Harper went to high school in Prattville, Alabama, where he was an outstanding safety and returner for Prattville High School. He played Quarterback his senior season and led the Lions to a 9–1 regular season finish. Harper was a first Team All State performer and was also selected to the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game.
College career
Harper attended the University of Alabama, and played for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. He was a four-year letterman and a three-year starter at safety and finished his college football career with 302 tackles, 5 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 3.5 sacks. As a sophomore, he totaled 114 tackles (second most on the team) and also had an interception and a fumble recovery. As a junior, he was a second team All-Southeastern Conference selection. As a senior, he was a first team All-Southeastern Conference selection.[1]
On July 27, 2006, the New Orleans Saints signed Harper to a four-year, $3.55 million contract that included a signing bonus of $880,000.[6] Throughout training camp, Harper competed to be the starting strong safety against veteran Omar Stoutmire. Head coach Sean Payton named Harper and Josh Bullocks the starting safety duo to begin the regular season.
Harper started five games in 2006 but was put on injured reserve on October 10. He started 16 games in 2007 and 15 games in 2008. In 2009, Harper earned his first Pro Bowl berth and helped lead the Saints to their first Super Bowl win in franchise history. In Super Bowl XLIV, he led the Saints with 8 tackles and defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31–17.
Harper was released by the Saints on February 12, 2014, after eight years with the team.[7]
Carolina Panthers
On March 15, 2014, Harper was signed by the Carolina Panthers.[8] During his debut performance for the Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Harper recorded 2 tackles, 1 pass deflection, and 1 interception.[9] During the Panthers week 5 win over the Chicago Bears, Harper recorded his second interception of the season against Jay Cutler.[10] Harper won NFC defensive player of the week for his performance in week 17 against division rival Atlanta Falcons. Harper recorded 6 tackles, 1 pass defended, and a 31-yard pick six. In Harper's second season with the team, The Panthers finished the season with a team record 15 wins. They went on to defeat the Seahawks and Cardinals in their first two playoff games. On February 7, 2016, Harper was part of the Panthers team that played in Super Bowl 50. In the game, he had two tackles, but the Panthers fell to the Denver Broncos by a score of 24–10.[11][12]
New Orleans Saints (second stint)
On June 7, 2016, Harper agreed to return to the Saints, where he was expected to play a role in the leadership of the defense while serving as a backup to the Saints' younger safeties. He signed a one-year, $1.065 million contract with the Saints.[13]
Harper and his mother, Princess Harper, founded the Harper's Hope Foundation in 2009. The primary goal of the foundation has been, “to strengthen families and enhance their emotional, social, and spiritual health through educational programs, enrichment activities, and economic development.”
In July 2010, the foundation hosted its first annual "A Sainted Weekend" Celebrity Golf Tournament and Silent Auction.
