Cedrick Ward Hardman (born October 4, 1948 in Houston, Texas) is a former American Football defensive end who played for the National Football League's San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders and the United States Football League's Oakland Invaders. Hardman's thirteen year professional football career lasted from 1970 to 1983 in the National Football League and ended as a player/coach in 1983 with the USFL's Oakland Invaders.

College years
      Hardman played college football at North Texas State University, (renamed the University of North Texas in 1988). Hardman was an All-Missouri Valley Conference football defensive lineman. Hardman recorded 38 sacks in one season at North Texas State  and created a record that still stands today. He represented North Texas State in the Blue-Gray and Senior Bowl all-star games in 1970. Cedrick started playing college football as a defensive back, then moved to linebacker in his sophomore season. His final two college years were spent playing defensive end. Hardman was drafted with the ninth overall selection in the first round of the 1970 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers.

NFL career
      Hardman is the current all-time sack leader for the San Francisco 49ers franchise, recording 120 sacks between 1970 and 1979. Hardman was a two-time Pro Bowler in 1971 and 1975 and he was a member of the Oakland Raiders Super Bowl XV winning team and 15 sacks. Cedric's lifetime stats are borderline NFL Hall of Fame.

USFL career
      On October 20, 1982, Hardman was the first player ever signed by the Oakland Invaders of newly formed United States Football League. Hardman served as a player/coach during the team's inaugural 1983 division winning 9-9 season.