Roger Harper

Roger Michael Harper (born October 26, 1970) is an American former professional football player who was a 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 for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Early life

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. 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. 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. 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).

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. 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. He was released on May 4.

BC Lions In 1999, he signed with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League.