New Orleans Saints: Introducing Tight End Harry Flaherty

Foreword: There were reports scattered on the Internet that Harry Flaherty signed with the New York Giants. This is false.

Harry Flaherty may not be a household name yet, but a few years down the road, this may be a different story. Not many people know of the New Jersey native who grew up eating and breathing football, but this is also sure to change. The New Orleans Saints signed Flaherty to their team, making him one of the first undrafted free agents signed after the lockout ended. 

Flaherty grew up in Oceanport, NJ, a suburban Jersey Shore town that sits about an hour south of New York City. His earliest memories are clouded by football, and for good reason. His grandfather, Jim Garrett, was a longtime coach for a number of NFL teams and was most recently a scout for the Dallas Cowboys prior to retiring. Flaherty's uncle is none other than Jason Garrett, a longtime NFL quarterback who is now, of course, the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. 

Flaherty attended his father's alma matter, Red Bank Catholic High School, where he excelled not only on the football field as a tight end but also in the classroom. The honor student was scouted by many colleges for both his academic and football prowess. He ultimately decided to stay in New Jersey and attend Princeton University, where his uncle Jason Garrett also played college football.

At Princeton, Flaherty became known for his hard work both on and off field. Although he was never a huge receiving tight end in college, Flaherty was always counted on to hold his block and play his position as solidly as any. He could always be found in the weight room after hours as well, striving harder to become a better athlete and team player.

He's not one dimensional either; in addition to being a great blocker and receiver, Flaherty is an accomplished long snapper, fullback and even quarterback. He is one of few college tight ends who have thrown a touchdown pass!

It is this hard work ethic and strong display of character that the Saints hope Flaherty will bring to their squad. In a day and age where so much great talent is lost to apathy, Flaherty's will and dedication to his sport and now profession will be greatly appreciated. 

Very few people have the honor over their life to have a close relationship with a professional athlete, and I am honored to say that I now have one with one of the most respectful and sociable men that I know. 

I have been very close family friends with Harry and his parents, four siblings and extended family for much of my life. The Flahertys are as much my family as my own, and I can personally vouch that the National Football League is receiving a man of great character. Harry is a man of faith; a devout Christian who volunteers much of his time at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

So as I aforementioned, Harry Flaherty may not yet be a household name, but I can't help but presume that this is sure to change. 

Joe Rapolla Jr. owns and operates a fantasy football insight company that provides breaking football news, fantasy football advice, and entertaining talk shows. Joe asks, "Who Needs Reality?" Also, follow him on Twitter.