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Alvin Harper
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Alvin Craig Harper (born July 6, 1967) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins and New Orleans Saints. He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers. Harper was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 1991 NFL draft. He played in Dallas for four years as the Cowboys won Super Bowl XXVII and Super Bowl XXVIII, both against the Buffalo Bills.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Harper attended Frostproof High School, where he was an outstanding football player, earning USA Today high school All-American honors as a senior in 1986.
He also excelled in track and field; at one time he held the Florida High School high jump record, and also won two state Class A high jumping titles. As a basketball player he averaged 23 points and 10 rebounds per game.
College career
[edit]Harper accepted a football scholarship from the University of Tennessee. As a freshman, he appeared in 12 games as a backup wide receiver, making 15 receptions for 247 yards and one touchdown. He had a 45-yard touchdown reception in the second game against Colorado State University.
As a sophomore, he was named a starter at wide receiver. He appeared in 11 games, posting 37 receptions for 487 yards and 5 touchdowns. In his first start in the fifth game against Washington State University, he set a school single-game record with 12 receptions.
As a junior, he appeared in 11 games, tallying 13 receptions for 246 yards and 2 touchdowns.
As a senior, he earned All-Southeastern Conference Freshman First-team honors in 1987, and All-Southeastern Conference first-team honors in 1990. He was also the MVP of the 1991 Hula Bowl, and finished his NCAA football career with 103 receptions for 1,547 yards and 16 touchdowns.
He continued to excel in track and field, capturing the 1989 Southeastern Conference indoor high jump championship with a jump of 7 ft 2½in. He also anchored the University of Tennessee 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays.
Professional career
[edit]Dallas Cowboys
[edit]In the 1991 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys sought a receiving partner for starter Michael Irvin and selected Harper in the first round (12th overall).[1][2] As a rookie, he caught 20 passes for 326 yards and one touchdown, helping Dallas finish 11–5, its first winning season since 1985. He missed the seventh game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a neck injury.
In 1992, he rushed once for 15 yards and caught 35 passes for 562 yards and four touchdowns. He also recorded an interception at Denver Broncos when he, as an extra defender, picked off a Hail Mary by Tommy Maddox at the end of the first half. He probably had the signature play of his career during the NFC Championship against the San Francisco 49ers, catching a slant route for 70 yards, setting up the Cowboys on the 10-yard line and sealing the win. He also caught a 45-yard touchdown from quarterback Troy Aikman during the 52–17 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII, after which he dunked the ball over the goal post crossbar.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
[edit]On March 8, 1995, Harper signed a lucrative free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers based on his big play ability and championship experience.[3] Though he had a career-high 46 receptions for 633 yards and 2 touchdowns in his first season in Tampa, he was not able to live up to his free agent billing. He missed the first 3 games of the season because of a left sprained medial collateral ligament and a sprained left ankle he suffered in the first preseason game against the New York Jets.[4] He clinched a 14–6 win in the fourth game against the Washington Redskins with a touchdown reception in the final 6 minutes. His best game came against the Cincinnati Bengals with 6 receptions for 117 yards and no touchdowns.
In 1996, he appeared in 12 games with 7 starts, registering 19 receptions for 289 yards and one touchdown. His top receiving game came in the third game against the Denver Broncos, making 2 receptions for 77 yards and one touchdown. He had 4 receptions for 41 yards and no touchdowns in the fifth game against the Detroit Lions. Harper was replaced with Robb Thomas in the second half of the sixth game against the Minnesota Vikings and would lose his job as the starter at wide receiver.[5] He would start once more in the season finale against the Chicago Bears, in place of an injured Thomas.[6]
On June 10, 1997, he was released before the start of the season.[7] During his two years in Tampa he was slowed by injuries and played in only 25 games, where he caught 65 passes for 922 yards and three touchdowns.
