Pittsburgh Steelers: 30 greatest players in franchise history
55. . OLB. (2002-12, 2014-17). James Harrison. 14. player
James Harrison‘s ending in Pittsburgh is forgettable. 10 years from now, most of the younger generation won’t remember the future Pro Football Hall of Famer leaving for the New England Patriots. What they will see is the highlights of a man who always found the quarterback. Always.
An undrafted free agent in 2002 out of Kent State, Harrison had to work as hard as anyone to earn his place in history. The Steelers’ all-time sack leader with 84.5, Harrison was an unstoppable force on the outside for over a decade.
People will remember his NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, and his five Pro Bowls. They’ll never forget his 100-yard interception in Super Bowl XLIII, his hit on Ed Reed in 2007 or his tackle of a Browns’ fan on Christmas Eve.
What really made Harrison memorable, though, was his insane workouts. Social media can be a curse for many athletes, but for Harrison, it showed the world how much of a freak he really was in the weight room.
No one will ever match his effort in the gym or on the field. Meaning his place in Steelers history is only starting, and very secure.