2009

A L L   A C C E S S   P R O M O T I O N S   P R E S E N T S:
“WISHING ON STARS” more info link
Located at:
Mo’s – A Place for Steaks
720 N. Plankinton Avenue – Milwaukee, WI 53203

Tel: 414-272-0720
Fax: 414-272-2714

Time:
7:00pm – 11:00pm
Benefiting: Harris Family Foundation

Attire:
Cocktail Pro Bowl All Star Al Harris
Featuring the Green Bay Packers,
Milwaukee Bucks & Milwaukee Brewers

To Purchase Tables:  www.wishingonstars2009.webs.com

Hosted By:
Pro Bowl All Star Al Harris
Featuring the Green Bay Packers,
Milwaukee Bucks & Milwaukee Brewers

B e n e f i t t i n g    t h e    H a r r i s    F a m i l y   F o u n d a t i o n

DOWNLOAD PDF HERE

On November 9, 2009, Al Harris is proud to be hosting the inaugural “Wishing on Stars” celebrity serve.  The event will serve as an introduction to his new foundation, the Harris Family Foundation, which he and his wife recently established. The Harris Family Foundation’s mission is two-fold.  One major goal is to help raise awareness and support for children affected by Crohn’s disease, and the other is to support much-needed youth programs in Broward County, Florida, where Harris was raised.

ABOUT WISHING ON STARS

Wishing on Stars grants special wishes for terminally ill children, creating wonderful memories, building hope and strength, and providing laughter and normalcy to children who are forced to grow up too quickly. Wish children are courageous, and by granting a wish, Wishing on Stars helps renew their childlike energy and enthusiasm, even if only for a brief period of time.

ABOUT CROHN’S DISEASE

Crohn’s disease is a chronic disease that causes severe inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and affects over 500,000 people, 100,000 of which are under the age of 18. The cause of Crohn’s disease has yet to be determined, and thus there is no cure.  It is events like this one and thanks to generous folks like you  money for research can be raised to create hope for the thousands of people affected by this illness.

For more information about Crohn’s disease please log on to http://www.ccfa.org

The History Behind the Stars

It’s been over a decade since Kevin Carter of the Tennessee Titans launched the first “Wish Celebrity Serve“.  Due to its incredible success, Kevin passed the torch to Marcus Pollard of the Indianapolis Colts. Since then Reggie Wayne has carried the event and helped make it one of the most successful fundraising events in Indianapolis among professional athletes. This year the event will not only occur in Tennessee and Indianapolis, but Al Harris will extend the honor to members of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Milwaukee Brewers. In true NFL tradition of “family”, this event will continue to grow virally among the players and will be an event that grants wishes to families for years to come.

On November 9, 2009, raise your glass and celebrate with us for the inaugural “Wishing on Stars” Celebrity Serve.  This year’s event takes place at Mo’s…A Place for Steaks. Packers All-Pro Defensive Back Al Harris will host this year’s gathering along with other members of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Milwaukee Brewers to help raise money for the Harris Family Foundation.  In tradition of the event, the evening will feature celebrities “waiting on” guests, signing autographs, or simply accepting donations to do just about anything within reason in the name of charity. Celebrities will be encouraged to sign autographs, leave personalized voicemails, perform favorite songs and/or dances and more in exchange for attendees’ donations.

We will begin the evening with a cocktail reception followed by a spectacular dinner, a silent and live auction and a special presentation.

We are offering two participation opportunities, a silent auction contribution and/or a celebrity gift bag insertion.  All contributors will receive recognition in the event program. Celebrity gift bag contributors are subject to receive added benefits outlined in the sponsorship package. Please review the attached pages for more information about our available options.

On behalf of the Harris Family Foundation, Al Harris, Mo’s…A Place for Steaks, and All Access Promotions, thank you for considering participation.  With your help, we can succeed in making a difference in the lives of many deserving children!

Event Details

Schedule of Events

7:00 – 10:00 PM: Silent Auction

7:30 – 7:35 PM: Welcome Message

7:45 PM: Celebrity Introductions

7:50 PM: Al Harris Family Foundation Introduction

8:00 PM: Dinner is Served

8:30 PM: Live Auction Begins

10:00 PM: Silent Auction Ends

10:30 PM: Silent Auction Checkout

*Times are Subject to Change

Meet me at Fan Fest 2009!

Hey, all – I’ll be at Fan Fest again this season, and I look forward to meeting more of the greatest fans on the planet. Check the details below, and I hope to meet you there!

Tickets for the fifth annual Packers Fan Fest are on sale now.

