Top 5 Best Things James Harrison Did During His 18-Day Retirement
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – After 11 seasons in the NFL, James Harrison decided to retire on September 5th.
After just 18-days, that retirement didn't last long.
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Harrison to a one-year contract Tuesday.
The Steelers are in need of outside linebacking depth after Jarvis Jones was placed on injured reserve/designated for return on Monday, and Harrison is well-versed in Dick LeBeau's defense.
Harrison originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Kent State in 2002 with the Steelers. He spent the first 10 years of his NFL career with Pittsburgh and appeared in 131 regular season games (95 starts).
Harrison earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2007-11 as a Steeler while helping lead the team to two Super Bowl Championships (XL and XLIII) in three title game appearances.
It was a play in Super Bowl XLIII that most remember Harrison for, a 98-yard interception return for a touchdown.
The linebacker announced his retirement at Steelers headquarters on the South Side. He said he wanted to coming back and finish it where it all started
"If you're all looking for tears, you're not going to get it," said Harrison, a fan favorite.
In 2008, Harrison set the franchise record for most sacks in a single-season with 16.0 and was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. His 64.0 sacks rank fourth-most in team history. Harrison was twice named the Steelers team MVP.
During his 18-hiatus from the NFL, Harrison stayed pretty busy.
Here are the top 5 best things James Harrison did during his 18-day retirement.
5. Yes, that is James Harrison actually riding around on a scooter. The linebacker actually fit on it, and says he borrowed it from his sister.
4. When you retire you have a lot of time on your hands, and what better way to kill time than to post adorable photos of your kids on social media. This is our favorite throwback Thursday post of his.
3. Went to a Willie Nelson concert at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh. Is there anything better than a photo of Harrison, and the timeless Willie Nelson?
2. James Harrison has never been one to shy away from a controversy. So does his post to PETA really surprise you? He's also an avid hunter, and has raised thousands by participating in hunting charities with pal Brett Keisel.
1. There's no love lost between James Harrison and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. In fact Harrison once called the Commissioner a "devil" in a Men's Journal story. So of course, Harrison took no time in taking to social media to address the way Roger Goodell has handled the Ray Rice situation.
@nflcommish ain't no fun when the rabbit got the gun huh?
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) September 10, 2014
But he didn't just stop there…
@nflcommish remains adamant he won't resign, source says:"Never." Yea that's what Nixon but then again the CBA gave you more power than him!
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) September 10, 2014
Harrison is scheduled to play this weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's probably safe to assume, Roger Goodell will be watching his every move.
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