Nick was unable to play his final season at Fort Valley State due to the NCAA’s 5-year player rule. So, when he arrived at his ELITE Combine in March 2000 he had not played football in over a year. Despite that fact he had an excellent combine, including a 4.43 forty. His combine numbers quickly caught the attention of several clubs including the Colts, who requested a video of Nick’s ELITE Combine workout. They encouraged him to pursue a CFL contract where they could follow his progress and get updated game film.
He and his agent took that advice and landed him a contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, whose Personnel Director, Mike McCarthy, had been in attendance at Nick’s Scout Camp workout. Nick made an immediate impact in Hamilton, starting all 18 games at CB. He tied for the team-lead with four interceptions and totaled 48 tackles, including three tackles for losses, and earned CFL Defensive Player of the Week honors in a game against Montreal.
The Colts were impressed and signed Nick to a free-agent contract on January 16, 2001. His training camp performance earned him a spot on the final roster later that fall.
Nick had a solid rookie campaign with the Indianapolis Colts in 2001, playing in 13 games, including two starts, and recording 23 tackles (15 solo), two interceptions, and 10 passes defensed. His journey to Colts rookie is a testament to hard work, talent and persistence.
Nick played in 16 games in 2002, primarily as reserve DB back and special teamer and started the 2002 season finale vs. Jacksonville in place of the injured Walt Harris. He finished 2002 with 51 tackles (34 solo), nine special teams tackles (eight solo), and nine passes defensed.
In 2003, Nick’s climb up the Colts depth chart culminated when he beat out former starter David Macklin for the RCB job. He started 13 of 16 games and lead the Colts in interceptions (4) and ranked fifth on team with 94 tackles.
Before the 2007 season, Harper signed a 3 year deal with the Titans after helping Indianapolis win its first Super Bowl in 2006.
