Roland Harper is a former professional American football player who played running back for eight seasons for the Chicago Bears. He was selected in the 17th and final round of the 1975 draft from Louisiana Tech. He was a starting fullback known in his playing days as a punishing blocker who opened holes in opposing defenses for star halfback Walter Payton. Harper ranks sixth on the Bears' all-time rushing list with 3,044 yards and 15 TDs on 757 carries in seven seasons. Harper was inducted into the Louisiana Tech University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986. Although he was drafted in the final round of the 1975, Harper wound up as the Bears starting fullback that season. He was joined in the backfield that season by fellow rookie Payton, who was the Bears 1st round draft choice that season. Fellow rookie Bob Avellini, the Bears 6th round draft pick in 1975, also started several games at quarterback that season, giving the Bears an all rookie backfield. Harper, Payton and Avelleni started most of the games for the Bears together from 1976 through 1978. In his rookie season, Harper rushed for 453 yards on 100 carries. His 4.5 yards per rushing attempt ranked 7th in the NFL that season. 

February 28th, 1953 in Seguin (Age 71)