Ronnie Harmon, American football player

Ronnie Keith Harmon, born on May 7, 1964, carved out a notable career as a professional American football player, primarily remembered for his exceptional versatility as a running back. After distinguishing himself during his collegiate years, particularly within the competitive landscape of the Big Ten Conference, he transitioned to the National Football League (NFL), where he played for an impressive 12 seasons from 1986 to 1997.

Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 220 pounds, Harmon possessed the physical attributes ideal for a collegiate and professional running back. His talent was widely recognized, leading to his selection by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 1986 NFL Draft, as the 16th overall pick. Being a first-round selection underscored the high expectations placed upon him to become a foundational player for the franchise.

A Stellar Collegiate Career with a Defining Moment

Before his NFL debut, Harmon was a celebrated athlete at the University of Iowa. His tenure with the Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Conference was nothing short of spectacular, where he consistently showcased his ability to impact games both as a runner and a receiver. However, a single game arguably shaped much of the narrative surrounding his early career: the 1986 Rose Bowl Game.

In that highly anticipated contest against UCLA, which Iowa ultimately lost 45-28, Harmon committed four costly fumbles, all of which resulted in turnovers. This unfortunate performance on such a grand stage, often dubbed "The Rose Bowl Incident," cast a long shadow, leading many to associate him more with his receiving prowess than his rushing capabilities, perhaps as a compensatory strength. This perception was particularly poignant given that the Rose Bowl represented a disappointing conclusion to an otherwise truly superb season for Harmon. During that year, he had amassed an impressive 1,111 rushing yards, caught 49 passes for 597 receiving yards, and scored a total of 10 touchdowns. His overall collegiate career at Iowa further solidified his standing as an elite talent, as he concluded his four seasons with a remarkable 4,028 yards from scrimmage, 126 receptions, 30 touchdowns, and an additional 626 return yards on special teams, truly highlighting his all-around impact on the field.

Journey Through the NFL: Highs and Heartbreak

Harmon’s professional journey began with the Buffalo Bills, where he played for four seasons. His time with the Bills, though marked by flashes of brilliance, also included another memorable moment of high-stakes disappointment. In his final game for Buffalo, a crucial 1989 AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Cleveland Browns, Harmon famously dropped a potential game-winning touchdown pass from legendary quarterback Jim Kelly with just nine seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. This incident, reminiscent of his collegiate fumbling woes, further solidified a narrative of unfulfilled potential in critical situations for some observers.

Despite these prominent setbacks, Harmon continued to forge a distinguished NFL career, demonstrating resilience and consistent performance. He later played for the San Diego Chargers, and it was with them that he experienced the pinnacle of professional football: the Super Bowl. Harmon participated in Super Bowl XXIX, where the Chargers faced off against the dominant San Francisco 49ers. Although his team suffered a 49-26 loss, Harmon delivered a strong individual performance on the biggest stage, leading the Chargers in receiving with 8 receptions for 68 yards, showcasing his valuable contributions as a pass-catching back even in defeat.

A Unique Statistical Legacy and Football Family

Beyond the memorable plays, both positive and negative, Ronnie Harmon left an indelible mark on NFL history through his exceptional statistical achievements. He stands as the only player in NFL history to average 4.5 yards per carry on at least 600 rushing attempts AND 10 yards per catch on a minimum of 550 receptions. This unique distinction underscores his unparalleled dual-threat capability, combining efficiency as a runner with explosive playmaking as a receiver.

Furthermore, Harmon is recognized as one of only five running backs to ever gain over 10,000 all-purpose yards while remarkably accumulating less than 20 fumbles throughout their career. This impressive group includes fellow standouts Charlie Garner, Brian Westbrook, Priest Holmes, and DeAngelo Williams, highlighting Harmon’s often-overlooked ball security despite his earlier, high-profile fumbling incidents. This statistic paints a more complete picture of his reliable and productive career.

Harmon's football journey began long before college, where he was recognized as a consensus all-city football player at Bayside High School in Bayside, Queens, New York City. The Harmon family has a rich tradition in football, as Ronnie's brothers, Kevin and Derrick, also went on to play in the NFL. Notably, Kevin Harmon even followed in Ronnie's footsteps directly, taking over the running back position at the University of Iowa after Ronnie's graduation, continuing the family's legacy with the Hawkeyes.

FAQs About Ronnie Harmon

What was Ronnie Harmon's primary position?

Ronnie Harmon primarily played as a running back throughout his collegiate and professional career, though he was particularly renowned for his skills as a receiver out of the backfield.

What was the "Rose Bowl incident"?

The "Rose Bowl incident" refers to the 1986 Rose Bowl Game where Ronnie Harmon, playing for the University of Iowa, committed four fumbles, all of which resulted in turnovers, contributing to his team's loss against UCLA. This highly publicized event significantly impacted the public perception of his early career.

Which NFL teams did Ronnie Harmon play for?

Ronnie Harmon played for the Buffalo Bills for four seasons (1986-1989) and subsequently for the San Diego Chargers (1990-1995) and the Houston Oilers (1996-1997).

What were some of Ronnie Harmon's unique NFL records?

Ronnie Harmon is the only player in NFL history to average 4.5 yards per carry on 600 rushing attempts AND 10 yards per catch on 550 receptions. He is also one of only five running backs to ever gain over 10,000 all-purpose yards with less than 20 fumbles in their career.

Did Ronnie Harmon have any family members who also played professional football?

Yes, Ronnie Harmon comes from a football family. His brothers, Kevin and Derrick Harmon, also played in the NFL.