Hardy Nickerson

Pittsburgh Steelers 122nd pick

MLB ·

California · 1987–2002

225

Games

Sacks

Interceptions

Hardy Nickerson is a former middle linebacker out of California, selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 122nd overall pick (round 5) in the 1987 NFL Draft. He played 225 regular-season games from 1987 to 2002. From 1999 on, he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers. He was named to 5 Pro Bowls.

Draft Details

Year

1987

Round

Round 5

Pick

122nd overall

Team

Pittsburgh Steelers

Position

MLB

College

California

Hardy Nickerson Career Stats

5× Pro Bowl selection, 2× first-team All-Pro.
Primary starter for 14 seasons.
Ranks 4th in the 1987 draft class in career Approximate Value (97).

Career Totals

Games	Sacks	Def INT
225	21	12

Defense

Season	Team	G	Solo	Ast	TFL	Sacks	QB Hits	INT	PD	FF
1999	TB	16	40	44	4	0.5	0	2	5	3
2000	JAX	6	23	4	2	1	1	1	7	0
2001	JAX	15	82	28	4	0	0	3	9	1
2002	GB	16	34	37	4	1.5	2	0	3	0
Since 1999		53	179	113	14	3	3	6	24	4

G = games with at least one recorded statistic; the career games total in the summary above includes every game played.

Season-by-season detail is available from 1999 on; career totals above cover the full career.

Source: nflverse · Updated Sep 28, 2026

NFL Combine Results

Height

6-0

Weight

232 lbs

40-Yard Dash

4.78s

Bench Press

18 reps

Vertical Jump

33"

Broad Jump

116"

Shuttle

4.38s

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