Reliving the Graham Harrell Era
Earlier today, the Packers released back-up quarterback Graham Harrell, ending the three year experiment of turning one of Texas Tech's most prolific quarterbacks into a viable NFL player. Obviously, the experiment didn't quite work out, Harrell's journey wasn't without some highlights. Here, recounted for your enjoyment, are all the plays in which Harrell either ran or threw the ball. September 30, 2012 - 1st and Goal on the New Orleans two yard line - 5:26 remaining in the third quarter.
Harrell comes in to relieve an Aaron Rodgers, who was poked on the eye on the previous play. With the ball on the two, Harrell has virtually no responsibilities other than handing the ball to Cedric Benson.
Unfortunately, it doesn't really work out. In his defense, Harrell really doesn't trip over his own feet, although it looks that way. Jeff Saturday kind of trips him, but Harrell does plenty of damage on his own.
November 25, 2012 - 1st and 10 on the Green Bay 30 yard line - 2:00 remaining in the fourth quarter
With the Packers trailing 38-10, Harrell gets a shot late in the game. Stepping back to pass, he completes a throw to John Kuhn for 11 yards. First down, Packers!
November 25, 2012 - 3rd and 4 on the Green Bay 47 yard line - 0:24 remaining in the fourth quarter
Later in the drive, Harrell again drops back for a pass. He spies tight end D.J. Williams short to the right, but the pass falls incomplete.
December 23, 2012 - 3rd and 11 on the Tennessee 23 yard line - 9:21 remaining in the fourth quarter
Finishing out a blowout win, Harrell takes this chance to earn his second completion of the season. He steps up and finds James Jones to the right side of the formation for nine yards.
December 23, 2012 - 3rd and 8 on the Green Bay 12 yard line - 3:12 remaining in the fourth quarter
With a chance to make it two complete passes in a row, Harrell succumbs to the immense pressure of converting a late game third down and misses Donald Driver on a short throw to the right side. Incidentally, it's the last time in his career Driver will be targeted with a pass.
December 23, 2012 - 1st and 10 on the Tennessee 43 yard line - 1:37 remaining in the fourth quarter
Leading big, there's no reason to run up the score. Harrell takes a knee for a loss of one yard.
December 23, 2012 - 2nd and 11 on the Tennessee 43 yard line - 0:57 remaining in the fourth quarter
Still leading big, Harrell does the sporting thing and takes a knee. The official scorekeeper notes a loss of one yard.
December 23, 2012 - 3rd and 12 on the Tennesee 45 yard line - 0:25 remaining in the fourth quarter
Despite thunderous chants from the Lambeau faithful to let him sling it (that's how I remember it, at least), the ever humble Harrell takes a knee and runs out the clock, losing a yard for the third time, but demonstrating his exemplary sportsmanship for the world to see.
Conclusion
In all, Harrell ends his time in Green Bay with two completions on four attempts for 20 yards and four carries for a grand total of -3 yards with one fumble. Those numbers are hardly worth remembering, but Packers fans will remember young Graham Harrell for many years to come.