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 professional 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, which is called 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 made history. He was the only undrafted player to be named Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Harrison was known for hitting hard during games.

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' list for most sacks, with 80.5. 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 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was chosen for the All-Star team in 1991. He grew up in Akron. His favorite NFL team was the Cleveland Browns.

At first, his mother did not want him to play football. Both James and his best friend, David Walker, had to convince her. When he started playing, he was very good. He played both linebacker and running back. He went to two high schools in his freshman year. These were Archbishop Hoban High School and then Coventry High School.

At Coventry, he also did track & field. He competed in events like the shot put and high jump. He was also a state-qualifier in the 4 × 100 m relay. Harrison and Jonathan Holloman were among the first African-Americans to play football at Coventry. He finished high school in 1998.

College Career at Kent State

Harrison went to Kent State University. He joined the Kent State Golden Flashes football team as a walk-on. This means he wasn't offered a scholarship at first. He sat out his first year in 1998 because of school rules.

In 1999, Harrison became a starter for the last three games. He led his team with 106 total tackles. He also had 13 tackles for a loss. He made an interception and recovered three fumbles.

In his last college game, he played against Miami University. He had 12 tackles, 5 sacks, and forced a fumble. He sacked future teammate, Ben Roethlisberger, twice to help his team win 24–20. In 2001, he had 98 total tackles and 20 tackles for loss. He led his conference with 15 sacks. He was also voted to the first-team Mid-American Conference.

After college, he was honored in 2010. He was put into Kent State's Varsity "K" Hall of Fame. He also gave $100,000 to his old school. They named the field house after him. In 2013, Kent State retired Harrison's jersey number 16.

Professional Football Journey

Starting with the Pittsburgh Steelers

James Harrison was not picked in the 2002 NFL draft. Teams thought he was too short for a linebacker. They also thought he was too light for a defensive lineman. But the Steelers signed him as an undrafted rookie in 2002. He was the first Kent State player to be a linebacker 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 let go three times. He was briefly on the main team at the end of 2002. He only played on special teams. His teammate, James Farrior, said Harrison sometimes gave up on plays early in his career. He even asked coaches not to play him when he was having trouble.

Harrison wore number 93 at first. Later, he switched to his well-known number 92.

Time with Baltimore and Rhein Fire

Harrison signed with the Baltimore Ravens in January 2004. He then played for the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe. He started five games for the Fire in the 2004 NFL Europe season. He made 27 tackles. The Ravens let him go in June 2004.

Back to the Pittsburgh Steelers

After being cut a fourth time, Harrison thought about quitting football. But the Steelers signed him again in 2004. This happened after Clark Haggans got hurt. Harrison improved a lot and stayed with the Steelers until 2012. He later said he planned to retire at 26 to become a veterinarian if Haggans hadn't been injured. He also thought about becoming a truck driver, like his father. He still has a commercial driver's license.

In 2004, Harrison mostly played on special teams and as a linebacker. He sometimes played defensive end. His first start was against the Cleveland Browns on November 14. This was after Joey Porter and William Green were kicked out for fighting. Harrison played well in the Steelers' 24–10 win. He scored his first touchdown by recovering a fumble in the last game of the season.

Winning a Super Bowl (2005–2006)

Harrison (92) chases after Greg Jones in 2005

Harrison started three games in 2005 when Clark Haggans was hurt. A big moment was when he intercepted a pass from Drew Brees. He returned it 25 yards. During the return, he made a big jump over LaDainian Tomlinson.

Harrison became more known when he stopped a Cleveland Browns fan. The fan was on the field during a game on Christmas Eve. Harrison lifted the man and put him on the ground. He held the fan until security took him away.

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

Becoming a Star (2007)

In 2007, Bill Cowher left as head coach. Mike Tomlin took over. The Steelers let go of Joey Porter. Harrison became the starting linebacker. This was a great decision. Harrison had a fantastic season. He was named to the All-Pro Second-team. He also went to his first Pro Bowl.

