FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Signing with the New England Patriots in June could represent the final stop in linebacker David Harris' NFL career, so one could understand why he might be interested in wearing jersey No. 45. He might be thinking about the idea of closing the circle -- from Michigan through the NFL.
Look back at some old photographs at Michigan when Harris was a standout inside linebacker and No. 45 is easy to spot. Harris, who wore the number, was usually around the football.
Then when the New York Jets selected him in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft, Harris took No. 52, and that's what he donned in his 10 seasons with the club.
Now in New England, the 33-year-old Harris is going back to his college roots with No. 45. He was initially assigned No. 51 by the Patriots, but that was officially changed on Tuesday.
To accommodate the switch, the Patriots reassigned undrafted defensive back Damarius Travis from 45 to 35 (which is also the number for running back Mike Gillislee).
Harris' first official practice with the Patriots will be Thursday at approximately 9 a.m. ET.
