Roger Harper (American football)


Roger Michael Harper is a former professional American football safety in the National Football League for the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys. He also was a member of the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League. 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. He finished his college career with 118 tackles and 7 interceptions.

Professional career

Atlanta Falcons

Harper was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round 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, 5 quarterback pressures, 2 passes defensed, 15 special teams tackles 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 and a fifth round draft choice.

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.