It hasn't taken Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris long to feel welcomed on the other side of the rivalry.
The Bills signed Harris to a one-year deal this offseason after he spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the New England Patriots. Though Harris enjoyed plenty of success for New England against the Bills in previous matchups, the veteran running back said he immediately felt welcome by his teammates and the fans who were once rooting against him.
"All I've heard since I got here, especially from the fans is 'we're glad you're running with us instead of against us,'" Harris said. "I didn't feel like I had to do too much. I feel like once I signed, everyone was happy, and everyone was a little relieved. It was good just to be welcome with open arms. I know this is an incredible fan base. They're the best fans in the NFL."
It didn't take Harris long to become a thorn in the side of the Bills and their fans. In his first appearance for the Patriots against Buffalo in 2020, he had 16 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown, the first score of his career.
He followed that up with two more impressive performances for New England at the expense of Buffalo in 2021. He had 10 carries for 111 yards and a 64-yard run for a touchdown in the first matchup, then had 18 carries for 103 yards and three touchdowns in the final meeting of that season.
Buffalo finally managed to slow Harris down last season with the Patriots, as he had 13 carries for 48 yards in his lone appearance against the Bills.
Now as a member of Buffalo's backfield, Harris is looking to contribute in multiple facets and help Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
"I want to take as much of the burden off Josh as I possibly can," Harris said. "I want him to be able to go out there, play free, throw the ball, stay healthy, do his thing. He's a freak of nature so he does a lot of things but if I can help take some hits off his shoulders and keep his legs fresh, I'd love to do that."
While it's unknown how much of a workload Harris will have, if he can replicate his success against Buffalo and help out Allen, he'll quickly become a fan favorite.
More must-reads: