Devin Harper Bio
Devin Harper is an American professional football linebacker currently competing in the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 13, 1998, in Austell, Georgia, he developed into a versatile defender through years of hard work at both the high school and collegiate levels. He attended Karns High School in Tennessee before playing college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, where he became a respected leader on defense. Since entering the NFL, Harper has spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Pittsburgh Steelers, continuing to build a reputation as a reliable and hard-hitting linebacker.
Early Life and Background
Devin Harper was born to his parents, Kevin and Alacia, and raised with a strong athletic foundation. He grew up alongside his younger brother, Thomas Harper, who later became a safety for the Detroit Lions, showing that football talent runs in the family. From a young age, Harper was involved in multiple sports, sharpening the competitive edge that would eventually define his career path.
During his high school years at Karns High School, Harper stood out as a two-way player, contributing on both offense as a running back and on defense as a linebacker. As a junior in 2015, he played on a winless team, an experience that helped build his resilience. As a senior in 2016, he helped lead his team to a 3-7 record while collecting 1,403 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns, 40 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. He also rushed for 345 yards in a single game against South-Doyle High School and earned All-District and All-Knoxville Interscholastic League honors.
Beyond football, Harper also practiced basketball and track, displaying the versatility that would later help him adjust to multiple roles on the football field. As a senior, he led the basketball team to the sectional round of the District 3-A Playoffs while receiving District 3-AAA Player of the Year and All-Region honors.
Path to Professional Football
Following his high school success, Devin Harper accepted a football scholarship from Oklahoma State University, intending to focus on playing linebacker at the collegiate level. As a redshirt freshman in 2017, he contributed mostly on special teams, tallying 5 tackles and one blocked punt while learning the speed and complexity of Division I football.
In his sophomore season in 2018, Harper appeared in all 13 games with one start, recording 44 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, one pass defensed, one forced fumble, and an interception returned for a touchdown. His play against the University of Kansas, where he posted 9 tackles, marked him as a rising defender.
Harper played through a painful junior year in 2019 while wearing a cast for part of the season, still appearing in 10 games and amassing 34 total tackles and 3 sacks. As a senior in 2020, he played in all 11 games with one start, posting 37 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, one interception, and one pass defensed. He was also recognized as an All-Big 12 academic honoree. In 2021, as a super senior, Harper enjoyed his best college season, becoming a full-time starter and team captain. He started 13 of 14 games, finishing with 96 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, and 2 fumble recoveries.
Devin Harper Career
NFL Breakthrough with the Dallas Cowboys
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, before being placed on the reserve/injured list on October 29, 2022, with Achilles tendinitis. In 2023, after the season-ending injury to rookie DeMarvion Overshown, Harper competed for a role on the depth chart. He appeared in the first three games of the season, registering 2 defensive tackles and one special teams tackle, before being waived on September 28 to create roster space for offensive line depth.
Cincinnati Bengals Tenure
On September 29, 2023, Devin Harper was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals. He was declared inactive in 8 games during his time with the team but appeared in 6 games, contributing 2 special teams tackles. On August 27, 2024, he was waived by the Bengals as part of roster adjustments heading into the new season.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era
On August 29, 2024, Devin Harper was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad, marking a fresh opportunity in his professional career. He signed a reserve/future contract with Pittsburgh on January 14, 2025, securing his place with the organization beyond the current campaign. During the 2025 offseason, Harper was waived with an injury designation on August 18 and reverted to injured reserve the following day before being released on August 20.
Driving Style and Strengths
Devin Harper is recognized for his physicality as a linebacker, his tackling consistency, and his ability to contribute on special teams. His collegiate experience as a team captain and his willingness to play through injuries have helped shape him into a dependable defensive player.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Devin Harper’s career came during the 2021 Bedlam matchup against Oklahoma, where he tied a career-high 10 tackles, recorded a key sack, and helped the Cowboys close out a 37-33 victory. He also had 10 tackles in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl, contributing to one of the biggest rallies in school history in a 37-35 win against the University of Notre Dame.
Devin Harper Family
Family Background and Lineage
Devin Harper was born to Kevin and Alacia and grew up in a supportive household that nurtured his athletic development. He is the older brother of Detroit Lions safety Thomas Harper, continuing a family tradition of professional football participation.
Personal Life
Devin Harper welcomed his son, Ryder, on August 9, 2019. Fatherhood has been an important part of his personal journey, providing motivation as he continues to pursue his professional football career.
Devin Harper 2025 Season
Devin Harper entered the 2025 offseason with the Pittsburgh Steelers after signing a reserve/future contract in January 2025. His role within the organization remained centered on providing defensive depth and special teams value as the Steelers prepared for their 2025 campaign.
During the 2025 preseason, Harper was waived with an injury designation on August 18 and reverted to injured reserve the following day before being released on August 20. His release marked a transitional point in his professional journey, leaving the door open for potential opportunities elsewhere in the league.
Looking ahead, Harper’s mix of college production, special teams experience, and linebacker versatility could position him for another opportunity with an NFL franchise. His leadership background as a former Oklahoma State team captain and his proven work ethic continue to make him a valuable asset for teams seeking defensive depth.