SmashMouth

The Alabama Crimson Tide cap Roman Harper wore Sunday during his post-practice interview represents where he came from.

The gray hair underneath it may be symbolic of where he’s headed.

But as those college days at Bama get farther and farther from Harper's rearview mirror and his retirement approaches, the hard-hitting, 33-year-old safety is just enjoying the present.

“To be able to say I’ve lasted this long is a blessing,” he said. “At the end of the day, I’m just taking advantage of every day I’m out here.”



Harper, entering his 11th season in the NFL, didn’t think he’d be out here at The Greenbrier, where the Saints hold training camp. He had no idea he’d ever be a Saint again after he parted ways with the team after the 2013 season and played the past two seasons with Carolina.

“I never actually thought I’d be wearing the No. 41 jersey for the Saints again,” he said.

But No. 41 is back, after he signed in June to return to the team he played for from 2006-13, helping win a Super Bowl and making two Pro Bowl appearances as one of the best safeties in the league.

For those thinking Harper was signed just to provide some leadership on defense, think again. Harper showed Monday that he’s not just here to be a locker-room guy. He's still got plenty left in the tank.

He played solid defense against tight end Coby Fleener, breaking up a pair of passes, and also forced a Mark Ingram fumble.



It was the kind of day Harper had promised to coach Sean Payton when the team brought him back.

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