Justin Hardee

Justin Hardee's Biography

Justin Hardee, whose life took a turn towards glory on February 7, 1994, is a remarkable figure among American professional football cornerbacks and special team players. Currently a free agent with a rich legacy spanning various teams, Hardee’s career journey is as exhilarating as the sport he partakes in. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Hardee embarked on his football venture at Illinois, where he committed as a three-star prospect. His incredible performance there accumulated a total of 841 yards receiving throughout his college career.

Hardee’s star continued to ascend as he was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2017, marking the official initiation of his professional football journey. However, he was waived on September 2, 2017. In a quick twist of fate, he joined the New Orleans Saints practice squad on September 7, 2017. Through his consistent performances and an unwavering spirit, he was promoted to the active roster just a few weeks later on September 23.

In a notable event during Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hardee marked his niche by blocking a punt by Bryan Anger, which he returned for a touchdown in a 30-10 win. His achievement fetched him the recognition of the National Football Conference Special Teams Player of the Week. He capped off the season making 10 combined tackles in 14 regular-season games and 2 postseason games.

In a game against the New York Giants during the first quarter on a fourth down, Taysom Hill, the quarterback, threw a 10 yard pass to Hardee, where he accomplished his first NFL career reception, earning his team a first down in a drive that eventually ended in a field goal. This episode was pivotal in the Saints’ victory. Hardee continued to keep the record-breaking spree intact, intercepting his first NFL career short pass, thrown by Alex Smith, which was returned for 77 yards in Week 5 against the Washington Redskins, thereby paving the way for a quick touchdown drive for the Saints.

Hardee did not shy away from keeping up the pace; he played in all 16 regular-season games and 2 post-season games, made 20 combined tackles, 1 reception, 2 passes deflected, and 1 interception. Further, he played in all regular-season games and the Saints’ single postseason game, making a combined 11 tackles for that season.

On March 23, 2020, Hardee re-signed with the Saints and went on to participate in 10 regular-season games and 2 post-season games, accruing 8 combined tackles. However, he was placed on injured reserve on November 6 due to a groin injury.

Hardee’s next career leap was signing a three-year, $5.25 million contract with the New York Jets on March 18, 2021. He played in 16 regular-season games, making 12 combined tackles. He also forced a fumble on the return specialist Gunner Olszewski in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which contributed to the Jets’ victory.

However, his unrelenting spirit didn’t spare him from injuries; Hardee was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury on October 14, 2023, only to be activated back on December 2. His dedication landed him a deal with the Cleveland Browns on April 2, 2024, though his tenure was short-lived, as Hardee was released on September 10.

Undeterred by the transient nature of his affiliations, on September 24, 2024, Hardee took up with the Carolina Panthers practice squad. But he was released on October 4. Despite the ebbs and flows, Justin Hardee’s journey in American football paints a picture of a relentless fighter unfazed by challenges, firmly establishing himself as a force on the field.