KUTZTOWN, Pa. -- Former Golden Bear football great Bruce Harper was named the recipient of the 2023 Kutztown Athletics Legacy Award, Monday afternoon. Harper will be presented with the award during the university's Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Friday, Nov. 10.

Harper was a pioneer and paved the way for Golden Bear success in the National Football League (NFL). His legacy entails a Hall of Fame playing career at KU, a record-breaking professional career with the New York Jets and continues through his continued support and commitment to the Golden Bear football program.

While a Golden Bear from 1974-76, Harper was an honorable mention Little All-American in 1976, a three-time All-PSAC East selection and graduated with a school-record 2,169 rushing yards in just three seasons. He was the first Kutztown running back to gain 1,000 yards in a season. He was inducted into the Kutztown University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1981.

Harper's persistence earned him a tryout and eventual roster spot with the New York Jets in 1977. With New York for eight seasons, 1977-84, Harper became the team's all-time leader in kick returns and is the only Jet to gain 1,000 or more career yards in rushing (1,829), receiving (2,409), kick returns (5,407) and punt returns (1,784). In 1980, Harper's teammates voted him as the Jets MVP.

Along with the 11,429 all-purpose yards, Harper found the end zone 21 times, including his most memorable touchdown on a 45-yard reception in a 31-28 victory over the Houston Oilers at Shea Stadium on Nov. 23, 1980.

Harper went on to found Heroes and Cool Kids, a non-profit program that connects professional athletes with role model-type high school students to become mentors to fifth- and sixth-grade students. The teens then, throughout the school year, November to May, mentor middle school students on important life skills. These skills include sportsmanship, conflict resolution and positive lifestyle choices highlighting drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention. Heroes and Cool Kids started in 1998 in just three school districts – Glen Rock, Perth Amboy and Monmouth, New Jersey. To date, 2,800 high school "heroes" are reaching more than 22,000 elementary school youngsters.

Harper's success in the NFL put Kutztown "on the map" and helped future pros such as Andre Reed, John Mobley, Craig Reynolds and Jerome Kapp (Barto, Pa./Boyertown) build the Kutztown tradition.

"Not only was Bruce a great player at Kutztown, he was a great player in the NFL. Watching him as a Kutztown player, I wanted to be the next Bruce Harper," said Andre Reed '05, KU Athletics Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee. "This award is well deserved for Bruce's commitment to the university, his commitment to philanthropy and being a leader in the community."

Harper continues to attend Golden Bear football games and support the team in any way he can. He stays in regular communication with the team and head coach Jim Clements and remains engrained in the alumni network.

"Bruce has always been available and willing to support our program and players," Clements said. "He is a great example of hard work and determination. Bruce has reached out to Jerome [Kapp] for encouragement and support as he competes with the Jets this summer and prepares for training camp."

Established in 2019, the Kutztown University Athletics Legacy Award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the KU athletic department and the university through their time, dedication, commitment, philanthropy and/or general support.

Honorees for the KU Athletics Legacy Award may be nominated by the public, the Golden Bear community and the selection committee. The selection committee consists of KU's vice president for Athletics, executive director of the Kutztown University Foundation, Hall of Fame committee chair, athletic director, assistant director of Athletic Advancement and a representative of the Alumni Engagement staff.

The 2023 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is scheduled for the evening of Friday, Nov. 10, at the Nancy Jean Stump Seiger '54 Room inside the McFarland Student Union Building.
 
Registration for the event is now open and tickets can be purchased by clicking here. Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for children ages 3-12. Children 2 and under are complimentary. The evening begins with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 and the induction ceremony, which will begin promptly at 7.