Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Ward, Harris back in big game together
2/7/2021 9:00:00 AM | Football, BRAA
Former Blue Raiders cherish opportunity to start careers as teammates
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Some NFL players go their whole career without ever suiting up on Super Bowl Sunday. For two former Blue Raiders, playing in the big game is becoming an annual tradition.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward and linebacker Darius Harris have only been in the league three and two years, respectively, but they could win their second straight title Sunday as members of the Kansas City Chiefs.
"It's a dream come true," Harris said. "It's something you work for and is tradition. As you grow up watching, as an NFL fan, you know that's the biggest game of the year. It's definitely an honor and a blessing to be in this game again for the second year in a row and in my second year in the league."
Ward and Harris were no strangers when they became Chiefs teammates in 2019. They spent two seasons together on Middle Tennessee's defense in 2016 and 2017.
Harris left MT after helping the Raiders to their first Conference USA Championship Game appearance in 2018. He was tied for the program record with 53 career games played, including 31 starts, and saved his best for his senior season, when he had a career-high 96 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and five sacks and was named First Team All-C-USA.
Ward transferred to Middle Tennessee in 2016 and spent two years roaming the defensive backfield. He had a career-high 48 tackles as a senior, as well as a sack and a team-high 14 pass breakups.
They learned valuable lessons in Murfreesboro under head coach Rick Stockstill's tutelage. They also got in better shape to help them hit the ground running in the NFL. Both gained about 20 pounds in their MT careers.
"MTSU taught me a lot," Ward said. "They taught me how to be a man. Coach Stock and the strength and conditioning staff helped me gain 20 pounds during my two years there. They helped prepare me mentally and physically for the NFL."
When Harris signed with Kansas City as a rookie free agent in 2019, having Ward there made the transition to a new city and organization easier.
Ward was signed as a rookie free agent in 2018 by the Dallas Cowboys then traded to the Chiefs before the start of the season. He immediately made an impact on Kansas City's defense and eventually started a couple of games late in the year. Then, in 2019, he became a full-time starter, racking up a career-best 72 tackles and picking off two passes as the team won its first championship.
Harris leaned on Ward a lot for guidance during his first season, and while he couldn't get onto the field because of an injury, he learned a lot.
"Having him here was one of the best things that could have happened to me coming here," Harris said. "Having a guy who comes from the same school as you and is in kind of the same shoes as you … that helped me a lot."
Harris finally got onto the field late this season and showed what he can do. He made two starts in Weeks 16 and 17, securing 14 tackles and recovering a key fumble in a win over Atlanta.
"It was a good experience to get my feet wet," he said. "Not being able to play last year and being down most of this year, finally getting the chance to go out there and compete, it was sweet and an honor. It showed that I can play at this level."
Though their careers are barely getting started, Ward and Harris already have the opportunity to claim the game's biggest prize for a second time. They're cherishing the moment together.
"We're both from Mississippi and both ended up at Middle Tennessee together, and now we're in the NFL together," Ward said. "It's a dream come true."
Cornerback Charvarius Ward and linebacker Darius Harris have only been in the league three and two years, respectively, but they could win their second straight title Sunday as members of the Kansas City Chiefs.
"It's a dream come true," Harris said. "It's something you work for and is tradition. As you grow up watching, as an NFL fan, you know that's the biggest game of the year. It's definitely an honor and a blessing to be in this game again for the second year in a row and in my second year in the league."
Ward and Harris were no strangers when they became Chiefs teammates in 2019. They spent two seasons together on Middle Tennessee's defense in 2016 and 2017.
Harris left MT after helping the Raiders to their first Conference USA Championship Game appearance in 2018. He was tied for the program record with 53 career games played, including 31 starts, and saved his best for his senior season, when he had a career-high 96 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and five sacks and was named First Team All-C-USA.
Ward transferred to Middle Tennessee in 2016 and spent two years roaming the defensive backfield. He had a career-high 48 tackles as a senior, as well as a sack and a team-high 14 pass breakups.
They learned valuable lessons in Murfreesboro under head coach Rick Stockstill's tutelage. They also got in better shape to help them hit the ground running in the NFL. Both gained about 20 pounds in their MT careers.
"MTSU taught me a lot," Ward said. "They taught me how to be a man. Coach Stock and the strength and conditioning staff helped me gain 20 pounds during my two years there. They helped prepare me mentally and physically for the NFL."
When Harris signed with Kansas City as a rookie free agent in 2019, having Ward there made the transition to a new city and organization easier.
Ward was signed as a rookie free agent in 2018 by the Dallas Cowboys then traded to the Chiefs before the start of the season. He immediately made an impact on Kansas City's defense and eventually started a couple of games late in the year. Then, in 2019, he became a full-time starter, racking up a career-best 72 tackles and picking off two passes as the team won its first championship.
Harris leaned on Ward a lot for guidance during his first season, and while he couldn't get onto the field because of an injury, he learned a lot.
"Having him here was one of the best things that could have happened to me coming here," Harris said. "Having a guy who comes from the same school as you and is in kind of the same shoes as you … that helped me a lot."
Harris finally got onto the field late this season and showed what he can do. He made two starts in Weeks 16 and 17, securing 14 tackles and recovering a key fumble in a win over Atlanta.
"It was a good experience to get my feet wet," he said. "Not being able to play last year and being down most of this year, finally getting the chance to go out there and compete, it was sweet and an honor. It showed that I can play at this level."
Though their careers are barely getting started, Ward and Harris already have the opportunity to claim the game's biggest prize for a second time. They're cherishing the moment together.
"We're both from Mississippi and both ended up at Middle Tennessee together, and now we're in the NFL together," Ward said. "It's a dream come true."
MTSU Men's Basketball Post Game Press Conference 1/17/26
Saturday, January 17
Introducing Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach - Anthony Scelfo
Tuesday, January 13
MTSU Football Signing Day Press Conference 12/3/25
Wednesday, December 03
MTSU Football at New Mexico State post-game press conference – 11/29/25
Sunday, November 30
