Justin Hardee

Justin Hardee (born February 7, 1994) is an American football cornerback and special teamer for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Illinois.

College career
Hardee committed to Illinois as a three-star prospect out of Cleveland, Ohio where he racked up a total of 841 yards receiving throughout his entire career.

Houston Texans
Hardee was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2017. He was waived on September 2.

New Orleans Saints
On September 7, 2017, Hardee was signed to the practice squad of the New Orleans Saints. He was promoted to the active roster on September 23. In Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hardee blocked a punt by Bryan Anger and returned it for a touchdown in a 30–10 win. He was recognized as the National Football Conference Special Teams Player of the Week for his accomplishment.

Hardee finished the season making 10 combined tackles in 14 regular-season games and 2 post-season games.

2018
In Week 4 against the New York Giants, in the first quarter on a fourth down, quarterback Taysom Hill threw a 10 yard pass to Hardee, where he made his first NFL career reception. This gave his team a first down in a drive ending in a field goal, in a Saints win. In Week 5, against the Washington Redskins, Hardee caught his first NFL career interception, a short pass thrown by quarterback Alex Smith that was returned for 77 yards. This play ended at Washington's 4-yard line, setting up a quick drive for a Saints touchdown. He also made 2 pass deflections in the Saints' 43-19 win.

He finished the season playing in all 16 regular-season games and 2 post-season games, making 20 combined tackles, 1 reception, 2 passes deflected and 1 interception.

2019
Hardee played in all 16 regular-season games and the Saints' single postseason game, making a combined 11 tackles.

2020
On March 23, 2020, Hardee re-signed with the Saints. He was placed on injured reserve on November 6 with a groin injury. He was activated on December 12. He finished the season participating in 10 regular-season games and 2 post-season games, making 8 combined tackles.

2021
Hardee signed a three-year, $5.25 million contract with the New York Jets on March 18, 2021. He played in 16 regular-season games, making 12 combined tackles.

2022
In Week 4, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hardee forced a fumble on return specialist Gunner Olszewski in a Steelers' punt return at the start of the third quarter, which was recovered by James Pierre. The Jets went on to win that game 24–20. He finished the season with 14 combined tackles and 1 forced fumble within 17 regular-season games.

2023
On October 14, 2023, Hardee was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. He was activated on December 2.

Cleveland Browns
On April 2, 2024, Hardee signed with the Cleveland Browns.