Harris headed to Afghanistan to meet troops

Tommie Harris is taking his act global.

The defensive tackle is headed to Afghanistan to interact with U.S. troops as part of an NFL-USO tradition that is now four decades old.

Harris heads overseas with San Diego Chargers defensive end Luis Castillo, the Northwestern product, and Carolina Panthers defensive end Mike Rucker. Castillo will maintain a diary for chargers.com.

Also joining the players will be veteran Sports Illustrated football writer Peter King, who can probably chronicle Harris take on contract negotiations with the Bears.

The players will visit military bases throughout the Persian Gulf for a week.

Bears defensive lineman Israel Idonije and former teammate Chris Harris have traveled abroad to see troops before.