The event, which gathers Packers fans with their favorite past and present players, returns to the Lambeau Field Atrium March 13-14. On Friday, March 13, doors will open at 3 p.m., with a kickoff event at 4 p.m. and programming until 9:30 p.m. On Saturday, March 14, Fan Fest doors will open at 8:30 a.m., with programming from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Among the players scheduled to participate in the fifth annual event are Pro Bowl safety Nick Collins, Donald Driver, Aaron Kampman and Al Harris. The weekend again includes a Friday Fan Fest kickoff event, autograph sessions and a tour through the team’s locker room.

Tickets, priced again at $85 per person, can be purchased through Ticketmaster online, over the phone and in person. Ticketmaster fees will apply. Children 6-and-under enter free with a ticketed adult and do not require a ticket.

A direct link to online ticket sales information can be found at www.packers.com.

Over the phone, tickets can be purchased by calling toll free at 800/745-3000. The toll-free Ticketmaster Express number, 866/448-7849, also can be used. It is a self-service information line utilizing an automated system. A TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) number also is available at 877/474-4TDD.

In-person sales will be conducted at a number of Ticketmaster locations, including Boston Store locations in Brookfield, Glendale, Greendale, Janesville, Madison, Milwaukee, Racine and Wauwatosa. Other in-person locations are Younkers in Green Bay, Macy’s in Appleton and the Milwaukee Theatre.

The Packers’ ticket office at Lambeau Field also is an option for in-person purchases.

A total of 3,500 tickets will be available and will be sold first-come, first-served. Because of Ticketmaster’s ability to handle large numbers of simultaneous requests, the ticket application/random drawing system utilized in past years no longer will be needed. A limit of six tickets per transaction remains in place.

The ticket includes, in addition to entrance to the two-day event, admission to the Packers Hall of Fame and a tour through the Packers locker room. Parking for the event is free.

Fan Fest lodging available at Airport Wingate by Wyndham: The first 25 fans who book a two-night hotel package at the Airport Wingate by Wyndham in Green Bay for March 12, 13, 14 and 15, 2009, will receive their room plus two Packers Fan Fest tickets. The package price for two adults is $499 plus tax which includes the two Fan Fest Tickets worth $170. Packages must be prepaid and are nonrefundable. A maximum of three rooms may be booked per person. The Airport Wingate by Wyndham can be called at 920/617-2000 to make reservations.

Fan Fest presenting sponsors are Chevrolet and Goodwill Industries. Other sponsors include Citgo, Prodege, Smiles and the Wingate Inn. Additional Fan Fest details, with more to be announced, are available online at www.packers.com.

Green Bay in 2009? Yessir!

Al Harris will return to Green Bay for his sixth season.

The news became official last week when Packers GM Ted Thompson informed Harris that the Pack would pick up his $1.2 million roster bonus and play him in 2009.

Midway through the season, Al wondered aloud whether the Packers intended to bring him back, assuming they’d begin a youth movement and leaving the 34-year-old Harris looking for work.

But after Harris returned from a career-threatening speen injury and completed the season in a strong fashion, the Pack realized Al’s a young 34, and still has a lot to contribute to the franchise:

“This is a guy that I don’t see a lot of drop-off,” Thompson said. “He’s still a good player and we think he’s going to be a good player again this year. We’re not having a big youth movement.”

So the good news just continues to roll in for 3irty1. We’ll hit you guys with updates as spring approaches.

But for now, leave Al a note of support, knowing he’ll be a Packer again next season!

Photos from 2009 Pro Bowl

As you’d expect, Al Harris played a key role in the NFC’s 30-21 victory over the AFC in the 2009 Pro Bowl.

AFC targeted him three times in the end zone – including a fourth-and-goal from inside the 1, but 3irty1 knocked Payton Manning’s pass to Brandon Marshall to the ground – but came away empty. Al finished with three tackles and one pass defensed.

A big “thank you” to everyone who cast a vote for Al. He certainly did the Packer faithful proud. Check out some snaps:

Harris added to 2009 Pro Bowl roster

After playing one of the guttiest, toughest and inspiring season performances in recent memory, Al Harris received his just desserts on Tuesday when the NFL named him as a replacement on the 2009 Pro Bowl team for injured starter Asante Samuel of the Philadelphia Eagles.

The honor comes after Harris, who earned the first Pro Bowl berth of his career last season, suffered a potentially career-ending spleen injury in Week 3 vs. the Cowboys. But he defied the odds and missed just four games before returning as a starter for the Packers for the remainder of the 2008 season.

