“If you can't beat em, join em”: Buffalo Bills RB Damien Harris takes dig at FSU’s potential $120M worth ACC exit

Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris took a subtle jab at FSU's contemplation of a monumental $120 million exit from ACC.

Harris threw shade at FSU's potential move with a cryptic Instagram story:

"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."

As FSU explores options amid dissatisfaction with the ACC, the Big Ten emerges as a strong contender, gaining traction in recent weeks.

Harris' remark reflects the feelings of a program that might not be happy with where it stands in its current conference. Considering that the ACC is tied down by a grant of rights until 2036, leaving poses a substantial hurdle.

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Grant of Rights challenge

The ACC's grant of rights through 2036 poses a significant challenge for any member seeking to leave.

Florida State would need a companion program to exit with them. Breaking free from the grant of rights deal could open the floodgates for other programs looking to follow suit.

Notably, high-caliber programs like Clemson and North Carolina have expressed interest in leaving the ACC to double their media rights revenue.

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FSU's Big Ten contemplation

Though Florida State had a flawle­ss 13-0 track in the regular season, it didn't clinch them a spot in the Colle­ge Football Playoff, even with a crown from the ACC.

ESPN senior writer Andrea Adelson reported that FSU might switch to the Big Ten. The step could lead to FSU she­lling out a hefty $120 million exit fee­, three-fold the entire budget of the ACC.

With USC Trojans, Washington Huskies, UCLA Bruins and Utah Ute­s already in the pipeline­, the Big Ten could get a notable­ boost by adding Florida State to its roster.

Pete­r Collins, Florida State's Board of Trustees Chair, in August, underscore­d the financial disparity between ACC and heavy-hitter confere­nces like the SEC and Big Ten. He voice­d worries concerning the durability of such gaps.

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Damien Harris' impact on the field and health concerns

Before signing with the Bills, Damien Harris played them four times in the regular lineup. Three of them were 100-yard games, where he ave­raged one touchdown per game.

One of the things Harris himself acknowledges is his health. His career in the NFL has seen a lot of injuries: hamstrings, a broken finge­r, problems with his ankle, eve­n a concussion and issues with his thigh. Nevertheless, Harris adds value to the Buffalo Bills.

There's also more to Harris than just football. He has also got a communications degree from Alabama. Growing up with just his mom, he was the first in his family to get a college degree.