Roger Michael Harper is a former professional American football safety in the National Football League (NFL) for the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys. He also was a member of the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Ohio State University.
Early years
Harper attended Independence High School. As a senior wingback, he gained over 1,600 yards in total offense with an average of 16.5 yards-per-reception. He received All-Ohio honors and was awarded the James A. Rhodes Trophy.
He was also an All-state basketball player.
College career
He accepted a football scholarship from Ohio State University. He became a starter as a sophomore, tying for the team lead with 3 interceptions, including returning a Drew Bledsoe pass for a 42-yard touchdown against Washington State University.
As a junior, he led the team with 4 interceptions. At the end of the season, he declared his intention to enter the NFL Draft.[1] He finished his college career with 118 tackles (75 solo) and 7 interceptions.
Professional career
Atlanta Falcons
Harper was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round (38th overall) of the 1993 NFL Draft.[2] As a rookie, he was named the starter at strong safety in the fourth game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He posted 112 defensive tackles (fifth on the team), 5 quarterback pressures, 2 passes defensed, 15 special teams tackles (fourth on the team) and was named to the NFL's All-rookie team.
In 1994, he was moved to free safety and suffered a fractured right forearm against the New Orleans Saints, causing him to miss the last 6 games.[3] He collected 57 tackles, 3 quarterback pressures, 3 passes defensed and one interception.
In 1995, he started the first 12 games at free safety, recording 77 tackles, 2 quarterback pressures, one interception and one forced fumble. On April 18, 1996, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a fourth (#127-Juran Bolden) and a fifth round draft choice (#164-Gary Bandy).[4]
Dallas Cowboys
Harper missed the first 2 games of the 1996 season with a fracture in his right forearm, that he suffered during the Blue-White scrimmage in training camp.[5] After safety George Teague was signed in the preseason, he was used mostly on the nickel defense, posting 33 defensive tackles, 5 passes defensed, one forced fumble and 11 special teams tackles. He was released on August 17, 1997.
Green Bay Packers
On February 23, 1998, Harper was signed as a free agent by the Green Bay Packers.[6] He was released on May 4.
BC Lions
In 1999, he signed with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League.
References
- ^ "Hurricanes' Williams, Georgia's Hastings to enter NFL draft". Retrieved January 3, 2018.
- ^ "1993 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 2023-03-31.
- ^ "Falcons Lose DB for Season". Retrieved January 3, 2018.
- ^ "Cowboys get Harper". Retrieved January 3, 2018.
- ^ "Dallas Loses Another Player". Retrieved January 3, 2018.
- ^ "Sports Transactions". Retrieved January 3, 2018.