Washington Redskins
[edit]On June 11, 1997, the Washington Redskins signed him, gambling that he could flourish again after being reunited with head coach Norv Turner, who had been his offensive coordinator in Dallas.[8] Harper was a reserve player in 12 games, in which he caught only 2 receptions for 65 yards in the fourth game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. On December 1, he was released after he complained about his playing time, following the Redskins 23–20 loss to the St. Louis Rams.[9]
New Orleans Saints
[edit]On December 2, 1997, he was claimed off waiver by the New Orleans Saints.[10] He was declared inactive in the last 3 games of the season. He was released on July 24, 1998.[11]
Dallas Cowboys
[edit]On October 14, 1999, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys, to provide depth after Michael Irvin suffered a career-ending neck injury in the fourth game against the Philadelphia Eagles.[12] His jersey number 80 was used by Ernie Mills, so he chose to wear number 82. He appeared in 2 games as a reserve player and did not register any statistics. He was released on December 7.[13]
Harper finished his eight NFL seasons with 191 receptions for 3,473 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also rushed once for 15 yards, completed a pass for 46 yards, and recorded one interception on defense.
Memphis Maniax (XFL)
[edit]In 2001, he was signed by the Memphis Maniax of the XFL, reuniting with head coach Kippy Brown, who was his wide receivers coach with the University of Tennessee. Harper was a backup wide receiver and only posted one reception for 8 yards.[14]
NFL statistics
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Receiving | Fumbles | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TDs | Fum | Lost | ||
| 1991 | DAL | 15 | 5 | 20 | 326 | 16.3 | 39 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1992 | DAL | 16 | 13 | 35 | 562 | 16.1 | 52 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| 1993 | DAL | 16 | 15 | 36 | 777 | 21.6 | 80 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| 1994 | DAL | 16 | 14 | 33 | 821 | 24.9 | 90 | 8 | 2 | 2 |
| 1995 | TB | 13 | 12 | 46 | 633 | 13.8 | 49 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 1996 | TB | 12 | 7 | 19 | 289 | 15.2 | 40 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 1997 | WSH | 12 | 0 | 2 | 65 | 32.5 | 52 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1999 | DAL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 100 | 66 | 191 | 3,473 | 18.2 | 90 | 21 | 5 | 5 | |
Personal life
[edit]In 2004, he was a volunteer wide receivers coach at Howard University. In 2005, he served an NFL coaching internship as the Rhein Fire wide receivers assistant coach in NFL Europe.
Harper now resides in Winter Haven, Florida.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ "1991 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
- ^ "Cowboys' 1991 draft earns high marks". April 9, 2014. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ Smith, Timothy W. (March 9, 1995). "Bucs Beat Out the Jets In Bidding for Harper". The New York Times. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ "Harper injured". Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ "Harper in a snit as he sits". Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ "Harper makes his return quietly". Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ "Buccaneers Cut Ties With Harper". The New York Times. June 11, 1997. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ "Harper Signs With Redskins". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ "Ouspoken Harper Released By Redskins". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ "Former RAM Mrtin Fills In As No. 3 For The Final Three". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ "Transactions". Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ "Injury-riddled Cowboys sign Harper". Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ "Transactions". Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ "Memphis Maniax bio". Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ Oldt, Thomas R. (February 6, 2021). "Frostproof's Alvin Harper talks about life before and after the NFL". Lakeland Ledger. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
Alvin Harper
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and family
