Oregon Ducks Legend Joey Harrington Recaps 2001 Win Over Wisconsin Badgers

On episode seven of Turn Back The Flock, former Oregon Ducks All-American Safety Verone McKinley III sits down with Ducks football legend quarterback Joey Harrington. The two discuss Harrington's career and a thrilling 2001 win over Wisconsin.

Kyron Samuels | Nov 16, 2024

Jan 1, 2006; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback (3) Joey Harrington throws the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images Copyright © 2005 Tom Szczerbowski / Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images

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In this week’s episode of Turn Back The Flock, former Oregon Ducks consensus All-American Safety Verone McKinley III sat down with former Ducks football legend quarterback Joey Harrington. Ahead of the Ducks' Big Ten Showdown against Wisconsin in the vaunted Camp Randall Stadium, Harrington recapped his career and specifically details a thrilling win over Wisconsin in September of 2001.

The Ducks beat the Badgers 31-28 in Autzen Stadium, and Harrington led one of his patented fourth-quarter comeback drives to win the game. Harrington threw for 278 yards and three touchdowns.

Harrington’s career as a Duck still holds as one of the most credentialed in program history. Before diving into career stats and accolades, the biggest accomplishment to highlight is the fact that Harrington, along with his teammates, were winners. During his three-year tenure as a starter for Oregon, Joey Harrington boasts a 25-3 record overall, including two bowl victories over the Texas Longhorns and Colorado Buffaloes.

Aug 28, 2008; Baltimore, MD, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Joey Harrington (13) during the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. / James Lang-Imagn Images

Harrington’s career numbers were impressive, especially considering the time frame. The early 2000s were a completely different landscape than today. Six thousand nine hundred eleven passing yards, 59 passing touchdowns, and 18 rushing touchdowns still rank amongst the elite in Ducks history. During his senior season, Harrington finished as a Hesiman finalist and finished fourth in the voting.

Throughout his career, Harrington racked up the accolades. He was named first-team All-American, Pac-10 Offensive Player of The Year, Sporting News Second Team All-American, First Team All-Pac10, Second Team All-Pac10, and 2002 Fiesta Bowl Offensive Player of the Game. Maybe the most important accolade was his induction into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.

Harrington went on to be the third overall pick of the 2002 NFL Draft to the Detroit Lions. After a seven-year career where he played for the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and New Orleans Saints, Harrington stepped away from professional football. Harrington threw for over fourteen thousand passing yards and seventy-nine passing touchdowns in this National Football League career.

How can we forget? @joey3harrington https://t.co/lQMg1Qzgu0 pic.twitter.com/MRGvfKbGcO
— Verone McKinley III (@vmckinley23) November 15, 2024

The Times Square Nike billboard to advertise and promote Harrington’s campaign was as innovative as anything to happen in the modern football era. It is still regarded as arguably the greatest marketing move from a college football program ever. Last season, Oregon recreated the theme, this time for Heisman finalist quarterback Bo Nix. Harrington’s impact is still felt today. Since retiring, he’s been involved with broadcasting and several philanthropic endeavors.

𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 - 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟕

Great conversation between @vmckinley23 and @joey3harrington, who led the Ducks to a thrilling win over Wisconsin in 2001. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/vSgfZzX2GW
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) November 15, 2024