The News-Gazette · Oct 15, 2018
Asmussen | Hard work pays off for ex-Illini Hardee with Saints
Photo by: Bill Feig/APJustin Hardee is an easy guy to root for. Always has been. Always will be.
The former Illinois receiver was back in C-U during the weekend. He had some time off from his day job in New Orleans and couldn't resist the chance to return.
Hardee dutifully sat in the autograph tent Saturday afternoon at Grange Grove. He was there with Jon Asamoah, Terry Hawthorne and others.
Hardee, a four-year receiver for Tim Beckman, Bill Cubit and Lovie Smith, has gone to the other side. And found a home.
Signed to the practice squad by the Saints in early September 2017, Hardee started to work at defensive back.