Harris slams Wright’s return to college as “elementary”
The move from the Cleveland Browns to LSU highlights a governance gap in player eligibility, prompting sharp criticism from former NFL star Damien Harris.
Former NFL running back Damien Harris has labelled tight end Dae'Quan Wright’s decision to return to college football as “embarrassing” and “elementary.” Harris, a two-time national champion, argues that Wright’s transition from the professional league to the NCAA transfer portal undermines the structural integrity of collegiate rosters. The criticism comes as Wright prepares to join LSU, a move that could establish a new precedent for active NFL players returning to the collegiate level.
Wright, who was waived by the Cleveland Browns on 24 August after being sidelined with an apparent injury, had previously signed with the Philadelphia Eagles before joining the Browns practice squad. He participated in training camp and dressed for a preseason game. An agreement is now in place for Wright to join LSU, subject to him clearing waivers. It is believed he would become the first ex-NFL player to return to play college football, a pathway enabled by a temporary restraining order granted in a Louisiana lawsuit.
Harris contends that the current landscape allows athletes to “finesse the system” of both college and professional football. He noted that if he were an NFL general manager, he would be hesitant to draft players who might return to college, citing uncertainty regarding their competitiveness and commitment to the sport. “I don’t know how competitive they are. I don’t know how much they love football,” Harris told CBS Sports, adding that such moves make it difficult to build a program around a player.
The former Alabama running back described the broader situation as “bush league,” suggesting that the NCAA and college football landscape has become fragmented. He argued that Wright’s return takes up a roster spot from another athlete who is “deserving of their time there.” This perspective contrasts with the view of LSU head coach Lane Kiffin, who has actively pursued former NFL players who gained eligibility through legal rulings, including defensive tackle ZXavian Harris.
Browns head coach Todd Monken also expressed surprise at the decision, joking that he now understands why Kiffin reached out to him a week prior. “Man, isn’t this shit crazy? I don’t even know what to say,” Monken said. He added, “I wondered why Lane Kiffin reached out to me a week ago; now I know. I didn’t call him back. I guess I should have.”
While a new NCAA rule granting five years of eligibility over five years does not currently apply to Wright, it will take effect next season. For now, Wright’s case remains a test of the current eligibility framework, which has been shaped by legal interventions rather than standard regulatory changes.