Not only did he return, but he continued to play at an incredibly high level, allowing just 21 completions while solidifying his reputation as the best shutdown cornerback in the business. Al also finished with 21 tackles and 12 passes defensed.

While the injury didn’t stop Al’s career, but it did halt his streak of 175 consecutive games played which was the longest in the NFL at the time.

Harris is the third Packer to be named to the All Pro squad, joining teammates Charles Woodson and safety Nick Collins. Woodson pulled out last week with a toe injury.

On a personal note, we followed Al’s every move in 2008 and we want to say this award couldn’t have been given to a more deserving player. The dedication, love and passion he shoes for his craft is unprecedented and we’re proud to say it.

Thanks to all of you, his fans, for your notes of support, your votes and your cheers.

Finally, congratulations Al Harris, 2009 Pro Bowl member.

Harris, Packers close 2008 season with a win

Al Harris makes Calvin Johnson pay for catching the ball Sunday in Green Bay.

Al Harris led the Packers with eight tackles and added a pass deflection for good measure (despite a nasty cold), helping the Packers t0 a season-ending 31-21 victory over the Detroit Lions.

Watch and listen to Al’s post-game press conference here.

Reaction: Jaguars 20, Packers 16

The Packers have lost three straight games by four points or less, including Sunday’s 20-16 defeat at the hands of Jacksonville.

Despite the fact the loss eliminated the team from playoff contention, Al Harris told the Green Bay media he’s not looking looking ahead next season:

Al: Everybody needs to be where they need to be. They ran a couple 3-deep. Sometimes guys dial up the right play. And they dialed up the right play.

Q: Seemed like there was some confusion on a couple of the defensive play calls?

Al: There was some confusion a couple times between me and Brady (Poppinga)?

Q: Was he mad there was a discussion on the field?

Al: And that’s all that was was an animated discussion.

Q: You guys were on the same page the entire time?

Al: Well, you were talking about that particular play and that’s what that was: an animated discussion.

Q: What sorts of things do you want to build on as you start to look to next season?

Al: We gotta win. You can’t think about next year until next year. We gotta win and that’s all that boils down to. This is a game of production. You gotta produce, you know what I mean? And…that’s it.

Q: Anything more than just frustration right now?

Al: “Well, that’s about it. You’re frustrated. You want to won. Like I said, this is a game of production. You gotta produce.”

****

On his much-reported interaction with teammate Brady Poppinga, Harris said these kinds of things happen from time to time and they shouldn’t get blown out of proportion:

“We’re trying to win, both of us,” Harris said. “It wasn’t personal, either one of our sides. We’re both trying to do what we’re paid to do. And it happens. It happens more than a few times. Sometimes that’s a good thing. Honestly.”

NFL Pro Bowl: Last day to vote!

Last year with your help, Al Harris made his first career NFL Pro Bowl appearance.

Despite suffering a career-threatening spleen injury early this season, Harris recovered more quickly than anyone thought possible, and he not only returned to the field, but he returned with a vengeance. The 11th year cornerback allowed just one pass completion for 10 yards during his first five games back from injury.

And with all the complaining opposing WRs do when they face Al, you know he’s doing something right!

So let’s show Harris how much he means to the team and to the spirit of the NFL by voting him back to the Pro Bowl.

Vote now!

Postgame video: Harris talks with Packers media

As usual, Al Harris made no excuses for the tough 24-21 loss the Packers suffered at the hands of the Texans Sunday. Check out some of the interaction he had with members of the media after today’s game:

“This was a very disappointing loss. Very disappointing. Um…this was disappointing. I’m pretty sure everyone in here feels like crap. And hats off to the Texans. They did a good job.”

Is losing today even more painful knowing the Vikings won?

“Man, we don’t care about what they were doing. We were trying to win here. Wherever they were playing at, they were trying to win there. We were playing here, so it really doesn’t matter what they were doing. A loss is a loss, and it’s not good.”

How does the team recover?

“We gotta get ready for Jacksonville. It’s hard to lose in such a competitive sport, so if you’re not feeling some type of way right now then you’re probably in the wrong business. But it’s tough for everyone in here.”

(question inaudible)

“Not at all, because we have expectations of ourselves. So it doesn’t really matter what you guys think or anybody else outside of this organization thinks. We gotta come up with ways to win, to stop these questions that you’re asking now. We gotta come up with ways to win.”

Is it hard to believe the team is 5-8?

“Like I said, this is a business, a business of production and we’re not producing right now. We gotta come out, we gotta work harder, whatever it takes, we gotta do.”