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The Pittsburgh Steelers will be trimming their roster to 53 players on Tuesday. It is a harrowing time for fringe players, wondering if they have done enough to secure a spot on the final roster. Some will have their dreams come true and some will end up on the practice squad or on other rosters in the NFL. For others, Tuesday will be the end of the road. It is hard to imagine the emotions that these men will go through.
Credit: Justin Berl / Getty Images
One former player who understands the emotions of this day is Pittsburgh Steelers legend James Harrison. Harrison was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Steelers after the 2002 draft. Harrison had talent and was the first Kent State player the Steelers had signed since Jack Lambert. James Farrior from the NFL Network remarked that Harrison was far from a finished product when he joined the team in 2002
"He was a knucklehead that didn't know the plays,” Farrior said. “We'd be in practice, in training camp, and he might not know what he was doing so he'd just stop and throw his hands up and tell (the coaches) to get him out of there. We thought the guy was crazy."
Harrison was released by the Steelers three times over the next two years and spent time on and off the practice squad. It didn’t look like he was going to have an NFL career, but he kept working. After the third release, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens and they sent him to NFL Europe to play with the Rhein Fire. The Ravens ultimately released him for the fourth time. Harrison’s NFL dreams appeared to be at the end.
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Clark Haggans #53 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Carolina Panthers December 17, 2006 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Pittsburgh defeated Carolina 37-3. (Photo By Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Prior to the 2004 training camp at Saint Vincent College, Clark Haggans was injured in a weightlifting accident and the Steelers asked Harrison to return. He was planning to focus on becoming a veterinarian but put the plans on hold for one final shot at his dream. Harrison who was 26 years old at this point made the final roster. Over the next three seasons he was a special teams contributor and provided depth at outside linebacker.
Credit: Peter Diana / Post Gazette
When Mike Tomlin arrived in 2007, he decided to elevate Harrison to the starting right outside linebacker position and he was rewarded with five consecutive Pro Bowl seasons, four consecutive appearances on the All-Pro team and a Defensive Player of the Year award. Harrison also made one of the most memorable plays in Super Bowl History with his interception return against the Arizona Cardinals as the first half ran out in Super Bowl XLIII.
At age 35 in 2013, Harrison was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers after they could not agree on a salary reduction. Harrison signed with the Cincinnati Bengals but was released after one season. Harrison retired from the NFL on August 30, 2014, but it was short lived. The Steelers experienced a rash of injuries and after less than a month of retirement, they reached out to the former All-Pro. Harrison returned to the Steelers and played four more seasons with the black and gold becoming the all-time sack leader for the franchise.
James Harrison (92) Versus Joe Thomas (73) Credit: Getty Images
Harrison persevered despite being an undrafted free agent who was cut four times. He rose to become the top defender in the NFL and when the entire league gave up on him in 2014, he came out of retirement and played four more seasons. Harrison has an excellent chance of making the Hall of Fame in Canton, OH but it may take him a few tries to get there. Luckily, he is used to it.
What do you think Steeler Nation? What released player today will be the next great tale of perseverance? Comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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