Devin Harper Bio
Devin Harper is an American professional football linebacker born on May 13, 1998, in Austell, Georgia. He played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and entered the National Football League after being selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated notable skills as a linebacker as well as a competitive edge that started in high school, and he continues to pursue opportunities in professional football.
Early Life and Background
Devin Harper was born on May 13, 1998, in Austell, Georgia, to his parents Kevin and Alacia. He is the older brother of Thomas Harper, who later played safety for the Detroit Lions. Growing up in a supportive household, Harper developed a strong interest in athletics from a young age and excelled across multiple sports.
He attended Karns High School in Karns, Tennessee, where he emerged as a talented two-way player at running back and linebacker. As a junior in 2015, he was part of a winless team, a difficult stretch that helped build his competitive character. During his senior season in 2016, he helped the team post a 3-7 record while collecting 1,403 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns, 40 tackles with 5.5 for loss, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery, averaging 213 all-purpose yards per game. He also rushed for 345 yards in a single game against South-Doyle High School, earning All-District and All-Knoxville Interscholastic League honors.
Beyond football, Harper practiced basketball and track. As a senior, he helped lead the basketball team to the sectional round of the District 3-A Playoffs while earning District 3-AAA Player of the Year and All-Region honors. His all-around athletic background helped shape the physical and mental toughness that would later define his football career.
Path to American Football
After his standout senior season at Karns High School, Harper accepted a football scholarship from Oklahoma State University with the intention of playing linebacker. He joined the Oklahoma State Cowboys in 2016, beginning a long college journey that would refine his skills and prepare him for professional football. His high school production and versatility made him a notable recruit for the program.
As a redshirt freshman in 2017, Harper played mostly on special teams, tallying 5 tackles and one blocked punt. The experience helped him adjust to the speed and physicality of college football. By his sophomore year in 2018, he appeared in all 13 games with one start, recording 44 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception returned for a touchdown, signaling his growing impact on defense.
Over the following seasons, Harper continued to develop, becoming a full-time starter and team captain in 2021. That year, he started 13 of 14 games and finished with 96 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, and 2 fumble recoveries, earning national attention heading into the NFL Draft.
Devin Harper Career
Early Career (2022)
Devin Harper was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round, 193rd overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft. He appeared in the first three games of his rookie season, playing primarily on special teams without recording any statistics. On October 29, 2022, he was placed on the reserve/injured list with Achilles tendinitis, pausing his early professional development.
When he returned, Harper continued to focus on special teams duties while adjusting to the speed of the professional game. His limited but valuable experience during his rookie year helped him prepare for a larger role in the seasons that followed.
Dallas Cowboys Breakthrough (2022–2023)
In 2023, Harper was looking to expand his role with the Dallas Cowboys, but rookie DeMarvion Overshown suffered a season-ending injury, and Markquese Bell passed him on the depth chart for the strongside linebacker job. Despite the challenge, Harper appeared in the first three games of the season, playing mostly on special teams and registering 2 defensive tackles and one special teams tackle.
He was waived by the Cowboys on September 28, 2023, to make room for center Brock Hoffman and provide depth on the offensive line. Although his time in Dallas ended, the experience gave him valuable insight into NFL preparation and competition.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2023–2024)
On September 29, 2023, Devin Harper was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals, giving him a fresh opportunity to continue his career. He was declared inactive in 8 games but appeared in 6 contests, where he made 2 special teams tackles. His contributions on special teams helped him remain a serviceable depth piece within the organization.
Harper was waived by the Bengals on August 27, 2024, ending his brief tenure in Cincinnati. Although his statistical output was limited, the experience allowed him to stay active in the league and continue refining his professional routine.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2024–Present)
On August 29, 2024, Harper was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad, marking another chapter in his professional journey. He later signed a reserve/future contract with Pittsburgh on January 14, 2025, solidifying his place within the organization and providing him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot in the upcoming season.
In 2025, Harper was waived with an injury designation on August 18, reverted to injured reserve the following day, and was released on August 20. Despite the setback, he remains determined to continue his professional football career and pursue future opportunities across the league.
Driving Style and Strengths
Devin Harper is recognized for his versatility, football intelligence, and strong tackling ability at the linebacker position. His experience on special teams has sharpened his awareness and conditioning, while his background as a two-way high school player contributed to his balanced skill set in both run defense and pass coverage. His competitive edge, built through early adversity and sustained development, continues to define his professional approach.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Harper’s most memorable college moments came during the 2021 Bedlam matchup against Oklahoma, where he tied a career-high 10 tackles, including 7 solo stops, and helped the Cowboys close a 37-33 win. He also contributed 10 tackles in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl, helping Oklahoma State complete one of the biggest rallies in school history in a 37-35 victory against the University of Notre Dame.
Devin Harper Career Highlights
NFL Highlights
Throughout his professional career, Devin Harper has appeared in games for the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers. As of 2024, he had recorded 5 total tackles across his NFL appearances, with the majority of his contributions coming on special teams. His career has been defined by perseverance, roster competition, and the ability to adapt to multiple defensive schemes.
Other Performances
In addition to his NFL appearances, Harper earned recognition during his senior season at Karns High School, where he averaged 213 all-purpose yards per game and rushed for 345 yards in a single contest. He also excelled in basketball, earning District 3-AAA Player of the Year honors as a senior.
Devin Harper Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Devin Harper was born to his parents Kevin and Alacia, who supported his early athletic development. He is the older brother of Thomas Harper, a safety who has played for the Detroit Lions, creating a notable football lineage within the family. Their shared passion for the sport has helped both brothers pursue professional careers in the NFL.
Personal Life
Devin Harper welcomed a son named Ryder on August 9, 2019. Fatherhood has been an important part of his life and continues to motivate him as he works to extend his professional football career.
2025 Season Outlook
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Devin Harper remains focused on earning a roster spot and contributing on special teams or defense. After signing a reserve/future contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in January 2025, he positioned himself to compete during training camp. Although he was waived with an injury designation in August 2025 and later released, his experience and work ethic suggest he will continue pursuing opportunities in the NFL.
Harper’s journey through multiple organizations has demonstrated his resilience and adaptability, qualities that often resonate with teams seeking depth and special teams contributors. His familiarity with several defensive systems and his leadership experience as a former team captain at Oklahoma State give him a strong foundation for future opportunities.
As the 2025 season progresses, Harper’s primary goal will be to secure a stable role with an NFL franchise and continue building on the experience he has gained since entering the league in 2022. His story remains one of perseverance, family support, and a continued commitment to the game he loves.