WASHINGTON (July 14, 2022) - Gary "Flea" Harrell was a four-year letter winner for the Howard University football team, competing as a wide receiver and punt return specialist.
 
In 1993, he started every game for Howard's legendary undefeated team, which went on to win the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) title.
 
Harrell finished his collegiate career holding the program's most receptions in a game (13) and career receptions (184).
 
In 1994, he earned his degree in marketing from Howard.
 
After Howard, Harrell played two NFL seasons (1994 & 1995) with the New York Giants. In 1996, he played a year for the World League's Frankfurt Galaxy, followed by a pair of seasons (1996 & 1997) in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Montreal Alouettes.
 
Following his playing career, Harrell got his start in coaching at his alma mater, coaching the wide receivers (2002-04). After stops at multiple collegiate programs, he returned to Howard and took the reins for five seasons (2011-16).
 
In January 2017, he joined Florida Atlantic University coaching staff for two seasons under Lane Kiffin before a one-year stint at Alabama State (2019).
 
Currently, Harrell is the running backs coach for Jackson State University under Deion Saunders.
 
A native of Miami (Fla.), he and his wife (Tenika) have two children, a daughter – Jasmine – and son – Gary, Jr.
 
In November 2005, he was inducted into the Howard University Athletics Hall of Fame.
 
Recently, the Miami native was named to the MEAC Football All-Time Team as part of the league's 50th year anniversary celebration.
 
About Where Are They Now?
 
The weekly series of "Where Are They Now?" appears on Thursdays throughout the year.
 
The series will feature former student-athletes from all sports and eras, highlighting their careers as athletes at the University and what they are presently doing.
 
All interested former athletes and their coaches should submit a short bio, a recent head shot and contact information on how they can be reached via email to Jade Spurlock (jade.spurlock@bison.howard.edu) and Derek W. Bryant (derek.bryant@howard.edu).
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.