James Harrison (American football) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
James Harrison

Harrison during an interview in 2018
No. 93, 53, 92
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1978-05-04) May 4, 1978 (age 47) Akron, Ohio, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:	242 lb (110 kg)
Career information
High school:	Coventry (Akron)
College:	Kent State (1998–2001)
Undrafted:	2002
Career history
Pittsburgh Steelers (2002) Baltimore Ravens (2004)* →Rhein Fire (2004) Pittsburgh Steelers (2004–2012) Cincinnati Bengals (2013) Pittsburgh Steelers (2014–2017) New England Patriots (2017)
Career highlights and awards
2× Super Bowl champion (XL, XLIII) NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2008) 2× First-team All-Pro (2008, 2010) 2× Second-team All-Pro (2007, 2009) 5× Pro Bowl (2007–2011) NFL forced fumbles leader (2008) Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 811 Sacks: 84.5 Forced fumbles: 34 Fumble recoveries: 9 Interceptions: 8 Defensive touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

James Henry Harrison Jr. (born May 4, 1978) is a former American football player. He was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kent State Golden Flashes. The Pittsburgh Steelers signed him in 2002. He was not chosen in the draft, making him an undrafted free agent.

Harrison was picked for the Pro Bowl five times. He won two Super Bowls with the Steelers: XL and XLIII. In 2008, he became the only undrafted player to win the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Harrison was known for playing with a tough, hard-hitting style.

He also played for NFL Europe's Rhein Fire. He had short times with the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals. After the 2013 season, he said he would retire. But he came back to play for the Steelers. He spent part of his last NFL season with the New England Patriots. Harrison is third on the Steelers' all-time sack list with 80.5 sacks. Today, he works as a football analyst on FS1.

Early Life and High School Football

James Harrison was born in Akron, Ohio. He was the youngest of 14 children. He played Little League baseball when he was young. His favorite NFL team was the Cleveland Browns.

At first, his mother did not want him to play football. But James and his friend convinced her. When he started playing, he was very good. He played both linebacker and running back. He went to Coventry High School. There, he also did track & field. He competed in events like shot put and high jump.

Even though he was a great player, he sometimes had trouble with his behavior. He didn't focus on his grades or college tests. In his senior year, he had some issues that led to suspensions from games. Because of these problems, big football programs like Ohio State and Notre Dame took back their scholarship offers. Harrison graduated in 1998.

College Football Career

Harrison went to Kent State University. He joined the Kent State Golden Flashes football team as a walk-on. This means he joined without a scholarship at first. He didn't play his first year in 1998 due to school rules.

In 1999, he became a starter for the last three games. He led his team with 106 total tackles. He also had 13 tackles for a loss. In his last college game, he had 12 tackles and 5 sacks. He sacked future teammate Ben Roethlisberger twice to win the game. In 2001, he led his conference with 15 sacks. He was named to the first-team Mid-American Conference.

In 2010, Kent State put him in their Varsity "K" Hall of Fame. Harrison also gave $100,000 to the university. They named the field house after him. In 2013, Kent State retired his jersey number 16. This means no other player will wear that number.

Professional Football Journey

Starting with the Pittsburgh Steelers

Teams did not pick Harrison in the 2002 NFL draft. They thought he was too short for a linebacker. The Steelers signed him as an undrafted rookie in 2002. He was the first Kent State linebacker to play for the Steelers since Hall of Famer Jack Lambert.

Harrison during training camp in 2008

Harrison spent two years going on and off the Steelers' practice squad. He was released three times. He played a little on special teams at the end of 2002. His teammate, James Farrior, said Harrison sometimes struggled early on. He would even ask coaches not to play him if he was having a hard time.

Time with Baltimore Ravens and Rhein Fire

Harrison signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2004. He then played for the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe. He started five games for the Fire. He had 27 tackles. The Ravens released him in June 2004.

Returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers

After being released a fourth time, Harrison thought about quitting football. But the Steelers signed him again in 2004. This happened after teammate Clark Haggans got hurt. Harrison improved a lot and stayed with the Steelers. He later said he planned to retire at age 26 to become a veterinarian. He still hopes to do that. He also has a commercial driver's license, like his father.

In 2004, Harrison mostly played on special teams. He also played linebacker and sometimes defensive end. His first start was against the Cleveland Browns. This happened after two players were ejected for fighting before the game. Harrison played well in the Steelers' win. He scored his first touchdown on a fumble recovery in the last game of the season.

Winning a Super Bowl

Harrison (92) chases after Greg Jones in 2005

In 2005, Harrison started three games when Clark Haggans was injured. A big moment was when he intercepted a pass from Drew Brees. He returned it 25 yards and jumped over LaDainian Tomlinson. He also gained attention for helping to stop a fan during a game.

