The Pittsburgh Steelers have had legends all over their defense throughout history. It takes a great team to have intense, high-level rivalries, and Pittsburgh has had plenty of hated foes that circle them on their schedules. AFC North battles are always intense, especially with the Baltimore Ravens initially building their identity off of the Steelers' toughness and physical nature. There is plenty of hate to go around the division, and retirement doesn't always squash those feelings.
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Steelers' James Harrison was known as one of the most intense defenders of his time.
Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson, a former star for the Cincinnati Bengals, had made the decision to take some of those feelings and hash them out in the octagon with one of the toughest Steelers players ever.
I’m fighting James Harrison in a exhibition MMA format 3 round bout in New Orleans before Super Bowl, I’m so excited 😆
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) October 2, 2024
James Harrison is not the first ex-Steeler to enter a professional fight, but there aren't many players in the team's history that would be scarier to go into combat against. Either way, Johnson is up for the task, as he announced the occasion himself. There's always the theory that age slows people down, so it will be interesting to see how much either of them have regressed in retirement, if at all.
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Former Steelers outside linebacker, James Harrison (92) lines up to rush the passer against the Cincinnati Bengals in a game in November of 2008.
Steelers Know All About Harrison's Physical Abilities
When he was on the field, Harrison was known as a guy that would intimidate and hit anyone. That dominance led to him winning AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2008, along with winning two Super Bowls. He was one of, if not the hardest-hitting player in the NFL when he was in his prime. After retiring after the 2013 season, he eventually came back and continued to strike fear into every opponent he faced.
You not go be able to stand once I get done with you. https://t.co/Qxnq2A9tNA
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) October 2, 2024
He has also gone viral for his insane workouts repeatedly. Even after he finally retired for good, he would still accomplish insane feats that would make the average man exhausted just by watching. If there was any question on age having a negative effect on his body, there are plenty of videos out there to debunk that theory. Very few people around the world train with the intensity of Harrison.
If Johnson really wants to fight Harrison, he better be preparing and working out every day until the fight officially happens, because there is no doubt that Harrison is doing the same. He is always ready for any kind of physical activity. Obviously, receivers are also very strong, but Johnson was known as a guy that thrived off of his speed and skill more than pure strength. He can still use those skillsets in the match, but will he be able to take a punch from Harrison?
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Wide receiver, Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson (#85) of the Cincinnati Bengals after their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Based off of the initial matchup, Harrison seems to be the heavy favorite. The official odds or what the winning fighter will take home has not been disclosed yet, but based off of the comments on Johnson's announcement, everyone seems to be all in on the former All-Pro linebacker. Can the ex-receiver do what it takes to at least hold his own, or will he be another victim of Harrison's, just like every left tackle that he faced?
What do you think of Johnson sparring Harrison in an official mixed martial arts-style fight? Let us know in the comments.
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