Raiders TNF Star Erik Harris Used to Work in a Potato Chip Factory

The Oakland Raiders made an early impact against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football. In the first half, Raiders safety Erik Harris recorded two interceptions off Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, one of which was returned for a touchdown.

Since Harris is a relatively unknown player on Oakland's roster, social media took a bit of a deep dive into his past. And one remarkable tidbit was dug up: the undrafted free agent out of the Division II program California University of Pennsylvania used to work at a potato chip factory following his collegiate career in 2012.

Erik Harris has two INTs tonight including this pick six. His story is wild:

? D2 walk-on
? Undrafted in 2012
? No rookie minicamp invites
? Worked at a potato chip factory, UPS
? Drove 3 hours to Buffalo for a CFL tryout
? Played 3 seasons in the CFL from 2013-2015 pic.twitter.com/g1nO0P7eYY
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) November 8, 2019

Harris worked at a local Utz potato chip factory in Hanover, Penn. during the summer of 2012, where he worked as a corn mixer. The job required him to carry 50-pound bags of corn flower, stirred the corn in the mixer, before placing it in an oven. He worked 11-hour shifts in an 110-degree room.

The safety never received any invites to an NFL minicamp. As a result, he took a chance by driving to Buffalo, N.Y. for a Canadian Football League (CFL) tryout in 2013. Harris was signed by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, where he spent three seasons.

For those who don’t know Erik Harris (the player with 2 almost 3 interceptions), let this be your encouragement. He went to a D2 college, went undrafted, worked at a chip factory, played in the CFL, and three years later FINALLY got a shot in the NFL. Never give up! @e_harris_31
— Nicole Lynn (@AgentNicoleLynn) November 8, 2019

After a short stint with the New Orleans Saints in 2016, Harris joined the Oakland Raiders, and has remained with them ever since.

Now, he shined on the bright stage of "Thursday Night Football" with two incredible interceptions against a future Hall of Famer in Philip Rivers. Not everyone has a straightforward path to the NFL, and Harris' story exemplifies that.