John Harper

John Harper III (born June 12, 1960) is an American former professional football linebacker who played for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Southern Illinois Salukis and was selected by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 1983 NFL draft.

Early life John Harper III was born on June 12, 1960, in Memphis, Tennessee. He attended Kingsbury High School in Memphis. He was lightly recruited out of high school.

College career On February 21, 1979, Harper signed a national letter of intent to play college football for the Salukis of Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He was a four-year letterman from 1979 to 1982. Harper finished his college career with 337 tackles and 11 sacks. He was inducted into the Saluki Hall of Fame in 2007.

On August 14, 1984, Harper was traded to the Arizona Cardinals for an undisclosed 1985 draft pick. He was released on August 28, 1984.

Harper signed with the Memphis Showboats of the United States Football League (USFL) for the 1985 USFL season. He was placed on the reserve/left squad list on February 18, 1985.