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For the English singer-songwriter and guitarist, see Nick Harper
Nicholas Necosi Harper (born 1974-09-10 in Baldwin County, Georgia) is an American football cornerback with the Tennessee Titans in the National Football League.
[edit] Early yearsHarper attended Baldwin High School and was a letterman in football, wrestling, baseball, and track & field. In football, as a senior, he won first team All-Conference honors and was named the team MVP. Harper played college football at Fort Valley State University. [edit] Professional career[edit] Indianapolis ColtsHarper signed with the Indianapolis Colts on January 16, 2001. In the divisional championship round of the 2005 playoffs, and with less than one and a half minutes of play remaining, the Pittsburgh Steelers received the ball back on downs from the Indianapolis Colts and were left a first down and goal situation, leading 21-18. Pittsburgh's veteran running back Jerome Bettis (who hadn't fumbled during the regular season) tried to power his way in for the score, but the ball popped out when linebacker Gary Brackett hit the ball with his helmet. Immediately, Harper, picked up the ball and headed for the Steelers' end zone with several blockers around him. It appeared as if Harper would take the football all of the way for a touchdown, robbing Pittsburgh of their victory. As Harper was running down the field, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who had been turned completely around several times desperately trying to stay in front of the speedy Harper, managed to get hold of Harper's right shin and slow him down enough for several other Steelers to catch up and bring him down at the Colts' 42-yard line. After the play, the Colts offense drove down the field in an attempt to score a touchdown. The Colts were forced to settle for a 46-yard field goal attempt to tie the game. However, kicker Mike Vanderjagt, who had succeeded in all of his kicks in home games, missed the field goal as it traveled wide-right. The Steelers managed to hold on and win the game 21-18 and proceeded to the AFC Championship game. The Indianapolis Colts won Super Bowl XLI win following the 2006 season, giving Harper his first Super Bowl ring. [edit] Tennessee TitansBefore the 2007 season, Harper signed a 3-year deal with the Tennessee Titans as a free agent. Harper played in and started 14 games and registered 80 tackles, three interceptions, 14 passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in his first season with the Titans. In 2008 , Harper finished second on the team with 17 passes defensed . [edit] PersonalHarper is married to Danielle, couple splits time between Nashville and Indianapolis, Indiana with their three sons, Nicholas, Darius and Eric. After his professional football career, Harper will dedicate his time coaching his sons , Harper says that his two oldest sons Nicholas and Darius already have a deep passion for football and they even watch game film with him at home[1]. Harper and Titans running backs coach Earnest Byner share the same hometown, following the Washington Redskins Super Bowl XXVI win, Harper went to the victory parade and heard Byner speak in Milledgeville[2]. [edit] References[edit] External linksCategories: 1974 births | Living people | African American players of American football | American football cornerbacks | Fort Valley State Wildcats football players | Indianapolis Colts players | Tennessee Titans players | Undrafted National Football League players | People from Baldwin County, Georgia | Players of American football from Georgia (U.S. state) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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