Alvin Harper was born on July 6, 1968, in Lake Wales, Florida.[1] He spent his early years in the small rural town of Frostproof, Florida, a community of around 3,000 residents where agriculture dominated the local economy. Growing up in a modest household with a combined parental income of approximately $45,000 annually, Harper's family engaged in manual labor, including picking oranges and cutting grass, which instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and perseverance from a young age.[4] Harper's parents emphasized hard work and mutual support as core family values. His mother worked for over 30 years in the Florida prison system, providing stability amid economic challenges. His father labored in the orange groves, a common occupation in the citrus-rich region, until his death during Harper's sophomore year at the University of Tennessee. This loss profoundly affected the family, shifting Harper's priorities toward greater responsibility and determination to succeed, both to honor his father's legacy and to support his loved ones.[4] The socioeconomic context of Frostproof, marked by limited opportunities and a blue-collar ethos, shaped Harper's athletic drive by fostering a "bigger heart" and superior work ethic that set him apart from peers with more advantages. Without material privileges, he learned to outwork others, channeling early influences from community activities into a foundation for personal growth.[4]High school career
Alvin Harper attended Frostproof High School in Frostproof, Florida, where he emerged as a prominent athlete, particularly in football as a wide receiver.[1] His family's longstanding involvement in sports provided early encouragement, fostering his competitive drive from a young age.[5] During his senior year in 1986, Harper delivered a standout performance, recording 42 receptions for 725 yards and six touchdowns, which played a key role in securing Frostproof's sixth consecutive District A-9 championship.[5] These accomplishments earned him All-American recognition, highlighting his speed and reliability on the field despite playing for a small Class A program with an inexperienced quarterback.[6] Harper's impressive high school production drew significant attention from major college football programs, positioning him as a highly sought-after recruit known for his deep-threat ability and versatility.[5]College career
University of Tennessee
Alvin Harper enrolled at the University of Tennessee in 1987 and played wide receiver for the Tennessee Volunteers football team from 1987 to 1990.[7] As a USA Today high school All-American from Frostproof High School in Florida, he was heavily recruited and chose Tennessee to continue his football career while also pursuing track and field opportunities.[5] Under head coach Johnny Majors, who led the Volunteers from 1977 to 1992, Harper served as a key component in the team's balanced offensive scheme that integrated a strong running game with developing passing attacks led by quarterbacks like Randy Sanders and later Andy Kelly.[8] His role emphasized stretching the field as a speedy deep threat, leveraging his track background to create separation from defenders in SEC competitions.[5] Harper's college career began modestly as a true freshman in 1987, appearing in 12 games with 15 receptions for 247 yards and 1 touchdown, primarily as a backup.[7] He broke out in 1988, starting more regularly and recording 37 receptions for 487 yards and 5 touchdowns over 11 games. In 1989, his production dipped to 13 receptions for 246 yards and 2 touchdowns in 11 games, possibly due to increased competition in the receiving corps. His senior year in 1990 marked a strong resurgence, with 37 receptions for 567 yards and a team-high 8 touchdowns across 12 games, including a 1-yard touchdown catch from Andy Kelly that helped secure a 22-13 victory over Mississippi in an SEC matchup and a 32-yard scoring reception in a 34-29 loss to Notre Dame.[7][9][10] Over his four seasons, Harper amassed 102 receptions for 1,547 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 15.2 yards per catch, while also adding 9 rushing yards on one attempt.[7]Honors and statistics
During his time at the University of Tennessee, Alvin Harper earned significant recognition for his performance as a wide receiver. As a freshman in 1987, he was selected to the first-team All-SEC freshman team, highlighting his immediate impact on the Volunteers' offense. In 1990, as a senior, Harper received All-SEC honors, ranking among the conference leaders in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Following his college career, he was named the Offensive MVP of the 1991 Hula Bowl, an all-star game that showcased his skills to NFL scouts.[11] Harper's statistical contributions underscored his role in Tennessee's success, including appearances in three bowl games during his tenure: the 1988 Peach Bowl (after the 1987 season), the 1990 Cotton Bowl (after the 1989 season), and the 1991 Sugar Bowl (after the 1990 season). His development as a deep-threat receiver at Tennessee directly facilitated his transition to the professional level. Over four seasons, he amassed 102 receptions for 1,547 yards and 16 touchdowns, tying the school record for career touchdown catches at the time. The following table summarizes Harper's year-by-year receiving statistics at Tennessee:| Year | Games | Receptions | Yards | Yards per Reception | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | 12 | 15 | 247 | 16.5 | 1 |