On November 5, Harrison had an amazing game against the Baltimore Ravens. He had 9 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 interception. A memorable play was when he hit Ed Reed. Reed was returning a punt. Harrison hit him hard, and the ball came loose. The Steelers won 38–7.

On November 26, an announcer called him "Mr. Monday Night." This was because of his great play. He finished the year with 8.5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, and 98 tackles. He was voted the team's MVP for 2007.

NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2008)

In 2008, Harrison and LaMarr Woodley became a strong pass-rushing team. They were like Greg Lloyd and Kevin Greene from 1994. Harrison had 16 sacks, breaking a team record. Together, they had 27.5 sacks.

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

Harrison also played on special teams often. This was unusual for a regular starter. In a game against the New York Giants, he played long snapper. The regular long snapper was hurt. Harrison accidentally snapped the ball over the punter's head. This led to a safety for the Giants.

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 Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner at the goal line. He ran 100 yards for a touchdown at the end of the first half. This was the longest play in Super Bowl history at the time. It helped the Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals 27–23. It was also the longest interception return in Steelers history.

Continued Success (2009–2012)

On April 13, 2009, Harrison signed a big contract with the Steelers. In October, he had 7.0 sacks and 25 tackles. He won AFC defensive player of the month. He finished the season with 79 tackles and 10 sacks. He was a starter in the Pro Bowl that year.

In 2010, Harrison had some penalties for hard hits. He was fined by the NFL. He hit Vince Young, Mohammed Massaquoi, Josh Cribbs, Drew Brees, Jason Campbell, and Ryan Fitzpatrick. He was fined about $120,000 in total.

In 2010, Harrison had 100 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles. He helped the Steelers reach the Super Bowl again. In Super Bowl XLV, he sacked Aaron Rodgers. But the Steelers lost 31–25 to the Green Bay Packers. Other players ranked Harrison 21st among the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.

In 2011, Harrison had 59 tackles and nine sacks in 11 games. In 2012, he had six sacks and 70 tackles. On March 9, 2013, the Steelers released Harrison. This was due to salary cap reasons.

Time with the 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, 2 sacks, and an interception. He played less time there. On March 13, 2014, the Bengals released him.

First Retirement and Return to Steelers

On August 30, 2014, Harrison said he was retiring. He officially retired as a Steeler on September 5, 2014.

But on September 23, 2014, rumors started that he would return. The Steelers had many injuries on defense. The Steelers announced Harrison would come back. He signed that same day. Harrison had 45 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 11 games.

On March 22, 2015, Harrison signed a two-year deal with Pittsburgh. On February 17, 2016, he said he would play a 14th season.

On November 20, 2016, Harrison passed Jason Gildon. He became the Steelers' all-time sack leader with 77.5 sacks. He finished his Steelers career with 79.5 sacks. On January 8, 2017, he had 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks in a playoff win.

On March 1, 2017, Harrison signed another two-year deal. In 2017, he played very little at first. But after injuries to other players, he played more. On December 23, 2017, the Steelers released Harrison.

Playing for the New England Patriots

On December 26, 2017, Harrison signed with the New England Patriots. In his first game, he had two sacks and forced a fumble. The Patriots reached Super Bowl LII. However, they lost 41–33 to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Second Retirement

On April 16, 2018, Harrison announced his second retirement from the NFL. He had played for 15 seasons. He said on Instagram, "I’ve missed way too much for way too long...I’m done."

NFL Career Statistics

Regular season

Postseason

Acting Roles

Harrison in 2019

Harrison has also acted in TV shows. He plays Apocalypse on Heels. He also appeared on S.W.A.T. in an episode called "The B-Team". He played Marcus King, who managed social media for the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Personal Life

James Harrison's teammates sometimes called him "Silverback". They also called him Deebo, after a character from the Friday movies.

Harrison has two sons, James III (born 2007) and Henry (born 2009). In August 2015, he made news for not letting his sons keep "participation trophies". He said these awards should be earned. He wrote on Instagram that the trophies would be given back until they "EARN a real trophy." Most people liked his message.

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

See also

In Spanish: James Harrison (fútbol americano) para niños