He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, and was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft.

[7] Throughout training camp, Harper competed to be the starting strong safety against veteran Omar Stoutmire.

Head coach Sean Payton named Harper and Josh Bullocks the starting safety duo to begin the regular season.

In Super Bowl XLIV, he led the Saints with 8 tackles and defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31–17.

[9] During his debut performance for the Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Harper recorded 2 tackles, 1 pass deflection, and 1 interception.

[10] During the Panthers week 5 win over the Chicago Bears, Harper recorded his second interception of the season against Jay Cutler.

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.