Napoleon Harris, a native of Dixmoor, Illinois, excelled in both football and basketball during his time at Thornton Township High School. As a football player, he tallied 23 sacks, 98 tackles, and multiple forced turnovers, earning him recognition as the defensive player of the year from numerous publications. On the basketball court, he averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game on one of the nation’s top teams.

Continuing his athletic career at Northwestern University, Harris played four years as a linebacker on the football team and briefly joined the basketball team. He amassed 334 career tackles, ranking among the school’s best, and received All-Big Ten honors in 2000 and 2001. As team captain, he helped lead the Wildcats to a conference title and an Alamo Bowl appearance.

Harris was selected by the Oakland Raiders with the 23rd overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. Over a seven-season career, he also played for the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs, amassing 481 career tackles, including a career-high 116 in 2007 with the Chiefs.

Today, Harris lives in Flossmoor, Illinois, with his wife Nicole and their son, Napoleon Harris IV. He and his family are active in their community through their faith and as owners of two Beggars Pizza locations, providing jobs and opportunities for local families. Harris also ran as the Democratic candidate for Illinois State Senate’s 15th District, continuing his commitment to serving his community.