After eight memorable seasons in the Notre Dame football radio booth, Ryan Harris is trading his headset for a law book. The former Irish offensive tackle and Super Bowl champion with the Denver Broncos announced Friday he's stepping away to focus on finishing his final semester of law school, while also keeping the door open for NFL and television opportunities.

Harris, 41, has been a familiar and energetic voice for Fighting Irish fans since taking over as radio analyst in 2018. He succeeded longtime analyst Allen Pinkett, who held the role for 17 seasons. Over the years, Harris formed dynamic partnerships with play-by-play announcers Paul Burmeister and, more recently, Tony Simeone, bringing both expertise and enthusiasm to every broadcast.

But Harris's ambitions extend far beyond the booth. Currently enrolled at the University of Colorado Law School, he's following in the footsteps of another Notre Dame legend—Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page. Harris has long dreamed of becoming a lawyer, telling the Denver Gazette last October that he's wanted to practice law since he was 16. A summer internship at the Denver public defender's office only deepened that commitment.

Of course, Harris isn't leaving the sports world entirely. The 2020 Colorado Sportscaster of the Year remains active on Broncos preseason broadcasts and has worked assignments with CBS Sports and Westwood One NFL Radio. With a résumé that includes parts of nine NFL seasons (2007-2016) and a Super Bowl 50 ring, he's proven he can excel both on the field and behind the microphone.

In his farewell post, Harris called his time with Notre Dame radio "an incredible and life-changing experience," adding that he cherished "the opportunity to grow as a broadcaster while sharing my love for ND football with the world." He signed off with his trademark positivity: "Be positive, spread love, Go Irish."

Notre Dame fans have gotten used to consistency in the radio booth—the program has employed just three full-time analysts in the last 40 years. Tom Pagna served from 1985-2000, Pinkett held the spot from 2001-2017, and now Harris leaves after eight impactful seasons. As the Irish search for their next voice, Harris heads confidently toward his next chapter, proving that whether it's blocking for a quarterback or arguing a case, he's always ready for the challenge.