Nick Harper (American football)

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For the English singer-songwriter and guitarist, see Nick Harper

Nick Necosi Harper is an American football player for the Indianapolis Colts, out of Fort Valley State University. Harper made headlines when he was involved in a famous play during a 2005-2006 American Football Conference Divisional playoff game which has become known as "The Tackle II."

[edit] High school years

Harper attended Baldwin High School and was a letterman in football, wrestling, baseball, and track&field. In football, as a senior, he won first team All-Conference honors and was named the team MVP.

[edit] The play

On first and goal, Pittsburgh veteran running back Jerome Bettis (who hadn't fumbled during the 2005 NFL season) tried to power his way in for the score, but the ball popped out when linebacker Gary Brackett hit the ball with his helmet. Immediately, Harper picked up the ball and headed for the Steelers' end zone with several blockers around him. It appeared as if Harper would take the football all of the way for a touchdown, robbing Pittsburgh of their victory. As Harper was running down the field, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who had been turned completely around several times desperately trying to stay in front of the speedy Harper, managed to get a hold of Harper's right shin and slow him down enough for several other Steelers to catch up and bring him down at the Colts' 42-yard line.

After the play, the Colts offense tried to drive down the field in an attempt to score a touchdown. The Colts were forced to settle for a 46-yard field goal to tie the game. However, kicker Mike Vanderjagt, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, who had been perfect at home, missed the field goal, as it traveled wide-right by twenty yards. The Steelers managed to hold on and win 21-18 and become the first team to win a Super Bowl as a 6th-seed in the AFC in NFL history.