There are 92 days until the Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 season begins.Let's look back at one of the best and most feared defensive players in NFL history who wore the number 92 for the black and gold, James Harrison. Harrison had three stints with the Steelers. He played for the team from 2002-2003 to start his career, he then played with the Steelers from 2004-2012, and once again from 2014-2017. Harrison is one of many Steelers' legends on the defensive side of the ball and he certainly continued the legacy of The Steel Curtain in the 21st century.
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Steelers James Harrison
Steelers' Legend James Harrison
Harrison had a remarkable career in the black and gold. He is the current franchise leader in sacks with 80.5, which will more than likely be broken this upcoming season by both TJ Watt, who currently has 77.5 sacks, and Cam Heyward, who has 78.5. Harrison also forced 34 fumbles throughout his career, which came from some violent hits on his opponents.
Harrison is known as one of the NFL's most vicious defenders of all time, putting fear into ball carriers, receivers, and quarterbacks in the league during his career. Throughout his career, it is estimated that Harrison had been fined approximately $225,000 by the NFL for hits that were so violent they were deemed illegal by league officials.
Photo Courtesy of Associated Press
Steelers' James Harrison (#92) hits Cleveland Browns' Mohamed Massaquoi (#11) in 2010.
Super Bowl 43
The most memorable moment from Harrison's illustrious career came in the Steelers' Super Bowl victory over the Arizona Cardinals. At the end of the first half, the Cardinals were driving and looked like they were going to score as they had the ball on the Steelers' two-yard line. The score at the time of this play was 10-7 and the Steelers winning. The Cardinals were either going to tie the game or take the lead going into halftime.
Cardinals' quarterback, Kurt Warner, dropped back to pass and threw an interception to James Harrison, which was caught in the end zone. Harrison then rumbled 100 yards for the Steelers' touchdown as time expired to give the team a 17-7 lead going into halftime. Not only did this play keep the Cardinals from taking the lead before halftime, but it ultimately ended up being a major difference in the game as the Steelers only won by four points.
The play broke the record for longest play in Super Bowl history as well as the longest interception return in Super Bowl history. This helped the Steelers capture their sixth Super Bowl victory, which was a record at the time. Harrison would have won Super Bowl MVP had it not been for Santonio Holmes heroic toe-tapping touchdown catch to win the game in the final minute. This play cemented Harrison as a Pittsburgh legend, and earned him his place in NFL history.
Steelers.com
Steelers James Harrison completes 100 yard TD return in Super Bowl XLIII
Harrison's Hall Of Fame Resume
Harrison has yet to be named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall Of Fame, but it is no question he has earned a spot in Canton. Harrison finished his career as a five time Pro-Bowler, he was named a First-Team All-Pro twice and a Second-Team All-Pro twice as well. Along with these accomplishments, Harrison was an important member of two of the Steelers' Super Bowl winning teams and he was named the AP Defensive Player Of The Year in 2008.
Throughout his legendary career Harrison was touted as one of the best defensive players in the league and certainly one of the best at his position. With all of these accomplishments and the impact he had on the field, it is a no brainer that he has earned his place in Canton. The final question that remains is if the individuals who decide who gets inducted into the Hall agree that Harrison has the resume to receive the honor.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Should James Harrison be in the Hall Of Fame? Let us know below!
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