The Cincinnati Bengals will have another representative in the 2018 NFL Pro Bowl.
On Tuesday, long-snapper Clark Harris announced that he was heading to Orlando for the NFL’s annual all-star game.
So just found out that I will be headed to Orlando next week. Thanks to the @steelers coaching staff for bringing me along to the 2018 @NFL #probowl. #DreamComeTrue
— Clark Harris (@ClarkHarris46) January 16, 2018
Harris, a ninth-year player this past season, appeared in all 16 games this past season. He has played in all but three Bengals games (including playoffs) since joining the team on Oct. 13, 2009. He has had no botched snaps in his entire Bengals career. Harris finished 2017 with four special teams tackles, and he handled all 143 deep snaps (89 punts, 54 placekicks) without an unplayable delivery.
Harris has been an ironman for the Bengals, as he played in 123 consecutive Bengals games (including postseason) through Nov. 20, 2016 versus the Bills. He suffered a groin injury in that game and was inactive the next three weeks but has appeared in every game since.
For his efforts, the Bengals gave Harris a one-year contract extension in the middle of the 2017 season, keeping him under contract through the 2018 season. He is tentatively set to be joined by Geno Atkins in terms of Bengals in the 2018 Pro Bowl. A.J. Green was named to the game but has withdrawn due to a minor knee injury.
The AFC will be led by the coaching staff of the Pittsburgh Steelers, which is why Harris is thanking them. While all other players are voted into the Pro Bowl by fans, coaches and players, long-snappers are selected by the Pro Bowl coaches.
Harris is the first-ever Bengals long snapper to earn a Pro Bowl nod.