Roman Harper
Roman Harper (born December 11, 1982 in Prattville) is a professional football safety with the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. He was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Alabama. After he was drafted, Harper earned the starting strong safety job and held it until week 5 of his rookie season when he suffered a season-ending knee injury. Harper was able to come back strong after his injury-riddled rookie season and has not missed a game since. In 2009, Harper earned his first Pro Bowl berth and helped lead the New Orleans Saints to the Super Bowl XLIV in Miami.
High school
Harper went to high school at Prattville where he was a standout quarterback, safety, & returner. He led the Lions to a 9-2 record his senior season. One of those losses came from rival Sidney Lanier High School in the Region Championship game. Sidney Lanier's quarterback that season was Minnesota Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson. Harper was a 1st Team All State performer & was also selected to the Alabama-Mississippi All Star Game.
College career
Harper attended the University of Alabama. He was a four-year letterman and a three-year starter and finished his college football career with 302 tackles, five interceptions, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and 3.5 sacks. As a senior, he was a first team All-Southeastern Conference selection. As a junior, he was a second team All-Southeastern Conference selection. As a sophomore, he led the team with 114 tackles and also had an interception and a fumble recovery.
Professional career
Drafted in the second round by the Saints, Harper started five games in 2006 but was put on injured reserve on October 10. Harper started 16 games in 2007 and 15 games in 2008. In 2009, Harper earned his first Pro Bowl berth and helped lead the New Orleans Saints to the 2010 Super Bowl in Miami, FL.
Awards and Championships
2010 - Super Bowl Champion 2009 - Named to first NFL Pro Bowl 2007 - Ed Block Courage Award
Harper's Hope 4*1 Foundation
Harper is the CEO of the Harper's Hope 4*1 Foundation. The Harper's Hope 4*1 Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes, more specifically to enhance the quality of life for families, build strong communities and combat community deterioration by providing programs and activities that focus on education, health, social and cultural enrichment. In July 2010, the Harper's Hope 4*1 Foundation hosted its 1st Charity Sports Celebrity Golf and Auction, "A Sainted Weekend." The weekend consisted of a Celebrity Golf Tournament and Auction Fund drive with the proceeds benefiting the non-profit Harper’s Hope 4*1 Foundation. Under the theme, “Mentoring youth to strengthen families” fellow NFL Players Darren Sharper, Usama Young, Jahri Evans, Chase Daniel, Tyler Lorenzen, and Carl Nicks all participated in the Tournament and supported the Auction.
In The Community
On February 17, 2010, the City of Prattville declared February 27, 2010 "Roman Harper Day". Harper co-hosted the 2010 Sharper and Harper Football Camp at Rummel High School in New Orleans with safety Darren Sharper. Harper has also been an avid volunteer and donor to the fund raising efforts of programs such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, YMCAs, local schools in Prattville and New Orleans, as well as special needs and mental health programs. Roman Harper is committed to helping those across the Gulf Coast affected by the oil spill. On Friday, August 27, Harper and fellow Saints Safety Darren Sharper hosted a special Game Night After Party at Whiskey Blue to raise money and awareness for United Way. They also filmed a PSA encouraging people to “Be a Saint” and give to United Way’s Gulf Coast Recovery Fund.
Videos
- Harpers Hope 4*1 Foundation
- Be a Saint for the Gulf Coast
- Where Amazing Happens
- Eric Richey Catches Up With Roman Harper
- Roman Harper Post Super Bowl Interview
- CBL Interviews Roman Harper
- Saints Minute with Roman Harper
- Cox Sports Interview
Harper Says Saints Need to Play Big
References
- Roman Harper. (2011, February 3). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 14:19, February 6, 2011 [1]
- Causler, Don (February 6, 2011) "Ex-Tide teammates Anthony Madison, Charlie Peprah battle today for a Super Bowl ring." Birmingham News