Harrison Hand Bio
Harrison Hand, born on November 12, 1998, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, is an American professional football cornerback competing in the National Football League. He played college football for the Temple Owls and entered the NFL after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2020 draft. Over the course of his professional career, Hand has spent time with several franchises, building experience on both active rosters and practice squads.
Standing 5 ft 11 in and listed at 185 lb, Hand has worked to establish himself as a reliable defensive back in the league. Since 2020, he has continued to pursue opportunities across multiple teams, demonstrating the perseverance required to maintain a career in professional football.
Early Life and Background
Harrison Hand was born on November 12, 1998, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, a suburb located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. Growing up in this region placed him in close proximity to a strong football culture, and he developed an early interest in the sport. Cherry Hill, New Jersey, has produced a number of athletes who have gone on to compete at higher levels, and Hand followed a similar path.
He attended Cherry Hill West High School, where he played high school football and began attracting attention from college programs. His performance at Cherry Hill West helped lay the foundation for his future in the sport, and his development during these formative years set the stage for his transition to the college game.
Path to American Football
After completing his high school career at Cherry Hill West, Harrison Hand committed to Baylor University, where he played football for three seasons. During his time with the Baylor Bears, he worked on refining the skills needed to compete at the collegiate level. Eventually, Hand made the decision to transfer in order to continue his development.
Hand transferred to Temple University, joining the Temple Owls program. In 2019, he recorded three interceptions, a strong statistical season that boosted his profile. He also chose to skip the team’s bowl game that year in order to focus on preparing for the NFL draft, a decision that reflected his commitment to reaching the professional ranks.
Harrison Hand Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Harrison Hand was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 169th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft. The selection marked a significant achievement and represented the culmination of years of training and competitive play. He joined a defensive secondary that included established veterans, giving him the opportunity to learn from experienced teammates.
During his first NFL start against the New Orleans Saints on Christmas Day in Week 16, Hand recorded his first career interception, picking off a pass thrown by Drew Brees. Despite the Vikings losing that game by a score of 52–33, the interception served as a memorable early moment in his professional career and confirmed his ball skills at the highest level.
Minnesota Vikings Breakthrough (2020–2021)
Hand spent his first two NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings after being drafted in 2020. He appeared in games during both the 2020 and 2021 seasons, contributing on defense and on special teams. His role grew gradually as he earned the trust of the coaching staff and adapted to the speed and complexity of the professional game.
After the 2021 season, Hand was waived by the Vikings on August 23, 2022, ending his initial tenure with the team that had drafted him. His time in Minnesota provided valuable experience and helped him establish himself as a capable defensive back in the NFL.
New York Giants Era (2022)
On August 24, 2022, just one day after being waived by the Vikings, Hand was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants. The move gave him a quick opportunity to continue his career with another franchise. He was waived by the Giants on August 30, 2022, and signed to their practice squad the following day.
Hand’s time with the New York Giants was brief, as he was released on September 5, 2022. Despite the short tenure, the experience allowed him to remain active within the league and to demonstrate his continued readiness to contribute.
Chicago Bears Era (2022–2023)
On September 13, 2022, Hand signed with the Chicago Bears practice squad, marking another step in his professional journey. He continued to work on his game and wait for an opportunity to return to an active roster. His patience was rewarded when he was promoted to the Bears’ active roster on December 22, 2022.
Hand was released by the Chicago Bears on April 24, 2023, concluding his time with the organization. The experience in Chicago allowed him to compete at the NFL level again and to contribute to a defensive unit in need of depth.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2024)
On June 11, 2024, Hand signed with the Atlanta Falcons, joining the team ahead of training camp. The move represented a fresh opportunity for the veteran cornerback to compete for a roster spot and contribute on defense. He participated in offseason activities with the Falcons as he worked to secure his place on the team.
Hand was placed on injured reserve on August 11, 2024, an unfortunate setback that kept him off the field during a portion of the season. Despite the injury, his signing with the Falcons confirmed his continued value as a professional football player.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most memorable moments of Harrison Hand’s career came on Christmas Day during his rookie season, when he intercepted a pass from future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees. The play highlighted his instincts and ball skills on a national stage. Being drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft also stands as a major career milestone.
Harrison Hand Career Wins
Throughout his time in the NFL, Harrison Hand has been valued for his defensive contributions, including tackles, pass breakups, and interceptions. While team victories are a collective effort, Hand’s individual contributions have helped his defenses across multiple franchises. His career NFL statistics through the 2024 season include 34 total tackles, 4 pass deflections, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his NFL appearances, Hand recorded three interceptions during his 2019 season at Temple, establishing himself as a playmaker in the college ranks. His performance that year helped earn him an invitation to the NFL level and ultimately led to his selection in the 2020 draft.
Harrison Hand Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Harrison Hand comes from a family with ties to professional football. He is the cousin of former NFL defensive end Turk McBride and former safety Antwine Perez. This family connection to the NFL provided Hand with insight and inspiration as he pursued his own career in professional football.
Personal Life
While Hand keeps much of his personal life private, his New Jersey roots and family connections to the sport have played a role in shaping his journey. His relatives’ experience in the NFL helped inform his understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level of American football.
2025 Season Performance
On August 14, 2025, Hand signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, adding another chapter to his professional career. The opportunity with the Chargers reflected his continued ability to attract interest from NFL teams looking to add experienced depth to their defensive backfield. He participated in training camp activities as he competed for a roster position.
Hand was waived by the Chargers on August 26, 2025, and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He was subsequently released shortly after, ending that particular stint with the organization. Despite the brief tenure, his presence on the practice squad demonstrated that teams continued to view him as a valuable asset.
As of the 2025 season, Hand remains an active professional football player with multiple seasons of NFL experience. His career journey, marked by perseverance through waivers, practice squad promotions, and roster moves, reflects the determination required to sustain a career in the National Football League.