Harrison Hand Bio
Harrison Hand is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays in the National Football League. Born on November 12, 1998, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Hand has built a career spanning multiple NFL franchises since entering the league. He played college football for the Temple Owls after transferring from Baylor, and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 169th overall pick. Hand stands at 5 feet 11 inches and weighs 185 pounds, using his size and instincts to compete at the cornerback position at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Harrison Hand grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where he attended Cherry Hill West High School. During his high school years, Hand developed his skills as a football player, laying the foundation for his future career in the sport. His early exposure to football in the competitive New Jersey environment helped prepare him for the rigors of collegiate athletics.
After graduating from Cherry Hill West, Hand continued his football journey at the collegiate level. He played for Baylor University from 2017 to 2018, gaining valuable experience in the Big 12 Conference before making the decision to transfer. This period of his development helped shape his playing style and understanding of the game at a higher level.
Path to American Football
Hand transferred to Temple University for his junior season in 2019, joining the Temple Owls program. At Temple, he quickly became a contributor in the defensive backfield, showcasing his ability to read plays and anticipate opposing quarterbacks. In his single season with the Owls, Hand recorded three interceptions, demonstrating his playmaking ability and ball skills that would translate to the professional level.
Rather than participating in a postseason bowl game, Hand made the decision to skip the bowl game to focus entirely on preparing for the NFL draft. This choice reflected his commitment to pursuing a professional football career and his belief that his future lay in the NFL rather than additional collegiate competition.
Harrison Hand Career
Minnesota Vikings (2020–2021)
Hand began his NFL career when the Minnesota Vikings selected him in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 169th overall pick. Joining the Vikings provided Hand with the opportunity to learn from experienced coaches and players while competing in the competitive NFC North division. He worked to establish himself as a young cornerback in the league during his first seasons.
During his second season with the Vikings in 2021, Hand achieved a significant career milestone in Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints on Christmas Day. He recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by future Hall of Famer Drew Brees during the 52–33 loss. This interception demonstrated his ability to make plays against elite quarterbacks and validated his skills as a professional cornerback. Hand was waived on August 23, 2022.
New York Giants (2022)
On August 24, 2022, Hand was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants, providing him with an immediate opportunity to continue his NFL career. He was waived shortly after joining the Giants and signed to the practice squad, where he continued to develop his skills while learning the team’s defensive schemes. Hand was released from the Giants in September 2022.
Chicago Bears (2022–2023)
Hand signed with the Chicago Bears practice squad on September 13, 2022, joining another NFC North franchise. His hard work paid off when he was promoted to the active roster on December 22, 2022, rewarding his perseverance through the practice squad system. Hand remained with the Bears through the 2023 offseason before being released on April 24, 2023.
Atlanta Falcons (2024)
On June 11, 2024, Hand signed with the Atlanta Falcons, giving him the opportunity to continue his NFL journey with an AFC team. He competed for a spot in the Falcons secondary during training camp and the preseason. Unfortunately, Hand was placed on injured reserve on August 11, 2024, ending his season before it could fully begin.
Los Angeles Chargers (2025)
Hand signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on August 14, 2025, continuing his career with yet another NFL franchise. He was waived shortly after joining the team and re-signed to the practice squad, but was released shortly after. Hand continues to work toward securing a consistent role in the NFL, demonstrating the resilience required to maintain a professional football career.
Harrison Hand Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Hand has accumulated experience across five different franchises while contributing primarily as a reserve cornerback and special teams player. His career statistics as of the 2024 season include 34 total tackles, 4 pass deflections, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble. His journey through multiple organizations reflects the competitive nature of the NFL and his determination to remain in the league.
Minnesota Vikings Highlights
The highlight of Hand’s career came during his time with the Minnesota Vikings in the 2021 season. In Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints on Christmas Day, Hand recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by future Hall of Famer Drew Brees. This interception occurred during a high-scoring 52–33 loss but represented a personal achievement for Hand, demonstrating his ability to compete against elite quarterbacks and make plays when given the opportunity.
Other Performances
Hand has contributed primarily as a reserve cornerback and special teams player throughout his career with various teams. He has shown versatility by adapting to different defensive systems and team cultures across the league. His ability to step in when called upon and perform special teams duties has helped him remain employed in the NFL despite the challenges of roster turnover.
Harrison Hand Family
Family Background
Hand comes from a football family with strong NFL connections that have influenced his career path. He is the cousin of former NFL defensive end Turk McBride, who played in the league and understands the demands of professional football from a player’s perspective. This family connection to the NFL provided Hand with insights and guidance as he pursued his own professional career in the sport.
Additionally, Hand is the cousin of former NFL safety Antwine Perez, further extending his family’s presence in the sport at the highest level. Having relatives who successfully navigated the path to professional football provided Hand with mentors who could offer advice and support throughout his journey from high school to the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
Hand joined the Los Angeles Chargers in August 2025, continuing his journey through the NFL with yet another franchise. He continues to work toward securing a consistent role in the league, demonstrating the persistence required to maintain a professional football career in a highly competitive environment. His path through multiple teams over five seasons reflects both the challenges and opportunities present in the NFL.
Despite the roster fluctuations inherent in professional football, Hand has maintained his commitment to the sport and continues to prepare for each opportunity that arises. His resilience in continuing to pursue his NFL career after being waived and signed multiple times demonstrates his dedication to achieving success at the highest level of American football.