7 greatest Pittsburgh Steelers of the Ben Roethlisberger era

4. James Harrison

James Harrison personified what it meant to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. Harrison was tough, played the game hard, and instilled fear in opposing offenses, all despite being an undrafted free agent coming into the league who was released seven times before he got his shot.

Harrison was a two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler, who won two Super Bowls and was named the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year. According to Pro Football Reference, he is the Steelers’ all-time leader in sacks with 80.5, tackles for loss with 122, and quarterback hits with 142, and his 33 forced fumbles were one shy of Greg Lloyd for the all-time team lead.

Harrison was not just about accolades either. He always stepped up in the clutch, and despite pass-rushing being his top skill, is most well-known for a play in coverage. His 100-yard interception return for a touchdown just before halftime in Super Bowl XL III was one of the clutchest plays in Super Bowl history, and was the perfect way to end his Defensive Player of the Year season, on the NFL’s biggest stage.

Like Brown, Harrison and the Steelers didn’t end on the best of terms, as he was unhappy that he was losing nearly all of his playing time to then-rookie T.J. Watt, and asked for his releases, only to sign with the rival New England Patriots.

Despite all of that, Harrison remains one of the best pass rushers in Steelers history, and his big hits and clutch plays won’t soon be forgotten. It’s only a matter of time before he enters the Steelers Ring of Honor.