The Pittsburgh Steelers are a long and storied franchise, responsible for countless breathtaking moments. They're tied with the New England Patriots with the most Super Bowl wins by a franchise. Fans have spent millions collecting memorabilia commemorating the most exceptional plays.
Al Bello
Steelers linebacker James Harrison returns an interception for a touchdown against the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII
Some recent Super Bowl pieces, parts of the James Harrison collection, were just auctioned off at incredible amounts.
Harrison, who was a hard-hitting linebacker for the Steelers for 11 years, has a bit of a checkered reputation. Steelers fans love him and other team's fans love to hate him. He appeared in three Super Bowls with the Steelers - XL in 2006 where the Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks 21-10, XLIII where the Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 and XLV where the Steelers were defeated by the Green Bay Packers 31-25.
Steelers' James Harrison Jersey from Super Bowl XL
While Harrison did not have such a large role in Detroit when the Steelers beat the Seahawks, there were definitely signs of the greatness to come. Because of this, that jersey just sold for $72,000.
Screenshot from Auction
Harrison SB XL Jersey
Steelers' James Harrison Jersey and Ball From Super Bowl XLIII
Harrison participated in Super Bowl XL on special teams and earned a ring. He recorded a team-high 3 special teams tackles. He had a much larger role in later Super Bowls. In fact, in Super Bowl XLIII Harrison performed what has become known as the "Immaculate Interception."
This is a play on the name "Immaculate Reception" from the Steelers' game-winning play in the 1972 AFC Divisional Game. The Steelers were about to lose the game and once again see their postseason hopes dashed. But the late, great, Franco Harris scooped up the ball as it ricocheted off another player and sailed toward the turf. He was able to run it back for a touchdown and win the game, he also made what has widely been considered the greatest play in the history of football.
Thirty-six years later Harrison similarly stunned Steeler Nation and the world. The Cardinals had intercepted then QB Ben Roethlisberger, and they were on the one-yard line about to score. However, Harrison had other ideas. Arizona's QB, Kurt Warner was certain the blitz was coming and Harrison sold it well. He faked it and leaped in front of the ball, intercepting the pass at that goal line and running all the way back 100 yards for a touchdown.
The jersey Harrison was wearing for that exceptional play, which has been ranked number seven in the NFL's 100 Greatest Plays of All-Time, was just auctioned for $216,000.
Screenshot from Auction
Screenshot from Auction
Harrison SB XLV Ball
In addition to the jersey, the ball that Harrison intercepted was auctioned off for $126,000.
Steelers' James Harrison Helmet From Super Bowl XLV
Harrison was once again a major factor in why the Steelers made it all the way to the Super Bowl following the 2010 season. He sacked the Green Bay Packers, QB Aaron Rodgers, during the game, but the Packers were still able to defeat the Steelers. The helmet that Harrison wore in that game was another piece of Super Bowl history to be auctioned, it sold for $69,000.
Screenshot from Auction
Harrison BB XLV Helmet
Harrison has reported that he is not sentimental about things but instead about people, which is why he is so willing to let these items go to collectors. One thing is for sure, if you have the money, you can own some of the best pieces of Steelers memorabilia imaginable.
What do you think about Harrison selling these items? Would you buy them if you had the money? Where would you display that jersey, or any of the items if you owned them? Click to comment below.
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