Roman Harper

Roman Harper (born December 11, 1982) is an American football safety with the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Alabama, and was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. 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. He 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.

High school
Harper went to high school in Prattville, Alabama where he was a quarterback, safety, and returner for Prattville High School. 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 regional championship game. Harper was a first Team All State performer and 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, 5 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 3.5 sacks. As a senior, he was a first team All-Southeastern Conference cat. 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

 * 2009 - Super Bowl Champion
 * 2009 - Named to first NFL Pro Bowl
 * 2007 - Ed Block Courage Award

Community work
Harper and his mother, Princess Harper, founded the Harper's Hope Foundation in 2009. The primary goal of the foundation has been, “to strengthen families and enhance their emotional, social, and spiritual health through educational programs, enrichment activities, and economic development.”

In July 2010 the foundation hosted its first annual "A Sainted Weekend" Celebrity Golf Tournament and Silent Auction.

Harper became a member of School of the Legends (SOTL) in 2010.