Pittsburgh Steelers fans got to experience a stretch of dominance by outside linebacker James Harrison from 2007 until 2011. The two-time Super Bowl champion was named to the Pro Bowl in each of those five seasons, while also being Defensive Player of The Year in 2008. He was named a First Team All-Pro in 2008 and 2010 as well. The undrafted Harrison was among 25 linebackers named by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the modern era category in September, but he doesn't think he deserves a spot in the shrine reserved for the best that have ever played the sport.
Steelers.com
Steelers' James Harrison completes a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII against the Arizona Cardinals.
Harrison spoke to TMZ Sports recently about being named one of the nominees for the 2024 Hall of Fame class. He made it to the semi-finalist stage for the prestigious honor in 2023 alongside teammate Hines Ward, but wasn't elected. Harrison told the outlet he doesn't think he had the career accomplishments to be a Hall of Famer, but he's perfectly fine with that.
"As far as Hall of Fame, you know, it's a lot of things that goes into that," he said. "I believe numbers is one of those things, you know? And when you look at my numbers, they just don't, for me, they don't equate to what the numbers should be."
Harrison amassed 84.5 total career sacks in his career that spanned from 2004 to 2017 with stops playing for the Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots, as well as Pittsburgh. He started 117 of 193 games and collected 128 tackles for a loss which is 20th all-time according to Pro Football Reference. He also had 150 quarterback hits and 34 forced fumbles, which ranks 14th all-time. He also holds the record for the longest interception in Super Bowl history of 100 yards when he picked off Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner and took it all the way for the score. Harrison held the franchise record in Pittsburgh for most sacks with 80.5 until TJ Watt surpassed it in Week 2 bringing down Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson in the second half for career sack number 81.5.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison registers a sack on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco during a divisional playoff game in 2011.
Harrison said that his goal was never to play professional football. Then once he got to the NFL, he never aspired to be enshrined in Canton. He wanted to make his dad, whom he shares a name with, proud and he said knowing that he did that is really what matters to him.
Steelers' Harrison Humbled By Nomination To Team Hall Of Honor
The Steelers announced back in July that Harrison along with Aaron Smith, Gerry Mullins, and Ray Mansfield would be inducted into the team's Hall of Honor. The group will be officially recognized with a ceremony at Acrisure Stadium before the team's Week 8 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. There will also be a dinner held on Saturday, October 28.
Peter Diana / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' James Harrison gets a sack on New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
Harrison said that being in the Steelers Hall of Fame is enough of an accomplishment for him if the voters for the Hall of Fame in Canton don't select him. He added that to be given the team honor with the prestigious history of defensive play in Pittsburgh and to be added to the list of defensive legends already shown on the front row of the stands inside of Acrisure is very special.
"To be put in a group of guys that are in that company right now, that Hall of Honor, that's a tremendous honor," he said. "Steel Curtain, Joe Greene, and guys like that. It's great company."
He added that he understands what it means to be honored by the franchise, but doesn't think it will truly sink in for him until he goes up to give his acceptance speech with his family watching. He'd be incredibly proud to have a bust in Canton, but just being in the group honored in Pittsburgh is enough for him.
Do you think Harrison should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? Will you be watching when he and the other 2023 nominees are inducted into the team Hall of Honor? Comment below!
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