Harrison Hand Bio
Harrison Hand (born November 12, 1998) is an American professional football cornerback competing in the National Football League. He played college football for the Temple Owls before being selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Standing 180 centimeters tall and listed at 84 kilograms, Hand has built his career on positional versatility in the secondary and a steady path through practice squads and active roster promotions.
Since entering the league, Hand has spent time with several organizations across the NFC and AFC, working to establish himself as a reliable depth cornerback. His professional journey includes stops with the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, and Los Angeles Chargers.
Early Life and Background
Harrison Hand was born on November 12, 1998, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He grew up in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and attended Cherry Hill West High School, where he developed as a multi-sport athlete before focusing on football. His hometown sits just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, an area with a deep football tradition that helped shape his early interest in the sport.
Coming from a family with professional football ties, Hand was exposed to the game from a young age. He is the cousin of former NFL defensive end Turk McBride and safety Antwine Perez, which gave him a direct connection to life at the highest level of the sport. That family lineage helped motivate his pursuit of a football career.
Path to Professional Football
Hand began his college career at Baylor, where he played football for three seasons before deciding to transfer. After sitting out the required year and adjusting to a new program, he joined the Temple Owls and quickly earned a role in the secondary. The move to Temple allowed him to compete in the American Athletic Conference and showcase his coverage skills against a wide range of offensive schemes.
In 2019, his final season at Temple, Hand recorded three interceptions, establishing himself as a playmaker in the Owls’ defensive backfield. He chose to skip Temple’s bowl game in order to focus on preparation for the upcoming NFL Draft, a decision that reflected his commitment to turning professional. His combination of size, technique, and ball production drew the attention of NFL scouts.
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. He signed with the team and immediately began working within the Vikings’ defensive backfield room, where he rotated between outside cornerback and slot duties during his first two seasons.
The highlight of Hand’s Vikings tenure came on Christmas Day during Week 16 of the 2020 season, when he recorded his first career interception. The pick came on a pass thrown by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees during a 52–33 loss. Hand was waived by the Vikings on August 23, 2022, closing his first chapter in the league.
New York Giants Era (2022)
On August 24, 2022, Hand was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants as teams shaped their initial 53-man rosters. The move gave him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot in a secondary that was undergoing its own transitions. He was waived just six days later on August 30, 2022.
The Giants signed Hand to their practice squad the very next day, allowing him to remain within the organization and continue developing. That stint ended on September 5, 2022, when he was released. Despite the short stay, the experience gave Hand another look at a different defensive system.
Chicago Bears Era (2022–2023)
On September 13, 2022, Harrison Hand signed with the Chicago Bears practice squad, joining a defense that valued length and tackling in the secondary. He continued to refine his technique and prepare for any opportunity that might arise on the active roster.
On December 22, 2022, Hand was promoted to the Bears’ active roster, giving him a chance to contribute down the stretch of the season. The following offseason, on April 24, 2023, he was released by the team, closing his time in Chicago.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2024)
On June 11, 2024, Hand signed with the Atlanta Falcons, adding veteran depth to the cornerback group during the offseason program. The signing gave him a fresh opportunity to compete for a roster spot in a new defensive scheme.
On August 11, 2024, Hand was placed on injured reserve, ending his season before it could fully take shape. Despite the setback, the move kept him within the Falcons’ system as he worked toward recovery.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2025)
On August 14, 2025, Hand signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, joining a defense that has invested heavily in its secondary. He joined the team during the ramp-up to the regular season and looked to compete for a depth role.
Hand was waived by the Chargers on August 26, 2025, and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He was released shortly thereafter, marking the latest chapter in his ongoing pursuit of a stable NFL role.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hand’s game is built around physicality at the line of scrimmage and steady technique in coverage. He has shown the versatility to line up both outside and in the slot, and his size allows him to match up with larger pass catchers. His understanding of route combinations and willingness in run support have helped him remain a candidate for practice squad and active roster roles.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hand’s first career interception off Drew Brees on Christmas Day 2020 stands as his most celebrated on-field moment. Being selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft also marks a defining milestone, validating his decision to leave Temple a year early.
Harrison Hand Career Highlights
Across his professional career, Harrison Hand has recorded at least one career interception and has been a member of five NFL organizations since 2020. While his stat line has largely been built through special teams and rotational defensive snaps, he has consistently found ways to remain in the league.
NFL Career Highlights
Hand’s most notable professional moment came during the 2020 season, when he intercepted a pass from Drew Brees against the New Orleans Saints. That play remains the cornerstone of his professional resume and the clearest example of his ball skills translating to the NFL level.
Other Performances
Beyond his interception, Hand has appeared on game-day rosters and contributed on special teams during his time with the Vikings, Bears, and other stops. His ability to bounce between practice squad and active roster roles speaks to the trust that several coaching staffs have placed in his work ethic and preparation.
Harrison Hand Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Harrison Hand comes from a family with a clear football lineage. He is the cousin of former NFL defensive end Turk McBride and former safety Antwine Perez. That connection to the professional game gave him a realistic view of what it takes to reach and stay in the league.
Personal Life
Hand was raised in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and remains an American by nationality. His career has required him to move between several cities since 2020, but he continues to focus on extending his professional football journey.
2025 Season Outlook
Heading into the 2025 season, Harrison Hand’s focus is on securing a roster spot after a busy stretch of practice squad movement. His signing with the Los Angeles Chargers in August 2025 gave him an opportunity to compete in a defensive system that emphasizes secondary depth.
The early portion of the 2025 calendar was marked by a quick sequence of being waived, re-signed to the practice squad, and released once again. That pattern is common for veteran depth cornerbacks as teams shape their final rosters.
Regardless of where the next opportunity arises, Hand’s combination of size, experience, and family football pedigree should keep him in consideration for practice squad or active roster roles throughout the 2025 NFL season.