The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have re-signed homegrown star running back Andrew Harris to a one-year contract.
Harris, who was named Grey Cup MVP and Top Canadian in the Bombers Grey Cup victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2019, says he was more than willing to commit to a longer deal.
“I would’ve signed a five-year (extension) to be honest with you,” Harris said with a chuckle during a videoconference with reporters Friday.
“I don’t know if you could see a 39-year-old running back.
“For me, I’m taking it year by year, I’ve always been that way. You’re always one hit away from this being over so you have to take it play by play, day by day and year by year. For me, it’s nothing different there.”
The 33-year-old Winnipeg native has led the league in rushing yards three years in a row and this will be the Winnipegger’s fifth season with the team.
Financial details weren’t divulged but many CFL players have re-signed for less money with the league having not operated in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Harris said the extension was never about money.
“Everyone is feeling the effects on the financial side,” he said. “We all have to kind of adapt to that.
“For me, it was a seamless conversation, an easy conversation with Kyle (Bombers’ GM Kyle Walters). We both kind of understood each other and where we’re at. It wasn’t too difficult to get to where we are today.”
During the 2019 season, Harris passed Ben Cahoon to become the CFL’s career leader in yards from scrimmage by a Canadian. He also moved past Normie Kwong as the Canadian career rushing leader.
A five-time CFL all-star, Harris also was named the league’s most outstanding Canadian in 2017.
More coverage of the Blue Bombers can be found on 680 CJOB.
–With files from The Canadian Press