During his first two seasons at North Texas Hardman lined up on the same defense as future Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee "Mean" Joe Greene.

Hardman started playing college football as a defensive back, then moved to linebacker in his sophomore season.

[7] After changing teams, he was a member of the Oakland Raiders Super Bowl XV championship squad.

[8] On October 20, 1982, Hardman was the first player signed by the Oakland Invaders of newly formed United States Football League.

[10] Hardman is related to current NFL defensive tackle Jonathan Marshall of the Pittsburgh Steelers.