| 1988 | 11 | 37 | 487 | 13.2 | 5 |
| 1989 | 11 | 13 | 246 | 18.9 | 2 |
| 1990 | 12 | 37 | 567 | 15.3 | 8 |
| Career | 46 | 102 | 1,547 | 15.2 | 16 |
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys (1991–1994)
Alvin Harper was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round (12th overall) of the 1991 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee.[6][14] As a rookie in 1991, Harper faced an adjustment period to the professional level, playing a limited role behind star wide receiver Michael Irvin while appearing in 15 games with 20 receptions for 326 yards and one touchdown; he also missed one regular-season game due to a neck injury.[1][15] Harper's role expanded during his peak years from 1992 to 1994, when he became a starting wide receiver and key contributor to the Cowboys' dynasty, helping secure back-to-back Super Bowl victories.[1] In Super Bowl XXVII following the 1992 season, he hauled in a 45-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Troy Aikman against the Buffalo Bills, punctuating the score with a memorable dunk of the ball over the goalpost crossbar as Dallas dominated 52–17.[16][3] The following year, in Super Bowl XXVIII, Harper added three receptions for 75 yards in a 30–13 win over the Bills again, contributing to the team's offensive explosiveness alongside Irvin and tight end Jay Novacek.[16] Over these four seasons (1991–1994), Harper totaled 124 receptions for 2,486 yards and 18 touchdowns in 63 games (47 starts), with his postseason play particularly notable—24 catches for 655 yards and four touchdowns across 10 playoff games, including explosive plays like a 94-yard touchdown reception from Aikman in the 1993 NFC Divisional Round victory over the Green Bay Packers.[1][16][17] His 1994 regular season stood out, leading the NFL in yards per reception at 24.9 on 33 catches for 821 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns, though a late-season knee sprain briefly sidelined him before he returned for the playoffs.[18][1][19]Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1995–1996)
Alvin Harper signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an unrestricted free agent on March 8, 1995, following his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, where he had contributed to two Super Bowl victories. The four-year contract was reportedly worth $10.6 million, including a $3 million signing bonus, making Harper one of the most coveted wide receivers in free agency due to his big-play ability.[20][21] Under head coach Sam Wyche, Harper assumed the role of the Buccaneers' primary wide receiver in the 1995 season, tasked with stretching the field and complementing tight end Jackie Harris in the passing game. In 13 games (12 starts), he recorded 46 receptions for 633 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 13.8 yards per catch, though the offense struggled overall with quarterback instability and ranked near the bottom of the league in scoring. The Buccaneers finished 7-9, their first non-losing season since 1982, but Wyche was fired after the year amid ongoing franchise rebuilding efforts under new owner Malcolm Glazer.[1][22][23] The 1996 season marked a transition for the Buccaneers under new head coach Tony Dungy, who emphasized defensive improvements while the offense continued to falter. Harper's production dropped significantly due to injuries, limiting him to 12 games (7 starts) with 19 receptions for 289 yards and 1 touchdown. Despite the team's early 1-8 start—exacerbated by poor quarterback play and offensive line issues—Harper provided veteran leadership in the receiving corps, vocalizing frustrations with the unit's inability to score consistently as the Buccaneers ended 6-10 after a late surge that included a three-game win streak.[1][24][25]Washington Redskins and New Orleans Saints (1997)
