Former NFL player Chester David "Tuff" Harris is working to help people overcome diversity and excel in life.

Harris will be in Manteca on Friday, March 22, to make a presentation at New Hope Church, 17218 Comconex Road.

New Hope Church's Men's Club is sponsoring a 6 p.m. sausage sandwich dinner prior to the 60 to 90 minute program.

Harris, of Crow and Northern Cheyenne descent, was born into poor circumstances on a Crow Indian reservation in January of a 1983 Montana winter.

 Due to lack of heating he contracted pneumonia as an infant but battled heroically.

Every time the doctors would resuscitate him, he would look at them and smile.

His grandmother nicknamed him Tuff when one of his doctors labeled him one tough kid because of his resilience.

Although not a starter at his preferred position of defensive back, it was this resilience that earned him a spot on special teams where he maintained a professional football presence for five years. He had stints with the Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins. 

Currently retired from the NFL, Harris is now working on building relationships and partnering with people. His mission now is to help people overcome adversity and excel in life.

He realized early on that nobody reaches their goals without help. He attributes his success in life to his family, friends and coaches and now devotes all his time to helping others achieve their goals. 

If you would like to attend RSVP (so they know how much food to have on hand) by calling the church office at 209-239-5711. If forced to leave a message, leave the number of people in your party.

New Hope Church is at 17218 S. Comconex Road.

Head east on Highway 120/Yosemite Avenue past Austin Road.

When turning left onto Comconex Road, you'll notice a church immediately on your right. That is not New Hope.

Travel to very end of Comconex. When you reach the dead-end you'll notice a second church on the right, which is New Hope.