Oklahoma's Own: Former Bixby Spartan Plays For The Broncos

Lots of football fans are watching Tim Tebow, Drew Brees, Tom Brady and other NFL stars as the playoffs are underway. But many folks in Bixby are on the lookout for a hometown guy. Chris Harris is a Bronco from Bixby who's getting a shot on the gridiron.

While fans were watching the Denver Broncos thrilling game against the Steelers, many folks in Bixby were on the lookout for a hometown guy - Chris Harris - once a Bixby Spartan.

"Just an unbelievable down to earth guy," said Loren Montgomery, Bixby head coach.

Harris is one of only four Bronco rookies playing in all 16 regular season games and now the playoffs.

It's exciting for friends and fans in Bixby.

"The community is proud of it," Montgomery said. "Us coaches are proud of it, it's just a real special thing."

Loren Montgomery never got to coach Chris Harris in high school. But he did coach against him before becoming Bixby's head coach.

"Just an unbelievable tackler," said Coach Montgomery. "One of those guys that was always around the ball. And I think when you see him on Sundays, it's the same thing. He very rarely misses a tackle and plays passionately."

Montgomery says Harris is a great example of persistence. After starting all four years at Kansas, but not being drafted, Harris returned to Bixby to work out and keep his NFL dreams alive.

The hard work paid off, and Harris was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent.

"I know things weren't looking that good for him this summer with the labor agreement," Montgomery said.

"Hadn't been drafted; he's out here at Bixby High School running sprints in the summer, and the next thing you know he's in the playoffs playing on TV every Sunday."

Harris returned to Bixby just a couple of weeks ago to encourage younger football players and to motivate them.

"He said, set a goal and keep working towards it, keep grinding and don't let anybody tell you that you can't meet that goal, which I thought was a tremendous message."

For those who know Harris, they say it's been uplifting to see him meet his goals, to give back, and for his team to have a shot in the playoffs.