Pittsburgh Steelers legend, James Harrison, appeared on Monday’s episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger and his co-host Spencer T’eo sat down to watch Sunday’s game against Atlanta together and Harrison was their special guest. During the show, the gang talked about a variety of topics, including who was the biggest trash talker on the Steelers.
Photo Credit: Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger YouTube
Harrison, who is well known for never pulling punches, certainly lived up to his reputation as he dished on anything and everything.
Harrison Naming Names
Harrison said hands-down the biggest trash talker on the Steelers during his time as a player was Ike Taylor. He said the things Taylor said are not able to be repeated on a “family-friendly" show. Harrison said Taylor would get all the other players fired up and they tended to pile on to whoever was on the receiving end as if to keep the spotlight off themself.
Photo Credit: George Gojkovich/Getty Images
This is not the first time players have called out Taylor for his trash-talking ways. Ravens Wide Receiver, Torrey Smith, shared back in 2013 that Taylor got to him every time. Smith said that the smack talk wasn’t the way he did things but the Steelers cornerback knew just how to get him riled up.
“I haven’t met anyone that talks as much trash as him,” Smith said. “When I get to play him, it’s always pretty fun because I’m not a guy who talks, but he gets it out of me every single time.”
Taylor was even warned by the NFL about his trash talk in 2011. Taylor openly said the warning wouldn’t stop him. The Steelers were gearing up to play the Jets in the AFC Championship and former Steeler, Santonio Holmes was now wearing green and white. Taylor said he planned to be as “disrespectful as possible” despite being good off-field friends.
"I'm not going to hesitate to lay him out," Taylor said. "No question at all. You know why? Because he ain't going to hesitate to crack on me if he gets a chance."
Taylor Had Trash Talk Rivals
Taylor wasn’t the only slanderous player in black and gold. Harrison and Roethlisberger recounted that Nose Tackle, Casey Hampton, and Linebacker Larry Foote were known to go at it in the huddle.
“So they had to mess around and get a pass off or something or whatever," Harrison started. "They get like uh four or five yards on the run, yeah so, Hamp look back at Foote, talk about ‘where y'all at.’ Foote like ‘what you mean, where?' We had them right here!’"
CINCINNATI - OCTOBER 13: Casey Hampton #98 of the Pittsburgh Steelers run away from Matt O'Dwyer #72 of the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 13, 2002 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Steelers beat the Bengals 34-7. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)
Harrison said more than once the refs came over questioning what the bickering was about. He said the refs almost threw flags on them for arguing with their own man.
Harrison played outside linebacker for the Steelers three different times in 2002-03, 2004-12 and 2014-17. He was both loved and feared in the NFL. He was known for playing with a huge chip on his shoulder. That chip gave Harrison the kind of edge and determination that Steelers fans love. Harrison was absolutely relentless and unstoppable. During his time in Pittsburgh, he had 772 combined tackles, 142 QB hits, seven interceptions, 33 forced fumbles and 80.5 sacks.
November 5, 2007; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) runs back an interception against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Ravens 38-7 / Photo Credit: Luc Leclerc-USA TODAY Sports
Harrison is the kind of player who sparks controversy around the NFL for his hard hits and his forceful nature. However, most Steelers fans admire his commitment and work ethic.
What did you think of Harrison as a player? Who do you think talks the most trash on the Steelers, then or now? Let us know in the comments below!
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