Early years

Harden was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1959. He attended Central High School in Memphis.

University of Michigan

Harden enrolled at the University of Michigan in 1976 and played college football as a defensive back for Bo Schembechler's Michigan Wolverines football teams from 1976 to 1979. In September 1978, Harden and Jerry Meter both intercepted passes thrown by Joe Montana to help secure a 28-14 victory over Notre Dame. He was selected as a first-team defensive back on the 1978 All-Big Ten Conference football team. Over the course of his collegiate career, Harden had 89 tackles, 42 assists, six interceptions and 95 return yards, 16 pass breakups, and three fumble recoveries. Harden also returned 24 punts for 156 yards.

Professional football

Harden was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round (131st overall pick) of the 1980 NFL Draft. He appeared in 128 games, 98 as a starter, at the safety and cornerback positions for the Broncos from 1980 to 1988. He intercepted 33 passes in his nine years with the Broncos.

Harden was fined $5,000 for a tackle in the opening game of the 1988 season that knocked out Steve Largent and resulted in a concussion and the loss of two teeth. Later in the season, Harden took a hit from Largent that caused Harden to fumble the ball. Largent later said in an interview that the hit was retaliation in part for the hit that Harden gave Largent earlier in the season.

Harden concluded his career with the Los Angeles Raiders during the 1989 and 1990 seasons. During his 11-year NFL career, he intercepted 38 passes for 663 yards and four touchdowns, and recovered 14 fumbles. On special teams, Harden returned eight punts for 113 yards and a touchdown and returned 26 kickoffs for 414 yards.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]