wasn’t drafted, which is nowhere near the same as saying he wasn’t wanted.
In fact, five days after he was waived by the Houston Texans, with whom the New Orleans Saints held joint practices prior to the Saints-Texans preseason game Aug. 26, the Saints signed the defensive back to their practice squad. And 16 days after that, on Sept. 23 – the day before New Orleans played its third game of the season, at Carolina – Hardee was added to the active roster.
All he has done since is make a series of standout special teams plays, the last of which had a significant impact on Hardee joining the Saints’ parade of rookie honorees this season, as he was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his blocked punt and touchdown against Tampa Bay in a 30-10 victory.