Saturday, August 30, 2014

Former Steelers/Bengals LB James Harrison Retires

After 11 great seasons in the NFL, James Harrison has called it quits. The linebacker made the announcement via his Facebook page:

"I have made the difficult decision to retire as of today. My love for my family and the need to be there for them outweighs my desire to play the game. I have missed too many experiences with them because I devoted SO much time to my career. My love for the game isn't strong enough to make up for missing one more birthday or first day of school. I am retiring as a man who is truly grateful for all of his blessings. I am sincerely thankful to the people who have supported me over the years, first and foremost my family, the Rooney family and my Steeler family, also Mr. Brown, the Bengals organization and fans, and last but FAR from least, Steeler Nation. Thank you."

Harrison last played for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football for Kent State University, and was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Harrison has earned two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers in Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII.

Harrison registered at least 8.5 sacks in every season from 2007 through 2011 for the Steelers and retires with 66 sacks over his entire career. Though a dominant and often penalized player in Pittsburgh, he was not the same player who played for the Bengals last season. Cincinnati cut Harrison in March and though a deal with the Cardinals seemed eminent, he ultimately didn't catch on with any team.

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