Joey Harrington

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Full Name: John Joseph Harrington Primary Position: QB Height/Weight: 6' 4"/220 College: University of Oregon Birthdate: October 21, 1978 High School: Central Catholic (Portland, OR) Birthplace: Portland, Oregon Pro Experience: 5 years

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[edit] Biography

Joey Harrington (John Joseph Harrington) was born on October 21, 1978 in Portland, Oregon. After going to high school at Central Catholic (Portland, OR), Harrington attended the University of Oregon. Harrington made his professional debut in the NFL in 2002 with the Detroit Lions. He has played for the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and the New Orleans Saints.

Detroit Lions

Harrington was picked by the Detroit Lions with the third pick overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. Harrington immediately became the Lions' starting quarterback during his rookie season, finishing that year with a 50.1 completion percentage, a ratio of 12 touchdowns to 16 interceptions, and a 59.9 quarterback rating; the Lions finished the season with a 3-13 record.

Harrington's best season as a Lions came in 2004 where he threw for 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Lions went 6-10.

On October 23, 2005, Lions coach Steve Mariucci chose to bench Harrington in favor of Jeff Garcia for the team's game against the Cleveland Browns to try and provide a spark to the team's 2-3 start. The Lions won 13-10, and Garcia rushed for Detroit's only touchdown. After yet another dismal offensive performance, Coach Mariucci declared that Garcia would remain the starter. This marked the first time since the 2002 season that Harrington did not appear in a Lions' game, breaking a string of 37 consecutive appearances. Harrington regained the starting role the week after Garcia threw a game ending interception returned for a touchdown in overtime against Chicago. Harrington started again for Detroit on November 13, 2005, against the Arizona Cardinals, throwing for three touchdowns without an interception in the Lions' 29-21 win. Harrington was voted by Lions fans as their Offensive Player of the Year, according to the Lions' official website. Despite his difficult times in Detroit, he always remained unwaveringly optimistic and was thus dubbed "Joey Blue-Skies" and "Joey Sunshine" by sarcastic Lions' fans and writers. [edit] Trade

On March 16, 2006, the Detroit Lions signed former Arizona quarterback Josh McCown, and shortly afterward signed veteran quarterback Jon Kitna as well, fueling speculation that Harrington would be cut or traded. He was due a $4 million roster bonus on June 15.[4] On March 20, 2006, Lions coach Rod Marinelli stated to the media that the Lions had "moved on," indicating the team's intention to release or trade Harrington.[5] On April 19, ESPN reported that Harrington had agreed to terms with the Miami Dolphins, and asked Lions GM Matt Millen to release him or to trade him to the Dolphins.[6]

On May 12, 2006, a trade was finalized between the Miami Dolphins and the Detroit Lions. Reportedly, the Lions were given a 6th round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, but if Harrington met certain playing time conditions with the Dolphins, the pick would be upgraded to the 5th round. Harrington started the 2006 season as a backup behind new Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper. During his tenure with the Lions, Harrington started 55 games and had a record of 18 wins and 37 losses.[7] In the nine games between 2003 to 2006 which Harrington did not start, the Lions had a record of 1 win and 8 losses.[8] [edit] Miami Dolphins

In 2006, Harrington did not play in the Dolphins' first four games, backing up Culpepper. Culpepper injured his shoulder prior to Miami's fifth game against the New England Patriots, forcing Harrington into the starting role. Harrington lost his first three starts, before leading Miami to a stunning 31-13 upset of the previously unbeaten (7-0 at the time) Chicago Bears. Harrington followed that game with four consecutive victories, capped by a 27-10 Thanksgiving Day win at Ford Field against his former team, the Detroit Lions. Harrington passed for 3 touchdowns and 213 yards against Detroit, compiling a passer rating of 107.4, his highest single game rating for 2006. Harrington struggled after the Lions' game. Against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15, Harrington went 5-for-17 for a mere 20 yards, throwing 2 interceptions. His passer rating for the game was 0.0, the minimum possible under the complex NFL formula. Harrington was pulled midway through Miami's next game against the New York Jets, replaced in the 13-10 Christmas night loss by Cleo Lemon. Harrington did not appear in Miami's Week 17 finale against the Indianapolis Colts. Overall, Harrington played in and started eleven games, leading Miami to a 5-6 record (Miami finished 6-10 for the season as a whole).

For the 2006 season, Harrington completed 223 of 388 passes (57.5 percent completion percentage) for 2,236 yards with 12 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. His passer rating was 68.2, lower than each of his last two seasons with Detroit. Because of a high salary cap number, the Dolphins released Harrington on March 5, 2007. [edit] Atlanta Falcons

On April 9, 2007 Harrington agreed to a two-year, $6 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons to compete with D. J. Shockley and Chris Redman to back up Michael Vick.[9]

Harrington was elevated to starting QB after the suspension of Michael Vick for the 2007 NFL (National Football League) season. Harrington performed well in the preseason, but after going 0-2, Atlanta signed former Jacksonville starting quarterback Byron Leftwich as a possible replacement for Harrington. During Week 3 Atlanta home opener against division rivals the Carolina Panthers Harrington completed 31/44 passes with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions for a 110.1 passer rating in a 20-27 loss. In Week 4 Harrington improved on his numbers with a 121.7 passer rating where he completed 23/29 passes for two touchdowns with no interceptions, leading the Falcons to their first win of the 2007 season. Harrington attributed his solid performance to confidence, claiming, "It has a lot to do with my confidence, and my confidence is higher than at any other point in my NFL career. I have been saying it since I got here — mentally, I am ready to take this offense on."[10]

On March 5, 2008, the Atlanta Falcons released Harrington in a salary cap move. He was re-signed by the team seven days later[11] but was again released in August after the Falcons completed their preseason schedule.[12] [edit] New Orleans Saints

Harrington signed with the New Orleans Saints on September 19, 2008.[13] He was the third string quarterback behind Drew Brees and Mark Brunell for one game against the Denver Broncos. He was released only five days later on September 24, 2008 due to increasing injuries on the Saints roster.[14] After the Saints injury situation became more manageable, Harrington was re-signed on October 1, but was cut again on October 6 2008.[15] He was once again re-signed with the Saints on October 12, 2008 as an inactive third quarterback behind Drew Brees, and Mark Brunell.[15]

On March 30, 2009, Harrington was resigned to a one-year deal by the Saints. He was released on September 5, 2009

Most people believe that 2004 was Joey Harrington's best year, as he threw for 3047 yards and tossed 19 TDs.

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