Following his release from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in June 1997, Alvin Harper signed a three-year contract with the Washington Redskins on June 11, aiming to revive his career under head coach Norv Turner, with whom he had previously succeeded in Dallas.[26] The deal included a $700,000 signing bonus and base salaries escalating from $300,000 in 1997, positioning Harper as a veteran addition expected to provide depth at wide receiver and serve as a deep threat in the passing game amid the team's efforts to bolster its offense.[26] Harper appeared in 12 games for the Redskins during the 1997 season but started none, recording just 2 receptions for 65 yards, including a 52-yard catch in a Week 5 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.[27] His limited production stemmed from injuries, including an ankle sprain sustained in training camp that hampered his early preparation and a foot injury suffered during a game, which further restricted his role on the depth chart behind starter Leslie Shepherd.[28][29] On December 2, 1997, the Redskins released Harper, citing his underwhelming performance and ongoing injury concerns despite the team's initial optimism about his potential impact.[29] He was immediately claimed off waivers by the New Orleans Saints the same day, joining a squad seeking experienced receivers to support quarterback Billy Joe Hobert, but Harper remained inactive for the final three games of the season and recorded no statistics.[30] This brief stint marked a transitional low point, as the accumulating effects of his injuries began to erode his speed and reliability as a downfield option.[1]Dallas Cowboys (1999)
In 1999, Alvin Harper signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent on October 14, providing depth at wide receiver after Michael Irvin suffered a severe neck injury that sidelined him indefinitely.[31] This move marked a reunion with his former team and teammates from his successful early-1990s tenure, as Harper sought to revive his career following a year away from football.[31] The signing occurred amid the Cowboys' post-dynasty transition, where the team that had dominated with three Super Bowl victories from 1993 to 1995 now grappled with declining performance and injuries, ultimately posting an 8-8 record and missing the playoffs.[32] Harper's return was motivated by a desire to contribute to the familiar organization during this challenging period, leveraging his prior chemistry with the squad. However, lingering effects from a 1997 knee injury severely restricted his participation.[33] He appeared in just two games without starting, recording no receptions or yards, before the Cowboys released him on December 7, effectively concluding his NFL career.[30][1]Memphis Maniax (XFL, 2001)
Following his release from the Dallas Cowboys after the 1999 NFL season, Alvin Harper signed with the Memphis Maniax for the inaugural 2001 season of the XFL.[30] The XFL, a short-lived professional football league co-owned by NBC and the World Wrestling Federation, aimed to offer a more exciting alternative to the NFL with innovative rules, including the elimination of point-after-touchdown kicks in favor of mandatory two-point conversion attempts from the two-yard line, no fair catches on punts, and an "opening scramble" to start games instead of a coin toss.[34] Harper, reuniting with his former University of Tennessee position coach Kippy Brown, who served as the Maniax head coach, joined the team as a wide receiver following the league's player allocation draft in October 2000.[35] The Maniax, based in Memphis, Tennessee, competed in the XFL's Western Division and finished the season with a 5-5 record, missing the playoffs.[36] Harper saw limited action, appearing in four games without starting and recording just one reception for eight yards.[30] His modest output reflected the transitional nature of his role in a league emphasizing high-scoring, fast-paced play amid a roster blending NFL veterans and newcomers. The XFL operated for only one season, concluding in May 2001 before folding due to declining viewership and financial challenges, marking the end of Harper's professional playing career.[37]Career statistics
Alvin Harper's NFL career spanned eight seasons from 1991 to 1999, during which he recorded 191 receptions for 3,473 receiving yards and 21 receiving touchdowns across 102 games played.[1] His career average of 18.2 yards per reception highlights his role as a deep-threat receiver.[1] The following table summarizes Harper's year-by-year NFL receiving statistics, including games played (G), receptions (REC), receiving yards (YDS), yards per reception (Y/R), and touchdowns (TD), organized by team:| Year | Team | G | REC | YDS | Y/R | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | DAL | 15 | 20 | 326 | 16.3 | 1 |
| 1992 | DAL | 16 | 35 | 562 | 16.1 | 4 |
| 1993 | DAL | 16 | 36 | 777 | 21.6 | 5 |
| 1994 | DAL | 16 | 33 | 821 | 24.9 | 8 |
| 1995 | TAM | 13 | 46 | 633 | 13.8 | 2 |
| 1996 | TAM | 12 | 19 | 289 | 15.2 | 1 |
| 1997 | WAS | 12 | 2 | 65 | 32.5 | 0 |
| 1999 | DAL | 2 | 0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
| Career | NFL | 102 | 191 | 3,473 | 18.2 | 21 |
