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Chris Harris To Spend Offseason Focusing On His Daughter

DENVER (CBS4) - After a disappointing loss last Sunday there's much speculation about changes on the Broncos' roster. What is known is that cornerback Chris Harris will be a big part of the team.

Harris just signed a 5-year deal with the Broncos. CBS4's Suzanne McCarroll sat down with Harris and his family to talk about how he got to where he is now, and his offseason plans.

"I didn't have any offers going into college, just that one school, so I always had to continue to believe in myself, that I could make it to this point, and that's what has got me this far," Harris said.

A year ago Harris had what many thought could be a career-ending injury in a playoff game against the San Diego Chargers. McCarroll asked Harris if he thought his career was over.

CHRIS HARRIS1
Chris Harris recovering from his injury (credit: CBS)

"No, I never had that cross my mind," Harris said. "I understood people would probably say that about me and probably (they were going to) throw me in a dumpster thinking I wasn't going to come back."

No dumpster indeed -- and analysts say he came back faster than expected, and stronger than ever.

"I've just always had faith, I always had a relationship with God, always spiritually and always just had that confidence in him that he would always have my back," Harris said.

He says the two women in his life also have his back -- his wife Leah and his daughter Aria. Harris and Leah went to college together, although she was not a football fan.

"We met in bible study … I'm a year older than Chris," Leah said.

They are homebodies in the offseason and plan to spend their time with Aria, raising her with a strong sense of family.

Cornerback Chris Harris
Cornerback Chris Harris #25 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a defensive stop against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 14, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

"Showing her how I treat Leah … that's the best example right there is how I treat her and she sees how I treat my wife and she will understand that, 'This is how a man should treat me when I get older,' " Harris said.

Harris will train hours a day, every day, in the offseason.

"I feel blessed to be able to be here for 5 more years and just so thankful to be here in a great situation with great players and coaches."

The new dad is ready and excited for a new season.

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