The Steelers won Super Bowl XL that season. Harrison played in the game and earned a Super Bowl ring. He had three special teams tackles.

Becoming a Star Player

In 2007, the Steelers let go of Joey Porter. Harrison became a starter in his place. This was a great decision. Harrison had an amazing season. He was named to the All-Pro Second-team. He also went to his first Pro Bowl.

On November 5, he had a fantastic game against the Baltimore Ravens. He had 9 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and forced 3 fumbles. He also recovered a fumble and had an interception. A memorable moment was when he tackled Ed Reed and forced a fumble. The Steelers won 38–7. An announcer later nicknamed him "Mr. Monday Night" for his great play. He was voted team MVP for 2007.

NFL Defensive Player of the Year

Harrison (92) lining up to play the Baltimore Ravens in 2008.

In 2008, Harrison and LaMarr Woodley became a powerful pass-rushing duo. Harrison had 16 sacks, which broke the team record. Together, they set a team record with 27.5 sacks.

Harrison also played special teams often. In a game against the New York Giants, he played as long snapper after the regular player got hurt. He accidentally snapped the ball over the punter's head, which led to a safety.

On January 5, 2009, Harrison was named the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He was the first undrafted player to win this award.

During Super Bowl XLIII, Harrison made his most famous play. He intercepted a pass from Kurt Warner at the goal line. He ran 100 yards for a touchdown at the end of the first half. It was the longest play in Super Bowl history at the time. This play helped the Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals 27–23. It was also the longest interception return in Steelers history.

Later Seasons with Steelers

On April 13, 2009, Harrison signed a new contract with the Steelers. He continued to play well. In October 2009, he had 7 sacks and 25 tackles. He was named AFC defensive player of the month. He finished the season with 10 sacks and was a Pro Bowl starter.

In 2010, Harrison was fined several times for hits that the NFL considered illegal. He still had a great season with 100 tackles and 10.5 sacks. He helped the Steelers reach Super Bowl XLV, but they lost to the Green Bay Packers.

Harrison during a game against the Browns in 2011

In 2011, Harrison had 59 tackles and 9 sacks. In 2012, he had 6 sacks and 70 tackles. On March 9, 2013, the Steelers released Harrison. This was due to salary cap reasons, meaning they needed to free up money.

Time with Cincinnati Bengals

Harrison with the Bengals during training camp in 2013.

Harrison with the Bengals before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in September, 2013

Harrison signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on April 23, 2013. He had 30 tackles and 2 sacks. The Bengals released him on March 13, 2014.

First Retirement and Return to Steelers

On August 30, 2014, Harrison announced he was retiring. He officially retired as a Pittsburgh Steeler on September 5, 2014. However, on September 23, 2014, he decided to return to the NFL. The Steelers had many injuries on defense. He signed with them again and played 11 games. He had 45 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

He signed another two-year contract with the Steelers in 2015. On November 20, 2016, Harrison became the Steelers' all-time sack leader. He passed Jason Gildon with 77.5 sacks. He finished his Steelers career with 79.5 sacks. He signed another contract in 2017. But he played in only five games that season. The Steelers released him on December 23, 2017.

Playing for the New England Patriots

On December 26, 2017, Harrison signed with the New England Patriots. In his first game with them, he had two sacks. The Patriots reached Super Bowl LII. However, they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Second Retirement

On April 16, 2018, James Harrison announced his second retirement from the NFL. He played for 15 seasons. He said he had missed too much time away from his family.

NFL Career Statistics

These tables show James Harrison's football statistics during his career.

Regular season

Postseason

Acting Roles

Harrison in 2019

Harrison has also appeared in TV shows. He plays a character named Apocalypse on the show Heels. He was also in an episode of S.W.A.T.. He played Marcus King, who managed social media for the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Personal Life and Family

Harrison has a few nicknames. His teammates call him "Deebo" after a movie character. He is also sometimes called "Silverback".

James Harrison has two sons. Their names are James III, born in 2007, and Henry, born in 2009.

After the Steelers won Super Bowl XLIII, Harrison chose not to visit the White House. He also skipped the visit after winning Super Bowl XL.

In 2009, Harrison's son, James III, was injured by the family's pit bull. His son's mother was also bitten when she tried to help. The dog was later placed in a special home that trains dogs.

Images for kids

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  Harrison during an interview in 2018

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  Harrison during training camp in 2008

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  Harrison (92) chases after Greg Jones in 2005

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  Harrison (92) lining up to play the Baltimore Ravens in 2008.

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  Harrison during a game against the Browns in 2011

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  Harrison with the Bengals during training camp in 2013.

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  Harrison with the Bengals before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in September, 2013

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  Harrison in 2019

See also

In Spanish: James Harrison (fútbol americano) para niños