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Panthers safety Roman Harper, a popular whipping boy for fans all season, was on Wednesday named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 17. It’s the third time he’s won the honor in his nine-year career (twice, 2011).

Harper had a 31-yard interception return and six tackles in Sunday’s NFC South-clinching win over the Falcons. The pick-six was the second of his career and first since 12/10/07.

The 32-year-old had at least two glaring errors midseason — on special teams against the Bengals, and a week later on defense against the Packers — but he was a key piece during the Panthers’ late-season playoff push. He finished the regular season with a career and team-high four interceptions while adding 62 tackles and 10 passes defensed.

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