The Pittsburgh Steelers have often been defined by their legendary defenses. They have a tradition of being led by units with nicknames from the Steel Curtain, to Blitzburgh, and legendary players like Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, Kevin Greene, and Rod Woodson. James Harrison won a pair of Super Bowls as a member of the organization and an AP Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2008. The five-time Pro Bowler was rightfully added to the franchise's Hall of Honor in 2023.
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Steelers' legendary linebacker, James Harrison (#92) prepares to rush the passer during a regular season football game at then-Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.
Harrison explained in a recent interview with Rob King what it meant to be added to the Hall of Honor, which recognizes former players, coaches, and front office members who have played a significant role in the franchise's success since 1933.
"I'm just extremely honored, and humbled to be a part of a group of men that is what a Pittsburgh Steeler is defined as," he said. "I'm just extremely thankful."
Harrison's story of overcoming obstacles is well-known. The undersized linebacker from Kent State was almost a Baltimore Ravens depth pass rusher in the 2003 regular season, but the team cut him before the season began. He returned to the Steelers in 2004 for his second stay with the franchise that would last until 2012. Harrison was nominated to five Pro Bowls between 2007-2011, during which he played his best football. He recorded eight and a half sacks or more each season.
Scott Boehm / AP Photo
Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison lines up to rush the passer against the Cincinnati Bengals in a game in November of 2008.
During the 2008 NFL season, Harrison had an exceptional season. He started the year with three sacks against the Houston Texans in Week 1, which set the tone for his achievements throughout the season. Harrison ended up with a career-high 16 sacks that year. He also had 101 total tackles and led the league with seven forced fumbles. He had one interception in the regular season against the San Diego Chargers and secured a safety in an 11-10 Steelers victory as well.
The most memorable moment of that season however, was in the Super Bowl against the Arizona Cardinals. With the first half about to end, the Steelers were leading 10-7, and the Cardinals were trying to score a touchdown from the Steelers' one-yard line. Kurt Warner attempted to throw a pass to Anquan Boldin, but Harrison intercepted the ball and ran it 100 yards to score a touchdown.
Heinz Kluetmeier / Sports Illustrated
Steelers legendary linebacker, James Harrison (#92) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals as time expires in the first half of Super Bowl XLIII.
The play that many, including Harrison himself, call the greatest in Super Bowl history was almost like the icing for his dominant 2008 season. If it hadn't been for a Cardinals comeback in the second half that required heroics from Santonio Holmes and Ben Roethlisberger to win the game, Harrison might've added a Super MVP to his trophy case in 2008.
Steelers' Harrison And The Pro Football Hall Of Fame
Some believe that only players who are essential to the story of the game should be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Harrison, the author of the greatest play in the history of the NFL's championship game, deserves that honor. It helps that he also has an AP Defensive Player of the Year Award and a stretch of seasons where he was among the game's best.
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.
Roethlisberger believes his intimidating presence on the field should earn him a place in the Hall of Fame, while Harrison thinks his career stats aren't enough to warrant an induction. Harrison made it to the semi-finalist stage in 2023 for a 2024 nomination. While he might not be pushing for it, Harrison deserves to be enshrined in football glory.
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