Jerome Harrison (born February 26, 1983) is a former American football running back who played six seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Washington State University, and was recognized as a consensus All-American. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft, and also played for the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. A brain tumor ended his NFL career in 2011. Early years Harrison was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He attended Kalamazoo Central High School, and played for the Kalamazoo Central Maroon Giants high school football team. He served as his team captain as a junior and senior, and rushed for 2,338 yards and thirty-one touchdowns as a senior, earning all-state honors from the Detroit Free-Press. His father, Jerome Persell, was a tailback and three-time Mid-American Conference offensive player of the year (1976–1978) at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. He finished second in the nation in rushing behind Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett in 1976. In 1978, he became the third runner in Division I-A history to reach 4,000 yards in three seasons and tied a then-NCAA record with three consecutive 200-yard performances. After receiving a sole NFL tryout, Persell was told that he was too short and too light, a remark that Harrison would encounter as well. College career After two years at Pasadena City College, Harrison transferred to Washington State University, where he played for the Washington State Cougars football from 2004 to 2005. Although he played most of his junior year behind starter Chris Bruhn, he finished the last five games of the year with over 900 yards. His senior year saw greater playing time and great success. He broke the record for most consecutive games with 100 or more yards by a Pacific-10 Conference runner, with 16, and set the Cougars' single-season rushing record with 1,900 yards, which also led the NCAA Division I. He was a consensus All-American in 2005. He majored in humanities and communications. Professional career Pre-draft Cleveland Browns Harrison was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round (145th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. In his first season, he made ten appearances including one start. He made his NFL debut against the New Orleans Saints on September 10, 2006. During his second season with the Browns, Harrison appeared in eight games. On December 20, 2009, at Kansas City,