9 best backup quarterbacks in Rams franchise history

IV: James Harris

There was far more going on in the career of Rams quarterback James Harris than just his on-field production. At the time that he became the starting quarterback for the Rams in 1973-76, the position was rare and difficult for black quarterbacks to earn a starting NFL role.

Harris arrived on the Rams roster in 1973, after three seasons with the Buffalo Bills. The Rams needed depth at the quarterback position, having just traded sore-armed veteran quarterback Roman Gabriel to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Rams had acquired San Diego Chargers quarterback John Hadl to lead the Rams offense, but added Harris to serve as a competent back for the 1973 NFL season.

James 'Shack' Harris was another NFL pioneer

Hadl lasted for 1.5 years with the Rams, before being traded to the Green Bay Packers in 1974. Of course, the cost was insanely high. To get Hadl, the Packers traded their 1975 first-, second-, and third-round draft picks, plus their 1976 first and second-round picks. That trade, as expensive as it was, would never have happened had the Rams not had complete confidence in backup quarterback James Harris.

To be fair, the LA Rams under 'Ground' Chuck Knox were set up like the modern day San Francisco 49ers, with a strong rushing attack and an incredibly effective defense. Thanks to the way the Rams were set up at the time, the offense did not need Harris to set passing records to win games. In four seasons as the Rams quarterback, Harris would lead the Rams to a record of 21-6 in the regular season, and 1-2 in the NFL Playoffs.

But more than just what he did on the football field, James 'Shack' Harris demonstrated that African-American quarterbacks could compete and win in the NFL. Harris would open the position for other black quarterbacks to follow, like Washington Commanders quarterback Doug Williams and Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon.