James Harris, vice president of player personnel for the Jaguars since early 2003, is affectionately known as “Shack” to almost everyone familiar with him. Harris is responsible for all player acquisitions, including the annual college draft, free agency, undrafted player signings and the scouting and signing of players from other professional leagues.

Harris and his personnel staff, working closely with Jack Del Rio and the coaching staff, have made significant contributions to the Jaguars roster through the acquisition of several key players. This includes notable first-round draft picks, Reggie Williams, Marcedes Lewis and Reggie Nelson; second round picks Rashean Mathis, Greg Jones, Daryl Smith and Maurice Jones-Drew, as well as several key late-round selections and veteran free agents; including Josh Scobee, third round pick Vince Manuwai and Tony Pashos.

A veteran with over 30 years experience in the NFL, Harris was one of a handful of blacks drafted at quarterback. In 1969, he was selected in the eighth round by Buffalo, where he played quarterback from 1969-71. His 12 seasons in the league included time with the Los Angeles Rams (1973-76) and San Diego Chargers (1977-81). During his stint with the Bills, Harris was the first black in league history to open a regular season as a starting quarterback. In 1976, Harris led the NFC with an 89.8 passer rating, highlighted by a 436-yard passing day against the Miami Dolphins that season. He was named MVP of the 1975 Pro Bowl after throwing for two TDs in a 14-13 victory over the AFC. Following his active playing days, Harris embarked on a personnel career that spans over two decades. His career began in 1987 where he served as a scout for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for five years. He then went on to serve as assistant general manager of the New York Jets (1993-96), before being named director of pro personnel for the Baltimore Ravens in 1997 where he spent six years and earned a Super Bowl ring with the Ravens’ victory in Super Bowl XXXV in 2000.

Harris is the recipient of numerous awards from various sports entities and charitable organizations; including recognition by Sports Illustrated naming him as one of the top 50 most influential minorities in sports (May 2003; June 2004) and an award from Black Enterprise as one of the 50 most powerful blacks in sports. He was awarded the Fritz Pollard Alliance’s Paul “Tank” Younger award in March, 2006 for his efforts to level the playing field and improve life for minorities. Also, later that year, he founded the Shack Harris Doug Williams Foundation, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged youth. To date, the Shack Harris Doug Williams Foundation has raised over $400,000 in support of under-privileged youth. In February 2007, he was featured along with other members of the Field Generals in ESPN’s “Third and a Mile: The Trials and Triumphs of the Black Quarterback” by William Rhoden and in 2008, he was honored with the Onyx Awards Achievement in Sports by Onyx Magazine

Harris’ early years in sports were equally impressive. He was recruited and played for one of college football's greatest coaches, the legendary Eddie Robinson of Grambling State. In each of Harris’ four seasons with the Tigers (1965-68), the team won or shared the SWAC title. He was named MVP of the 1967 Orange Blossom Classic and was named Pittsburgh Courier Player of the Year in 1968. As a legendary athlete at Carroll High School in his hometown of Monroe, La., Harris received two-time All-State honors as quarterback of the Tigers. He also led Carroll to two undefeated seasons and a State Championship.

Harris earned a bachelor's degree in education and was subsequently nominated as a distinguished alumnus for his contributions to American society during his NFL career. He is an inductee of the SWAC Hall of Fame, the Grambling Athletic Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. He is a member of the Fritz Pollard Alliance and a founding member of the Field Generals: The African American Quarterbacks Club, a non-profit group founded by and composed of NFL greats dedicated to teaching and preserving the history of the African American quarterback.

Harris was born in Monroe, La. on July 20, 1947. He has two sons, James and Aaron and two daughters, Felicia and Ashley. Harris and his wife, Vickie, reside in Jacksonville.