Career
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1993. After graduating from Washington High School, in Milwaukee, he enrolled in the Playing fullback for the Badgers, Harder led the Big Ten Conference in rushing and scoring in 1941. Harder left Wisconsin to join the United States Marine Corps in 1943 to fight in World World War World War II Despite having a year of eligibility left when he left the Marines, Harder turned pro in 1946.
Chicago Cardinals
Harder was drafted 2nd overall in the 1944 NFL Draft by the Chicago (now Arizona) Cardinals.
Harder was part of the Cardinals" "Million Dollar Backfield" which also included quarterback Paul Christman and halfback Charley Trippi. He was the first player in league history to score over 100 points in three consecutive years, which he did from 1947 to 1949, leading the league all three years.
In the championship game, Harder kicked four extra points to help defeat the Philadelphia Eagles, 28–21. Detroit Lions
Harder was traded to the Detroit Lions in 1951.
Harder retired from professional football in 1953.
Harder served as an NFL official from 1966 to 1982, working as the umpire on the crew of legendary referee Jim Tunney wearing uniform number 88. He also served as vice-president of a car leasing company in Milwaukee. He died in Waukesha, Wisconsin on September 6, 1992.
Harder was posthumously inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1993.
The popular chant "Hit "em again harder, harder, harder" was a University of Wisconsin cheer aimed at Pat Harder and can still be heard at high school and college games today.