Mike Harden was a professional football player who played as a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for several years. He was born on July 13, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan, and attended the University of Michigan, where he played college football for the Wolverines.
Harden was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 1980 NFL Draft. He played for the Broncos for six seasons, from 1980 to 1985, and was known for his aggressive style of play and his ability to intercept passes. In his rookie season, he played in all 16 games and recorded four interceptions. He continued to be a key player for the Broncos over the next few years, and in 1984, he had a career-high seven interceptions.
In 1986, Harden was traded to the Los Angeles Raiders, where he played for two seasons. He continued to be a solid player for the Raiders, but his production declined somewhat from his earlier years with the Broncos. In 1988, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played for one season before retiring from the NFL.
Over the course of his career, Harden played in 132 games and recorded 33 interceptions, which he returned for a total of 563 yards and two touchdowns. He was also known for his hard hits and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
After retiring from football, Harden went on to work as a coach and scout for several NFL teams, including the Broncos, the Raiders, and the Arizona Cardinals. He also worked as a color commentator for college football games on ESPN.
Harden's football career was marked by his toughness and his ability to make big plays on defense. He was a key player for the Broncos during their successful run in the 1980s, and he continued to be a solid contributor for the Raiders and the 49ers later in his career. His legacy as a hard-hitting defensive back has earned him a place in the annals of NFL history.
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