For Ryan Harris, football never seemed to be an all-consuming end in itself, but a means to do positive things in life.

Coach Rockne would love him.

From his days as a star at St. Paul, Minnesota, prep powerhouse Cretin-Derham Hall, to his four years (2003-06) as starting left tackle at Notre Dame, to a 10-year NFL career with its numerous starts and stops, Harris always had the future in mind. He started a family and kept his eye on career possibilities beyond football.

And, he walked away from the game on his own terms.

“A lot of guys who play football don’t get to retire. The game often retires them or they wait one or sometimes two years for a call back,” Harris said when announcing his retirement last March, a little over a year after winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos, the team he played for in three different stints.

“It was amazing to win a Super Bowl with the team that drafted me and the city I have made home. I’m grateful to each coach, teammate and staff that helped me enjoy a career that went beyond my wildest dreams,” he added.

Harris, 32, brought a unique skill set to the NFL. Great physical prowess and discipline, of course. But many have that. He added a well-developed mind. He was known around the locker room as one of the most thoughtful, well-spoken and respected players on any team fortunate to have him around.

In 10 seasons, he played in 115 career games for the Broncos, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers. That’s a lot of teammates whose respect he has earned. That comes in addition to Notre Dame teammates like Darius Walker, who piled up seven 100-yard games in 2005 with his buddy leading the interference. Lifelong bonds were formed.

Now, Harris has transitioned smoothly into the next phase of his working life, as a radio show host in Denver, and as a Notre Dame football analyst. That allows Harris to make repeated trips back to campus in fall. The Denver area is where Harris makes his home with wife Jaime, and children William and Betty.

The future is open to countless possibilities. Harris will look for opportunities to nurture young people, encouraging them to see their potential, and live their lives moving toward it.